‘The Golden Bachelor’ stars are sharing their sadness over Jerry Turner and Teresa Nist’s breakup.
In a joint video posted to Instagram, former reality TV contestants Susan Knowles and Kathy Swartz broke their silence about Turner and Nist’s divorce announcement, saying, “My heart goes out to them. It hurts,” he said.
“We just saw it on TV. My heart hurts for them. It’s sad. It’s a tragedy,” Swartz said in the video. “Everyone, please be kind. They are our friends. Even though the romance didn’t work out, they were wonderful people. Our hearts break for them.”
“And don’t give up on the idea of meeting someone on a show like that. There are a lot of people out there who are still in love. And I truly believe those two fell in love.” ” Noles added. “I think they have their reasons. … Stay positive. We wish them the best.”
Knowles and Swartz said they were “heartbroken” to hear of Turner and Nist’s breakup. (Getty Images)
‘The Golden Bachelor’ Jerry Turner and Teresa Nist divorce three months after their televised wedding
According to Us Weekly, Turner filed for divorce from his wife of three months on April 12 in his hometown of Petersburg, Indiana, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
His filing came hours after the couple appeared on “Good Morning America” to announce their decision to go their separate ways.
“Teresa and I have had many heart-to-heart conversations,” he said on the show.. “We took a hard look at our living situations and came to the conclusion that it was time to dissolve our marriage. What struck me most about our conversation was how committed we both were. So I think we look at this situation and feel that it’s best for our mutual happiness to live apart.
“I still love this person. There’s no doubt in my mind. I’m rooting for her every day.”
Turner and Nist announced their separation during an appearance on Good Morning America. (John Fleener/Disney)
Nist and Turner married in January in a ceremony broadcast live to millions of fans on ABC. The two met on the first season of The Golden Bachelor, and Knowles and Swartz also competed for Turner’s heart.
Another former contestant, Joanne Vasos, also released a statement on Instagram following the news, writing: “My heart goes out to my best friends Theresa and Jerry who have made the difficult decision to part ways.”
“I know they care deeply about each other and will continue to have a special relationship,” she added. “The ladies of ‘The Golden Bachelor’ and Bachelor Nation are feeling our love and support as they ‘wrapped’ their arms around us in big hugs.”
Knowles and Swartz spoke to Fox News Digital at the iHeartRadio Music Awards earlier this month about the challenges the couple faces, admitting that merging their two lives isn’t always easy.
Swartz and Knowles told Fox News Digital that not having Turner and Nist living together was a challenge for the couple. (Jeff Kravitz/Film Magic)
One of the big challenges former contestants said the couple was “working through” was still living in different states after three months of marriage.
“I think it’s hard to put two families with children and grandchildren together. It’s hard to just pick up and move from one location without turning it into a duplex. It’s hard. situation,” Swartz told FOX News Digital.
