Who is marrying the 'Golden Bachelor?' 10 facts about ‘Golden Wedding’ bride Theresa Nist

Theresa Nist is ready for her starring role on "The Golden Wedding."

Nist, 70, won the heart of 72-year-old Gerry Turner over 21 other contestants during the first senior edition of ABC's reality dating franchise. In the Nov. 30 finale of "The Golden Bachelor" Turner proposed to Nist in Costa Rica, saying, "You’re the person I cannot live without."

As the couple prepares to exchange marital vows in Palm Springs, California. on the two-hour live "Golden Wedding" special Thursday (8 EST/delayed PST), here are 10 power facts about Nist.

The 'Golden Bachelor' wedding is hereA look at Gerry and Theresa's second-chance romance

Therea knows how to make an entrance

Nist had a memorable Bachelor Mansion entrance, which was taped on her 70th birthday. Nist met Turner and explained she was wearing her "birthday suit" under her short robe. She was kidding, opening the robe before the shocked Turner to reveal she was wearing a body suit. The scene made such an impression on Turner that he invited Nist on his first one-on-one date.

She avoids sugar, except for frosting on Gerry Turner's lips

Following "The Golden Bachelor" Sept. 28 premiere, Nist wrote on Instagram "I usually try to stay away from sugar." But when Turner smeared birthday cupcake frosting on his lips and playfully asked Nist for help cleaning up, she happily cleared the sugar with their first TV smooch. "This time I just couldn’t help myself," Nist wrote.

She's a New Jersey girl (with plans to move to South Carolina)

Nist lives in Shrewsbury, N.J., a quiet community on the Jersey Shore, about 50 miles south of New York City. However, since her engagement to Turner, the two have discussed moving to Charleston, South Carolina, where Nist has family.

She lost a longtime beloved spouse, just like Gerry

Nist and Turner bonded over the death of their respective spouses. Turner was married to his wife Toni for 43 years before she died in 2017. Nist was married to her husband Billy for 42 years before he died in 2014.

"Billy and I met when I was 14 and he was 16," Nist wrote on Instagram in November next to a throwback picture of the couple. "We got married at 18 and 20."

Nist revealed that before her husband died he told her, "I hope you find someone. I hope that you do get married again."

'Theresa' is pronounced just as it looks (Gerry recently learned this)

During a December USA TODAY interview, Nist revealed she finally taught Turner (whose first name Gerry is pronounced "Gary") how to say her fairly straightforward first name.

"He was pronouncing my name incorrectly for a long time. He kept calling me Treesa," Nist said. "He's learned."

Her tight-knit family will have major wedding roles

Nist is devoted to her family and each member has a major role in the wedding. Son Tommy will walk his mother down the aisle. Daughter Jen has helped plan the wedding and will be maid of honor. Nist's six grandsons all have big roles. Brandon, Brody, Braxton, Dempsey and Leo are junior groomsmen. Henry will be the ring-bearer.

Her hobbies include hula hooping and romance novels

Nist's introductory bio on "The Golden Bachelor" website states that "when she's not spending time with her family" she enjoys active hobbies including board games, gardening, reading romance novels and hula hooping. 

She's a light sleeper

Turner has learned it's going to be an adjustment sleeping in the same bed with his new partner. "She's a light sleeper," Turner told USA TODAY. "I get up to go to the bathroom a couple of times, I wake her up. The cycle goes over and over again. That's gonna take some time."

She's a self-taught financial wiz

Turner was visibly impressed with Theresa's self-starter finance career explanation in Episode 8.

"At 46 years old, I developed a passion for the stock market," Nist wrote on Instagram in November. "I went to the library and read every book I could find on stocks and the markets. I also started watching CNBC and listening to Bloomberg."

Nist now works as a senior compliance and operations liaison at TFS Wealth Management, where she manages business operations and other duties, according to the company's website.

She's a peacemaker, not a feuder

Nist encountered "Golden Bachelor" drama with fellow contestant Kathy Swarts, 70, who famously told Nist to "Zip it!" after she frequently discussed her close relationship with Turner. Swarts left the Bachelor Mansion after Turner found out about the bubbling feud.

But Nist holds no Kathy grudge, and the two have made peace.

"It's great with Kathy; we want her at the wedding," Nist said in December. Most of the "Golden Bachelor" cast will be in attendance, with Susan Noles officiating the ceremony.