Joan Vassos, a 61-year-old school administrator from Maryland, is set to star in the upcoming season of Golden Bachelorette. She is the proud mother of four children – Nicholas, Erica, Allison, and Luke – whom she shared with her late husband John Vassos. Her children have mixed reactions to her dating on national television, with some finding it exciting and others feeling embarrassed. Despite their differing opinions, all of her children want her to find love.
John Vassos, Joan’s husband of 32 years, passed away in January 2021 from pancreatic cancer. Joan fondly remembers him as someone who always made her feel safe and cherished. She often reflects on their time together and appreciates sharing stories about him, finding humor in the memories they created. Despite his passing, Joan continues to honor and remember her late husband.
Nicholas, Joan and John’s eldest child, was born in 1990. He excelled as an athlete in high school before attending Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. After graduation from the University of Maryland with a business administration degree, Nicholas now works as a senior manager of business systems at an insurance company. He has found success in his career and continues to pursue his passions.
Erica, Joan’s daughter, was born in 1991 and followed a different path from her siblings. She attended American University before becoming a third-grade teacher in Bethesda, Maryland. After meeting her husband, Brent Hiken, at a tiki bar, the couple got married in 2022. Joan is thrilled for Erica and her growing family, including her daughter Hartley Grace Hiken born the following year.
Allison, Joan’s third child, attended Towson University and the University of Maryland. She is an entrepreneur who owns a clothing store called Itty Bitty Boutique, specializing in children’s clothing. In addition to her business, Allison is also a mother to a son. She has found success in her career and continues to balance her roles as a business owner and a mother.
Luke, the youngest of Joan’s children, was born in 1996 and followed in his siblings’ footsteps as an athlete. He played lacrosse at Marquette University and excelled academically, landing on the Dean’s List. Luke currently works as a corporate account executive at Okta, a software development company, and also volunteers with Milwaukee Wheelchair Lacrosse, teaching the sport to wounded veterans. Despite the tragedy of losing their father, Joan’s children have found success in their own endeavors and continue to support one another.
