The Complete Kathy and Susan Golden Bachelor Timeline: Key Events and Relationship Milestones

Kathy Swarts and Susan Noles emerged as two of the most memorable and beloved contestants on the inaugural season of ABC’s The Golden Bachelor, starring Gerry Turner. While neither woman secured the final rose—an honor that ultimately went to Theresa Nist during the season finale—their strong personalities, quick wit, and deep friendship captured the cultural zeitgeist. Their journey spans from pre-production casting announcements and the initial 2023 broadcast to their ongoing post-show careers, media appearances, and dynamic presence within Bachelor Nation.

This comprehensive review explores the chronological timeline of Kathy and Susan’s time on The Golden Bachelor, detailing their pivotal on-screen moments, post-show developments, and the milestones that cemented their status as fan-favorite television personalities.

Pre-Production and Casting Announcements (Summer 2023)

Before entering the historic Bachelor Mansion, Kathy Swarts and Susan Noles had distinct professional and personal backgrounds that shaped their vibrant television personas.

Kathy Swarts’ Background

Kathy entered the franchise as a retired educational consultant from Austin, Texas. At 70 years old, she brought a sharp, analytical, yet playful energy to the ensemble. Her casting was officially announced by ABC in July 2023 alongside a slate of 22 women competing for the affections of Gerry Turner, a 71-year-old retired restaurateur from Indiana.

Susan Noles’ Background

Susan, a 66-year-old wedding officiant and hair stylist from Aston, Pennsylvania, brought decades of experience in event coordination and personal styling to the house. Notably, Susan had a prior connection to the broader Bachelor franchise: she had previously done hair and makeup for members of Bachelor Nation, including past leads and contestants, which added an intriguing layer of behind-the-scenes awareness to her time on the show.

The Golden Bachelor Season 1: Premiere and On-Screen Arc (Fall 2023)

The Golden Bachelor premiered on ABC on September 28, 2023, introducing audiences to a fresh iteration of the long-running reality dating franchise. Kathy and Susan immediately established themselves as central figures within the mansion's community.

The Premiere Night Entrances

During the premiere episode, both women made strong first impressions. Susan rolled up in a delivery truck or delivered playful banter that highlighted her outgoing nature, while Kathy established her no-nonsense demeanor combined with a willingness to lean into the romance and the competition.

House Dynamics and Friendship Formation

As the weeks progressed, Kathy and Susan forged a close bond with each other and fellow contestants like Sandra Mason and Leslie Fhima. Living communally in the Bachelor Mansion created an environment where camaraderie often eclipsed the underlying romantic competition. Both women navigated the emotional highs and lows of group dates, cocktail parties, and rose ceremonies, offering emotional support to one another when faced with eliminations.

Memorable On-Screen Moments

• Kathy’s Catchphrases: Kathy became a viral sensation for her expressive facial reactions and her memorable warning to another contestant, famously telling her to "zip it." This phrase spawned countless memes and became a defining catchphrase of the season.
• Susan’s Culinary and Craft Contributions: Susan regularly stepped into a caretaking and celebratory role within the house, baking, organizing, and officiating mock ceremonies, which showcased her warm personality and leadership capabilities.

The Elimination Timeline

Reality television arcs are defined by departures, and both Kathy and Susan faced their respective exits before the hometown dates.

Kathy’s Departure (Week 4)

Kathy’s journey on The Golden Bachelor came to an end during Week 4. Her departure followed mounting tension with Gerry Turner over communication styles and perceived misunderstandings regarding openness in the relationship. Despite her early exit, Kathy left a lasting impression on viewers who appreciated her candid reflections during her exit interview.

Susan’s Departure (Week 5)

Susan was eliminated during the Week 5 rose ceremony, just shy of the coveted hometown dates. Her departure was met with emotional goodbyes from Gerry Turner, who praised her vibrant spirit, and her fellow contestants, who viewed her as the maternal and organizational backbone of the house. Susan’s exit interview highlighted her gratitude for the experience and her renewed optimism about finding love later in life.

The Men Tell All and Wedding Milestones (Late 2023 – Early 2024)

The conclusion of the primary season did not mark the end of Kathy and Susan’s involvement with Bachelor Nation. Both women returned for mandatory reunion specials and major franchise milestones.

