The Golden Bachelorette’s Chock on Getting the First Date Rose of the Season: ‘I Didn’t Expect This’

The Golden Bachelorette‘s Chock can’t believe his life at this moment. “I never thought I’d be interviewed for Glamour magazine,” he says following his one-of-a-kind date with Joan Vassos at Disneyland. But when I ask if he ever thought he’d be on a reality dating show, he admits that’s something he never saw coming either: “No. Never.”

Of course, there’s a first time for everything, and the 60-year-old insurance executive from Wichita, Kansas is proof. As awkward as it is to have your first kiss with someone air on national television, Chock is leaning into the unknown—especially if it means winning over Joan’s heart.

“I’m going to live my life and hopefully find that right person—hopefully it’s Joan,” he says. “I’ve got some more roses to go through.”

He’s off to a good start. While Mark and Keith were the frontrunners during week one, The Golden Bachelorette‘s Chock has quickly shot to the top of that list. There’s still plenty of men for Joan to get to know and fall for, of course, but there’s no denying the physical and emotional connection that Joan felt for Chock during their date.

And so, following the couple’s epic day and evening at Disneyland Resort, I sat down with Chock to find out why Joan didn’t think he was reading her signals, why his daughter signed him up for the show without his knowledge, and how he’s going to handle seeing other men date the woman he’s falling for.

Glamour: Joan said she she wanted to make sure you were someone she could have fun with, and this date proved it. Is that how you felt?

Chock: It was an absolute blast. It was so fun. I loved going on Big Thunder Mountain. Then we had some one-on-one time, and that was the most special part of the day—just being able to talk. It was mesmerizing.

Have you been to Disneyland before?

I have. It was 30 years ago. It’s changed, but it hasn’t changed. It was incredible walking and seeing all the kids smiling, all the people, the magic of it. It was a great day.

She also said you didn’t feel confident you were going to get a rose. She was like, “I thought I was so obvious. I was touching him and I was laughing.”

Yes, that’s what she said, “You didn’t see the signals?” I did, but you never know. This isn’t just a game. I didn’t even realize the rose was there. I knew the rose would be there at some point. I don’t know if they snuck it on the table or if it was there before, but I didn’t even notice it.

Have you watched the show before?

No, and I proudly say I have not watched one. My daughter filled out the application. She did it as if she were me. And then she calls me a day later and says, “Dad, you might not like what I just did.” And I’m like, “What’d you do?” She says, “One of my girlfriends said, ‘Your dad would perfect for The Golden Bachelorette.’” So my daughter went online, completed it, and the next day I got a call from a casting director. It was an eight-week process. There was times I was going, “I just don’t know. I don’t need the notoriety, I don’t…” But then the other part of me goes, “Why not? Why not see if you could find love?”

I’m very happy I did. This is about Joan, her journey, and hopefully me being able to bond with her. The guys are great. I didn’t expect this.

Is there anything your daughter said in the application that you’re embarrassed by?

I have no idea. I haven’t seen it. But my daughter said, “Joan is your type.”

What is it about her that made your daughter think she’s your type?

Well, my daughter, Taylor, obviously didn’t know her. But Joan is attractive and kind, and my daughter knew a lot about her from seeing her on The Golden Bachelor. I think a big part of it is that I lost my loved one to cancer, and Joan lost hers to cancer too. But mainly, I think it was a kindness in her heart and that Joan puts family first.

How nervous were you going in to tonight’s date, especially knowing that everyone was watching you and hoping you guys would kiss?

Well, I’m a 60-year-old man, so I kind of pride myself on not getting nervous. But when I was waiting for Joan at the train station [at Disneyland]…if I had any nerves, they were gone. Immediately, we hugged and I held her hand. There was a bond. It was sure nice to kiss her tonight. I did ask her, and I want everybody to know that I asked her. That was out of respect, because it did come up. She had said earlier, “My son said, ‘Now don’t go kissing guys on TV.’” So here we are on the first one-on-one date, and it’s already happened. But it’s about a relationship, feeling comfortable with someone, and enjoying the moment.

What do you hope to show other men who have gone through loss in their life and are struggling with what’s next?

Well, it’s interesting. Out of the 24 guys, we have personalities and body types from A to Z. You get to meet guys that are just incredible, and some of them don’t have the confidence. They might’ve lost their loved ones and have not gotten over it. And the conversations that we’ve had…just telling them, “Go on with your life. Enjoy it.” But it’s at their own timeframe. They’ve got to process it, handle the grief and all that, but it’s about enjoying life. I told the story about my grandmother who lost her husband when she was in her 50s and never dated again. I’m not going to do that. I’m going to live my life and hopefully find that right person. Hopefully, it’s Joan. I’ve got some more roses to go through. But I was nervous tonight when she said I didn’t see the signals, because you just never know.

Again, I haven’t watched the show, so you never know if somebody’s going to go, “You’re out.” But I’m very happy. Very happy.

She said you guys have already talked about coming back here to Disneyland.

Oh yes. Bring the kids, bring the grandkids. We did get to see the park, but we didn’t get to see everything. The people that were [escorting us today explained] that it’s a four-day deal. You should spend two days in Disneyland and then two at California Adventure. Joan and I have been to EPCOT in Disney World numerous times, but Disneyland’s going to hold a place in our hearts.

And now you’ve got to be patient while other guys get one-on-one dates. How do you feel about that?

I’ve already thought about it. It’s an opportunity for her to spend time with other guys, but hopefully she doesn’t have that spark that she had with me. I want her to be happy. I do. It’s nice to have that spark, but she’s in charge. There’s no other way to put it. She’s in charge. She makes the decision.