Why does Joan go home on The Golden Bachelor?

There’s a new episode of The Golden Bachelor tonight, and like the previous weeks, this one has been super wholesome and emotional so far. The ladies went on a really fun group date which saw Kaitlyn Bristowe return to the ABC franchise to serve as one of the hosts for a game. Gerry Turner‘s contestants had to show off their talents for a talent show, and each of them had really fun, unique strengths to share. There was dancing, there was music, there was comedy, and there was poetry… of sorts. Contestant Joan Vassos was very nervous about performing but she recited a humorous poem that won Gerry over.

To her surprise, Joan ended up winning the group date prize, which meant she got to go on a one-on-one date with Gerry. The two went to dinner together and opened up, truly enjoying their time together. Gerry seemed in really high spirits about his connection with Joan, and the feeling was mutual. Gerry, unsurprisingly, gave her the rose.

Joan leaves The Golden Bachelor over a family emergency

But unfortunately, tonight’s episode was the end of the road for Joan’s journey on The Golden Bachelor. Despite having a fantastic night with Gerry, Joan received a phone call from her daughter the morning after which left her no choice but to go home. Though Joan doesn’t say exactly what happened, we know that her daughter had a baby and now she needs her back home.

Joan comes out of her room teary-eyed and tells her fellow contestants that she must leave, and they’re just as upset as she is. When explaining what happened, she tells the ladies that her family needs her. She then has to tell Gerry, who shows up at the house for his next one-on-one date. He’s excited and surprised to see Joan, who gives him the bad news. Even though he’s heartbroken to see her leave, he fully understands, being a parent and grandparent himself.

The promo for tonight’s episode of The Golden Bachelor made it seem like contestant Faith Martin was actually the one self-eliminating, but given the spoilers for the season, we knew that wasn’t going to happen. It looks like ABC used their pro editing skills to play a trick on us!

We’re so sad to see Joan leave The Golden Bachelor and we’re sending her and her family well wishes during this difficult time. Her fans are already sharing love for the former contestant on her Instagram page, with many hoping she can return to the show after her family is doing better. Others say they are rooting for her to become the lead of The Golden Bachelorette! While another spinoff for seniors with a woman in the lead has yet to be confirmed, Joan would be a great person to star in it.