The Golden Bachelor: The Women Tell All (November 2023)

Aired shortly before the season finale, the reunion special brought Kathy and Susan back into the spotlight. Kathy addressed her viral moments with humor and grace, while Susan discussed her ongoing friendship with Gerry and her post-show outlook. The special highlighted how deeply the cast had bonded, shifting the narrative from a traditional competition to a celebration of senior community and friendship.

The Golden Wedding (January 2024)

When Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist tied the knot in a nationally televised live special on January 4, 2024 (The Golden Wedding), Susan Noles played a pivotal role. Demonstrating her professional background, Susan was chosen to officiate the wedding ceremony. This high-profile assignment elevated Susan's public profile significantly, placing her at the center of one of the franchise's most-watched television events of the year. Kathy Swarts was also in attendance, joining other Bachelor alumni to support the couple.

Post-Show Media Ventures and Ongoing Friendship (2024–2026)

Following their time on The Golden Bachelor, Kathy and Susan leveraged their newfound public visibility to launch collaborative projects, cementing a lasting friendship that extended far beyond reality television production.

Launch of Bachelor Happy Hour: The Golden Hour

Recognizing their undeniable chemistry and popularity among fans, ABC and the producers behind the franchise integrated Kathy and Susan into official media platforms. They began making frequent podcast appearances, eventually leading to co-hosting and guest-hosting duties within the Bachelor Nation podcast ecosystem, specifically contributing commentary on senior dating dynamics and behind-the-scenes insights.

Joint Public Appearances and Live Tours

Kathy and Susan frequently appeared together on morning talk shows, entertainment news segments, and fan conventions. Their dynamic—characterized by Kathy's dry wit and Susan's effervescent energy—made them sought-after guests for discussions regarding aging, dating after loss or divorce, and female friendship.

Continued Relevance in Bachelor Nation (2026 Status)

As the broader franchise has evolved to include subsequent seasons and casting updates, Kathy and Susan remain benchmark figures for what successful representation looks like for older adults in reality television. They continue to maintain active public profiles, engaging with fans through social media platforms, public speaking engagements, and ongoing advocacy for senior empowerment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Kathy and Susan know each other before The Golden Bachelor?

No, Kathy and Susan did not know each other prior to being cast on the first season of The Golden Bachelor. They met during the initial casting and filming process in Los Angeles, where their shared life experiences and complementary personalities quickly sparked a close, enduring friendship.

Who eliminated Kathy and Susan from the show?

Gerry Turner eliminated both women during rose ceremonies. Kathy was eliminated during Week 4 following a conversation regarding openness in their relationship, while Susan was eliminated the following week, during Week 5, just before the hometown dates.

What is Susan Noles' professional background?

Susan Noles is a professional wedding officiant and hair stylist based in Aston, Pennsylvania. Her background in event styling and beauty led to her role officiating the televised wedding of Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist in January 2024.

Why is Susan known for officiating The Golden Wedding?

Producers and the couple selected Susan to officiate The Golden Wedding because of her ordained status as a professional wedding officiant and her close, supportive relationship with both Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist formed during and after the filming of the show.

What is Kathy Swarts' most famous catchphrase from the show?

Kathy became famous for telling a fellow contestant to "zip it" during a disagreement over communication with Gerry Turner. The phrase quickly became a viral meme and a defining cultural touchstone of the inaugural season.

Are Kathy and Susan still involved with Bachelor Nation?

Yes. Both women remain active within the broader Bachelor Nation community, participating in reunion specials, commentary podcasts, media tours, and public fan events celebrating the longevity and success of the senior-focused spinoff.

Practical Recommendations for Fans and Viewers

For viewers looking to revisit the cultural impact of The Golden Bachelor or follow the post-show trajectories of Kathy and Susan, several avenues offer continued engagement:

• Stream the Season: Relive Kathy and Susan’s introductory moments and house dynamics by streaming the first season of The Golden Bachelor on official platforms like Hulu or ABC.com.
• Follow Official Channels: Stay updated on their latest entrepreneurial ventures, podcast appearances, and public speaking engagements by following their verified social media profiles.
• Explore Bachelor Podcasts: Tune into official franchise podcasts featuring guest commentary and retrospectives from Kathy, Susan, and other members of the inaugural cast.