Golden Bachelor's Theresa Nist has to return $40K diamond ring following split from Gerry Turner

Golden Bachelor's Theresa Nist and Gerry Turner are officially divorcing, with Theresa having to return her $40K diamond ring.

The former flames met on The Golden Bachelor, a spin-off from well-loved ABC dating show, The Bachelor.

Theresa, 70, and Gerry, 72, found love with one another on the show and tied the knot on national television.

Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist wed in January 2024. (Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images)

When Gerry popped the question, he presented a huge rock to Theresa - which is thought to be worth a whopping $40,000.

But the married pair announced the news of their shock split yesterday (April 12) after just three months of marriage.

"Theresa and I have had a number of heart-to-heart conversations and we've looked closely at our situation, our living situation and so forth and we've kind of come to the conclusion, mutually, that it's probably time for us to dissolve our marriage," Gerry revealed on Good Morning America.

Thanking fans for their support, Theresa added: "I don’t think we can tell you how many people told us that it gave them so much hope.

"We want none of that to change for anybody."

The estranged couple didn't share what sparked their decision to go their separate ways, but it's speculated that it may have been down to geography.

Theresa resides in New Jersey, while Gerry has a home in Indiana.

With the two locations being almost 700 miles apart, it's understandable that it could have caused a strain on their marriage.

In the wake of their unexpected break-up, Theresa has addressed what everyone's thinking - if she's going to return her huge engagement ring.

Theresa's engagement ring is thought to be worth $40K. (ABC)

"I think that’s the rule, I think I have to give this ring back. Sad to say," she told host Juju Chang.

Reportedly, it's part of her contract to do so.

UNILAD has contacted ABC for comment on the matter.

The recent season of The Golden Bachelor, which aired in January, was the first for ABC following years of success with The Bachelor.

According to the network, the new series brought in a staggering 43 million multi-platform viewers.

Their wedding was aired live on national TV. (Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images)

As per a press release: "The Golden Bachelor averaged 9.92 million multi-platform viewers after 35 days of viewing on linear and digital platforms to deliver the strongest average for any season of an ABC unscripted series since American Idol during the 2019-2020 season."

While it proved very popular, a season season is yet to be confirmed.

However, there's a strong chance that another series will happen as at the end of season one, host Jesse Palmer urged viewers to apply online for the next season.