Gerry Turner, the inaugural Golden Bachelor, is opening up about the rocky early days of his brief marriage to Theresa Nist in his upcoming memoir, Golden Years: What I’ve Learned From Love, Loss, and Reality TV.

In an excerpt published by Entertainment Weekly on Nov. 3, Turner, 74, revealed that just five days after their wedding, Nist asked him to sleep on the couch during his first visit to her New Jersey home.

“My first night at her house, she took out sheets and pillows before telling me, ‘Tomorrow’s a big workday. I need a good night’s sleep. Do you mind sleeping on the sofa?’” Turner wrote.

Turner said he agreed outwardly but admitted he was internally puzzled by the request, marking a stark contrast to the closeness they shared during their engagement in Costa Rica.

“It should have been an awesome trip. This was our first time together that we didn’t have to hide. We were married. It should have been a frickin’ honeymoon!” he added.

Early Signs of Distance

According to Turner, the couple never revisited the sleeping arrangement, and Nist’s distant behavior continued, affecting not just physical intimacy but also emotional closeness. He noted that even minor disagreements, such as a critique of his driving or wardrobe, contributed to his frustration.

“With the signs that Theresa cared about me fading, everything started to bother me… sleeping on the sofa had made me a little bitter,” Turner confessed.

Turner reflected that the experience left him questioning whether Nist was attracted to him or if he had somehow offended her.

From Reality TV Romance to Divorce

Turner and Nist met on the first season of The Golden Bachelor in August 2023. They got engaged during the finale that November, married on Jan. 4, 2024, and filed for divorce three months later.

Turner’s memoir promises a candid look at the challenges of reality TV romance and the personal toll of public scrutiny, offering insight into his emotional journey and the brief but intense relationship with Nist.

Golden Years: What I’ve Learned from Love, Loss, and Reality TV hits shelves on Nov. 4 and is available for preorder wherever books are sold.