BENTON CITY, WASHINGTON: Fans have been looking forward to seeing the 72-year-old widower's search for love on national television since 'The Golden Bachelor' debuted its protagonist, Gerry Turner, this summer. They've also been anticipating the list of women fighting for his love.
The women range in age from 60 to 75 and have decades of personal and professional experience. Faith Martin, 60, of Benton City, Washington, is one competitor with an unusual resume.
Faith is a "fun thrill-seeker," according to her 'Golden Bachelor' bio, and she's searching for someone to join her in ticking off items on her bucket list, such as getting a tattoo and diving with sharks.
What does 'The Golden Bachelor' contestant Faith Martin do?
Faith's major occupation is that of a high school teacher, but she also has a bevy of side hustles and passion projects. Her website includes information about her other artistic endeavors, such as music. She's played in bands, as part of an acoustic duo, and as a solo act. Her music is described as "heartfelt, soulful, and authentic," making it an appropriate accompaniment for her reality TV adventure.
Faith is also a radio host. She produced a podcast called 'The Dating Chronicles of a 50-Something Female' from 2019 to 2020, where she highlighted the "fun and frustrations of trying to find a meaningful connection."
She covered everything from love vs desire to physical closeness in dating — and once taped a mini-episode on a first date at a restaurant. Furthermore, she's certainly no stranger to dating in unusual ways.
'The Golden Bachelor' contestant Faith Martin is the family matriarch
Faith has two sons and four grandchildren, all of whom appear in her Instagram pictures.
She also uses the opportunity to share her passion for music and equestrian riding. She apparently rides her horse, Liberty, to the grocery store and to get coffee.
What is Faith Martin looking for in 'The Golden Bachelor'?
Faith entails far more than meets the eye. She is not just attractive; she is also charming, adaptive, and seeks the best in every circumstance.
Faith is a joyful thrill-seeker who has accomplished many objectives, such as diving with sharks, riding a motorcycle, and getting a tattoo, but she is still seeking someone to share her life's adventures with. Faith is hoping that Gerry will be her ideal adventure buddy!
Who stars in 'The Golden Bachelor'?
For the first-ever season of ABC's 'The Golden Bachelor', Gerry is prepared to find love. The "72-year-old patriarch from Indiana" will be followed on the program, a spin-off of the hugely successful Bachelor series, as he concurrently meets and dates 22 women between the ages of 60 and 75. The first episode of the new season will air on September 28 at 8 pm ET,
Gerry Turner
Gerry represents a lead in Bachelor Nation who is "there for the right reasons." He claimed he applied for the 'Bachelor' spinoff in the hopes of demonstrating that individuals his age can still find love and enjoy "vigorous lives."
Gerry was previously married for 43 years to his high school sweetheart, Toni, who died in 2017. Gerry featured in the "Men Tell All" episode of 'The Bachelorette' Season 20 in July and discussed his retirement plans with Toni before she became ill.
Gerry is the father of two children, Angie and Jenny. He is a retired restaurateur who is "charming," "romantic," and willing to put himself back out there, according to his bio.
Here's all we know about the ladies competing for Gerry's last rose.
Edith Aguirre, 60: Retired realtor from Downey, California
Jeanie Howard, 65: Retired project manager from Estill Springs, Tennessee
Kathy Swarts, 70: Retired educational consultant from Austin, Texas
Leslie Fhima, 64: Fitness instructor from Minneapolis, Minnesota
Maria Trice, 60: Health and wellness director from Teaneck, New Jersey
Natascha Hardee, 60: Pro-aging coach and midlife speaker from New York City
Pamela Burns, 75: Retired salon owner from Aurora, Illinois
Peggy Dercole, 69: Dental hygienist from East Haven, Connecticut
Anna Pernas Zalk, 61: Retired Nutritionist from Summit, New Jersey
April Kirkwood, 65: Therapist from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Christina Kempton, 73: Retired Purchasing Manager from Sierra Madre, California
Ellen Goltzer, 71: Retired Teacher from Delray Beach, Florida
Faith Martin, 61: High School Teacher from Benton City, Washington
Joan Vassos, 60: Private School Administrator from Rockville, Maryland
Marina Perera, 60: Educator from Los Angeles, California
Nancy Hulkower, 61: Retired Interior Designer from Alexandria, Virginia
Patty James, 70: Retired Real Estate Professional from Raleigh, North Carolina
Renee Halverson Wright, 67: Author from Middleton, Wisconsin
Sandra Mason, 75: Retired Executive Assistant from Doraville, Georgia
Susan Noles, 66: Wedding Officiant from Aston, Pennsylvania
Sylvia Robledo, 65: Public Affairs Consultant from Los Angeles, California
Theresa Nist, 70: Financial Services Professional from Shrewsbury, New Jersey
'The Golden Bachelor' will premiere on September 28 at 8 pm ET on ABC.
