Joan Vassos and Kathy Swarts Share Their Predictions for the Future of Bachelor Nation
The Golden Bachelorette star Joan Vassos believes that Bachelor Nation is far from finishing its rose-giving tradition.
“Bachelor Nation has accomplished incredible things,” Joan, 63, told Us Weekly during the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards on Thursday, March 26. “Many people have discovered love through the show. I’m not ready to let that go.”
While fans anticipated seeing The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul look for romance on The Bachelorette, ABC ultimately decided to withdraw the season following footage related to a 2023 arrest.
“Maybe we learned a lesson here,” Joan reflected to Us from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. “We love casting individuals who are imperfect because we all enter that show trying to put our best foot forward. I admire that she owned her past and didn’t feel the need to hide it.”
The Bachelor Mansion Takeover star remarked, “I believe there is still hope in this Bachelor realm for casting individuals who aren’t perfect.”
Joan first appeared in the inaugural season of The Golden Bachelor in 2023. After leaving the program in week 3 due to a family emergency, she met Chock Chapple on The Golden Bachelorette and accepted his proposal in 2024.
Beyond finding a romantic partner, Joan forged lasting friendships, particularly with her co-star, Kathy Swarts.
“There have been love, families, marriages, and children. That show is centered around finding love, and it will return even stronger than before,” Kathy, 72, told Us. “I believe [Taylor’s] journey is meant to be a redemptive tale. It remains about love and the quest for it. The real story is yet to unfold. We’re following the news just like everyone else. We’re hopeful for a favorable resolution, especially for the children involved.”
Though ABC hasn’t revealed any upcoming plans for The Bachelor or The Bachelorette, Kathy humorously noted that she’s single and ready to find a partner.
Regarding Joan, she’s heard the speculation about The Traitors star Maura Higgins potentially stepping into the spotlight.
“I find it amusing that there’s buzz about Maura Higgins possibly being interested,” Joan commented. “It’s quite entertaining that we’re now considering famous figures. This is a shift from what we’ve seen before, but it seems like we’re embracing this new direction. Taylor started the trend, and it feels as if we’re fully on board now.”
Kathy added, “And there’s been talk about Robert Irwin for The Bachelor too!”
