Gerry Turner, the 72-year-old star of The Golden Bachelor, is embracing life with renewed purpose after being diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer. In an exclusive interview with People magazine, Turner revealed that he was diagnosed with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a slow-growing bone marrow cancer, which was discovered following an appointment for a recurring shoulder injury.
The diagnosis came as a shock to Turner, who described it as a life-altering moment. “It was like 10 tons of concrete were just dropped on me. And I was a bit in denial for a while, I didn’t want to admit to it,” Turner said, reflecting on the emotional impact of learning about his condition.
Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia is a rare form of cancer that affects white blood cells, transforming them into cancerous cells that accumulate in the bone marrow. The disease is typically diagnosed in individuals over 70, with symptoms often related to an overproduction of proteins that affect blood circulation. According to the Mayo Clinic, the disease is incurable, though it can be managed with treatment.
“Unfortunately, there’s no cure for it,” Turner confirmed. “But I’m learning to manage it.”
Turner’s diagnosis was not just a medical setback, but also a moment of deep personal reflection. The former restaurateur said he has been carefully considering how to approach the rest of his life, knowing that the disease will have an ongoing impact on his health. “I wanted my life to continue on as normal as possible,” Turner explained. “And that led me to believing that as normal as possible more meant spending time with my family.”
Turner, who has two daughters, two son-in-laws, and several granddaughters, has made family his top priority. He added that he is committed to making the most of the time he has left with his loved ones, ensuring they are at the center of his day-to-day life. “I’m going to pack as much fun as I possibly can into my life and enjoy every moment,” he said, expressing a desire to live life to the fullest despite the challenges ahead.
The diagnosis has also led Turner to adopt a new perspective on life, inspired by Tim McGraw’s song Live Like You’re Dying. “I’ve gotten used to it. I’ve gotten to the point where I can be somewhat comfortable with it,” Turner said. “I’m not going to have regrets. And when I’m gone, I’m gone.”
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For Turner, the focus now is on making the most of each day. While he acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with his diagnosis, he remains optimistic about his future and determined to continue living with intention. “I’m going to enjoy every moment,” he said, underscoring that he is determined to make the most of his time, whether it’s with family or in his personal pursuits.
In addition to the emotional impact of his diagnosis, Turner also revealed that the news came at a challenging time in his personal life. Just weeks before his diagnosis, he ended a relationship with The Golden Bachelor‘s final pick, Theresa Nist. Turner said that his diagnosis had a significant effect on his decision to part ways with Nist, saying it “had a huge bearing on my decisions.” Despite the breakup, Turner remains focused on his health and the importance of his family, recognizing that time is now more precious than ever.
Since his time on The Golden Bachelor, Turner has become a beloved figure for fans of the show, known for his sincere approach to love and life. Now, his outlook on life has shifted, not only as a result of his cancer diagnosis but also due to the lessons he’s learned along the way. Turner’s story is a reminder of the importance of living with purpose and cherishing the moments that matter most.
As Turner continues to navigate his cancer diagnosis, he remains committed to his family and enjoying the time he has left. “When I’m gone, I’m gone, but I’m not going to have regrets,” he said. For Turner, the key to facing this new chapter is simple: live fully, love deeply, and savor every moment.
