Rumors are a nasty business. One minute you're posting a Thanksgiving video about being grateful for your kids, and the next, the internet has decided you’ve dumped your fiancé and moved on. Honestly, that’s exactly what happened to Joan Vassos recently. Fans saw a "gratitude" post that didn't explicitly name-drop Chock Chapple, and suddenly the chock and joan golden bachelorette success story was supposedly "over."
Except, it isn't. Not even close.
I’ve been tracking their journey since that Bora Bora proposal aired back in late 2024. People are so used to the "Bachelor" curse where couples split before the ink on the People Magazine cover is dry. But Joan and Chock? They're playing by a completely different set of rules. They aren't rushing to a televised altar, and they aren't pretending that merging two massive, established lives in Maryland and Kansas is easy. It’s messy. It’s long-distance. And as of January 2026, it’s still very much a go.
The Breakup Rumors and the "Death" Hoax
Let’s address the elephant in the room first. Recently, some truly bizarre corners of the internet claimed Joan had actually died in a vacation accident. Yeah, you read that right. Joan had to sit down for an interview just to tell everyone, "Hi, I’m alive, and no, I didn't break up with Chock."
The logic behind the split rumors was pretty thin. Basically, Joan posted a video saying she was thankful for her family. Because she didn't say "I am thankful for my fiancé Chock Chapple," people assumed there was trouble in paradise. Joan later clarified that Chock is her family now. She didn't think she had to list him like a grocery item.
Why They Aren't Living Together Yet
One of the biggest reasons fans get skeptical about chock and joan golden bachelorette is the distance. Joan is a Maryland girl through and through. She’s got the grandkids there, the history with her late husband John, and a life she isn't willing to abandon. Chock is an insurance executive based in Wichita, Kansas.
They’ve been "house hunting" for a shared place in New York City—sort of a neutral middle ground—for over a year now. But here’s the reality:
- The NYC Market Sucks: They’ve admitted that every time they find a place they like, it’s gone before they can sign a lease.
- Business Obligations: Chock still has a business to run in Kansas. He can't just walk away from his career yet, even if he wants to.
- Family First: Joan spent much of 2025 focused on her son Nick’s wedding and her other son Luke’s life milestones.
They are what you’d call "Living Apart Together." It’s a real thing. They see each other every two weeks. They travel to Disney World (which Jesse Palmer gifted them, remember?). They do New York for the holidays. It’s not a traditional marriage-track relationship, but for two people in their 60s, it’s actually kind of healthy.
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What Really Happened With the Wedding Plans?
If you're waiting for a "Golden Wedding" special on ABC, don't hold your breath. Joan has been pretty vocal about not wanting a TV wedding. She saw what happened with Gerry and Theresa—the rush, the pressure, the public spectacle—and then the divorce three months later.
Joan and Chock have basically put their own wedding on the back burner. Chock mentioned in a 2025 interview that they didn't want to "compete" with Joan's son's wedding. They’re enjoying the "engagement bubble" without the stress of catering lists and seating charts. They don’t need a certificate to prove they’re a couple. They’ve both done the big traditional weddings before. This time around, they’re just trying to enjoy each other’s company.
The Long Distance Secret
A lot of people think long distance is a death sentence. For Joan and Chock, it’s actually what’s keeping them together. Joan has said that the "absence makes the heart grow fonder" thing is actually true for them. When they meet up in places like LA, Cancun, or NYC, it feels like a date every time. They don't have the "bickering over chores" phase because they aren't sharing a kitchen sink yet.
Is it sustainable forever? Maybe not. But for now, it works. Chock has said he eventually plans to sell his business and move closer to her, but these things take time. At their age, they aren't worried about a biological clock. They have the luxury of time.
Common Misconceptions About the Couple
There’s a lot of noise online, so let's clear up some facts.
First off, people keep saying Joan chose "the safe choice." If you watched the show, you know Chock was the frontrunner from day one. He left briefly when his mother passed away, and when he came back, the chemistry was undeniable. It wasn't about being safe; it was about a genuine connection that started with "Chock-o-Noodle" soup and ended with a ring in Bora Bora.
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Secondly, the "NYC Love Shack" isn't a myth. They really were looking. They just realized that life got in the way. Between influencer events (Joan has been doing partnerships with brands like Aspercreme) and family weddings, they haven't had a free second to sign a lease.
Lastly, some fans think Joan is "choosing her career" over Chock because she's leaning into the influencer lifestyle. Honestly? Good for her. She spent decades as a wife and mother. If she wants to travel the world and get paid to post about it while dating a guy who lives 1,000 miles away, she’s earned it.
What’s Next for Chock and Joan?
Looking ahead into 2026, don't expect a sudden breakup announcement or a surprise wedding. They seem content in this middle ground. They’ve survived the initial post-show hype, the "death" hoaxes, and the holiday split rumors.
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If you want to keep up with them, look at their travel photos. That’s where the real story is. They aren't trying to be the "perfect" Bachelor couple. They're trying to be a real couple who happens to live in different states.
Next Steps to Follow Their Journey:
- Check Joan’s Instagram for her "December in New York" highlights—they usually spend the weeks after Christmas in the city.
- Keep an eye on Chock’s business news in Wichita; a sale or merger would be the first real sign that a permanent move to Maryland is happening.
- Ignore the "blind items" on gossip sites unless you see a direct quote from Joan or Chock themselves.