FIJI, OCEANIA: Charity Lawson's path to happily ever after is fraught with heartache. That was never more evident than at the season finale of 'The Bachelorette' on August 21, when the child and family therapist broke up with Joey Graziadei in tears.

Charity and Joey split up during the final rose ceremony of 'The Bachelorette' on August 21. Charity confessed her feelings for Joey during their fantasy suite date, and he had a wonderful encounter with her family at the finale. Charity's sentiments for Dotun Olubeko were greater, despite her family's apparent preference for Joey. She had to deliver the news to Joey during a sad chat after he had already chosen an engagement ring with which to propose.

Joey Graziadei 'blacked out' while breaking up with Charity Lawson

During the Aftershow, Joey stated that he doesn't recall much of the filming since he "blacked out at the time," and that it feels "raw" to view it for the first time. "It's tough to see, I wouldn't wish that on anyone," Joey remarked. He expressed his desire to meet Charity again in the finale.

Joey expressed gratitude to Charity for their time together and stated that he will always want the best for her. Charity expressed gratitude to Joey and stated that they would always be glad for one another, since this was an event that no one understood.

Joey Graziadei announced 'The Bachelor' Season 28 lead

Joey has been named the next Bachelor! During the season finale of 'The Bachelorette' on Monday, host Jesse Palmer announced that the 28-year-old tennis star will play the main role in 'The Bachelor' for Season 28. "It's definitely surreal. It's sinking in very slowly, but I'm trying my best just to enjoy it, but this is crazy," Joey remarked of being the one to hand out the roses. "... Crazy stuff, but excited."

Joey's wonderful news comes after a lot of heartache when Charity sent him home before she got engaged to Dotun. While Joey admits that the pain of the split was genuine, he assured fans that he's ready to jump back into the dating pool with both feet.

"I'm more ready than I was in that moment," he remarked of the devastating breakup. "For me, it was just you have to take some time to get some closure. Watching Dotun's and Charity's connection was enough for me."

According to a press release, he seeks someone who is gregarious, and compassionate, and shares his love of adventure and experiencing the outdoors as a possible companion. He enjoys hiking, surfing, and watching the sunset, but he knows he has much more love to give, and the only thing lacking is someone to spend his life with.

"Someone that's just themselves that I can truthfully be a partner with," he said on the show. "I want someone that challenges me, I want someone I can challenge. I just want someone to do life with."

Who is Lea on 'The Bachelor' Season 28?

Joey got a jump start on that adventure right away when he met Lea, an audience member who would be accompanying him on the program during his season. "I'm honestly really excited," she said to Joey. "I think that you've carried yourself with such grace... I think we have a lot in common, so I'm excited to explore it."

Jesse then handed Lea a mysterious envelope, which she is not permitted to read until the first night of filming. However, Jesse stated that it is not a date card, but rather a twist that would "absolutely help" Lea on her quest and "absolutely change everything."

Who is Joey Graziadei?

Joey Graziadei's tennis career has led him on an interesting trip. After deciding that the corporate world was not for him, he pursued his passion by teaching tennis, eventually relocating to Hawaii. He is also a "Lifestyle and Experience Ambassador" for the Kukuiula Development Company in Koloa, Hawaii, in addition to his tennis duty.

Joey worked in corporate roles in Tennessee before moving to Hawaii. He holds a degree in Communication and Media Studies from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and was a Division II tennis player in college.

Who is Charity Lawson?

Charity Lawson, a child and family therapist from Columbus, Georgia, is 27 years old. According to her ABC profile, she interprets her name as a call to love and care for others, and she has structured her life around that goal. Charity is deeply committed to assisting people in living their best lives. Charity graduated from Auburn University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rehabilitation and Disability and plans to pursue a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2022, according to her LinkedIn page.

A new season of 'The Bachelor' will most likely premiere in January 2024 on ABC