LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: We hadn't seen much of contestant Joan Vassos in the first two episodes of 'The Golden Bachelor,' and we might not see her again after the October 12 episode of the ABC show. On the most recent Thursday episode of 'The Golden Bachelor,' the 60-year-old Private School Administrator from Rockland left the program, leaving everyone in tears and Gerry Turner distraught.

Joan's daughter had just given birth, and she sobbed as she realized she must return home to be with her family. "My family will always be first," Joan bemoaned.

"Once you become a mom, you're always a mom - even when you're older," Joan announced her departure, and the women sobbed.

Gerry Turner left heartbroken as Joan Vassos quit 'The Golden Bachelor'

Gerry expressed his disappointment at hearing the terrible news, saying, "I can't tell you how disappointed I am."

He admitted that he understood her decision, but he was overjoyed after their date. Gerry burst into tears as he bid Joan farewell.

Joan's departure from the program due to a family issue has shocked fans. Reacting to the other women comforting Joan, one user wrote on X, "the other women all supporting joan." Another person chimed in, "Noooo not Joan my heart hurts." One user also tweeted, "this conversation with Gerry and Joan is shattering my heart." While a fourth user asked, "Joan is leaving?!"

One user also wrote for Joan, "Absolutely heartbreaking. That’s got to be a nightmare to deal with as a parent and grandparent. All the love in the world to Joan." Another person tweeted, "Gerry crying while Joan is explaining why she’s going home I’m so SAD."

Joan Vassos got one-on-one date with Gerry Turner before leaving 'The Golden Bachelor'

'The Golden Bachelor' women have no shortage of skill as they perform for Gerry.

Joan said that she was "totally out of her comfort zone" by participating in the talent contest, and she delivered a touching poem she penned for Gerry.

"I felt like she was just talking to me and no one else was around," Gerry told the other judges.

Joan was the winner of tonight's group date rose! Leslie Fhima became tearful in the confessional because she believed she had won the competition.

"At the end of the day, no one ever picks me," Leslie remarked, breaking down in tears.

Gerry and Joan discussed dating after their spouses died over their romantic meal. Gerry informed her that her bravery during the talent show impressed him, and he awarded her the first rose of the episode!

'The Golden Bachelor' airs on Thursdays on ABC at 8 pm ET.