A few months ago, ABC was in the process of selecting women to star in the highly anticipated The Golden Bachelorette series. Among those approached was iconic soap opera star Susan Lucci, best known for her legendary portrayal of Erica Kane on All My Children.

Susan Lucci faced a heartbreaking loss in 2022 when her husband, Helmut Huber, passed away at the age of 84. The couple had shared a remarkable 52 years of marriage. Helmut, originally from Austria, was a talented chef and a successful businessman. They tied the knot on September 13, 1969, and built a loving family together, including two children and several grandchildren.

Now 77, Lucci revealed in an interview with People Magazine that ABC had reached out to her about becoming the first-ever Golden Bachelorette. However, she gracefully declined the offer. During the interview, Lucci admitted she had recently developed a fondness for The Bachelor franchise, describing The Golden Bachelor as her “new addiction.”

In May, ABC officially announced that Joan Vassos, a fan-favorite from Season 1 of The Golden Bachelor, would take the lead in the upcoming fall season of The Golden Bachelorette. At 61, Joan shared her heartfelt intentions during an appearance on the Bachelor Happy Hour: Golden Hour podcast.

“I genuinely want to find love,” Joan expressed. “Life feels fuller when you share it with someone special. I truly believe that.” She also noted that she preferred the opportunity presented by the show over traditional dating apps, highlighting her excitement for this unique journey to find meaningful connection.