In his upcoming memoir, Golden Years, Gerry Turner, known as the first star of The Golden Bachelor, shares a poignant revelation about his late wife, Toni Turner. He uncovers that Toni, who passed away suddenly in July 2017, had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes but never disclosed this information to him or their daughters, Jenny and Angie.
Gerry, now 74, discovered evidence of her condition while sorting through a drawer in their bathroom. He found a blood glucose meter, prescriptions, and educational literature related to diabetes, all unused. In the memoir, Gerry reflects on the shocking nature of this discovery, stating, “She’d never mentioned this big diagnosis to me or her daughters, and, as far as I could tell, she’d never followed through with treatment.” This revelation has left him grappling with profound questions about their relationship and the potential impact of her silence.
The emotional weight of Toni’s hidden health struggles deeply affected Gerry and his daughters. “The loss of any loved one is sad. But to think it might have been possible… that she could have lived longer or still be alive today, is even more painful,” he writes. Gerry expresses concern over why Toni felt unable to confide in him about her health, questioning whether he contributed to her reluctance to share such significant information.
Gerry’s reflections on their 43-year marriage reveal his ongoing struggle with the notion that he might not have been the supportive partner he believed himself to be. “When I found those testing devices and all the information about it, I thought, ‘Why was I not a good enough partner, close enough to her that she didn’t share that with me?’” he said.
The memoir, which is set for release on November 4, 2024, also touches on the challenges of writing about Toni. Gerry described the process as incredibly difficult, noting that he often paused to grieve as he wrote. “I’ve learned to celebrate all the things that she was good at and all those great memories, and that has helped me so much,” he explained.
In addition to his reflections on Toni, Gerry addresses his recent marriage to Theresa Nist. The couple tied the knot in a live television ceremony in January 2024, but they filed for divorce just three months later. Gerry’s memoir aims to clarify perceptions surrounding their marriage and divorce, stating, “There were some perceptions that I wanted to put on the right track.”
Following the end of his brief marriage to Theresa, Gerry announced his engagement to girlfriend Lana Sutton in October. He expressed joy in their relationship, stating, “I feel how much she cares for me… We’re going to enjoy every day we have.”
As Gerry moves forward, he reflects on the lessons learned from his past relationships and the importance of open communication, particularly surrounding health issues. His memoir not only serves as a personal account of love and loss but also as a reminder of the need for transparency and support within intimate relationships.
