Joan Vassos, the 61-year-old lead for the upcoming season of “Golden Bachelorette,” is a proud mother of four who will surely set a unique dynamic for her suitors during the hometown dates. As a school administrator from Maryland and a recent widow, her children—Nicholas, Erica, Allison, and Luke—have had mixed reactions to their mother’s foray into televised dating. Let’s meet Vassos’ family and learn more about their individual journeys and stories.
Life After Loss: Remembering John Vassos
Joan’s husband and the father to their four children, John Vassos, tragically passed away from pancreatic cancer in early 2021. Three years after his death, Joan reminisced about her late husband and his love for his family in an Instagram post, expressing that she always felt “safe and cherished” by him. Joan encouraged friends and family to keep John’s memory alive by sharing stories and anecdotes about him.
The Oldest Son: Nicholas Vassos
Born on March 8, 1990, Nicholas is Vassos’ eldest child. An athlete in high school, Nicholas later graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in business administration. His LinkedIn profile lists him as a senior manager of business systems at an insurance company.
The Educator: Erica Vassos
Erica, the second child in the Vassos family, was born on May 2, 1991. She pursued a career in education after attending American University and currently teaches third grade in Bethesda, Maryland. In July 2022, Erica married her husband, Brent Hiken, and they later welcomed their daughter, Hartley Grace Hiken, into the world.
The Entrepreneur: Allison Vassos
Allison, Vassos’ third child, is an entrepreneur who opened her own Maryland-based clothing boutique for children, called Itty Bitty Boutique. After attending Towson University and graduating from the University of Maryland in 2018, Allison has been focusing on her business and raising her son.
The Athlete: Luke Vassos
The youngest of the Vassos clan, Luke is known for his athletic involvement, much like his older brother Nicholas. After studying Corporate Communication at Marquette University, where he played lacrosse and made the Dean’s List, Luke began his career as a corporate account executive at a software company called Okta. He also contributes time to Milwaukee Wheelchair Lacrosse, a program teaching the sport to wounded veterans.
Wrapping Up
Joan Vassos’ family remains a key part of her life, and as she navigates the uncharted waters of dating on national television, some suitors may find themselves coming face-to-face with not just Joan, but also her children Nicholas, Erica, Allison, and Luke during the hometown dates. For more updates on Joan Vassos and “Golden Bachelorette,” check out HitPlay.