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Gerry Turner has been diagnosed with a slow-growing “bone marrow cancer” that is deemed incurable.
The Golden Bachelor alum mentioned that he feels excellent and is hopeful about the prospect of “living another couple of years.”
He stated that his cancer diagnosis has encouraged him to embrace life more fully and to be “more open” with his emotions.
Gerry Turner is providing an update regarding his significant diagnosis. The 73-year-old Golden Bachelor alum appeared on the April 15 episode of the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast, where he shared with hosts Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt how he has been coping since receiving the news of his incurable cancer. During the podcast, Turner conveyed that he has not had to alter his daily routine following his diagnosis. “I feel great,” he remarked.
Until I experience any symptoms, there is no treatment required. Therefore, I undergo blood tests regularly. I am currently on a six-month schedule, and I feel optimistic because the doctor has indicated, ‘When you turn 75, we will need to transition to three-month intervals.’
This suggests to me that he anticipates I will live for at least a couple more years to reach that milestone. Ultimately, I feel really good.
Gerry Turner at the 57th Annual CMA Awards. Jason Kempin/Getty
Pitt subsequently inquired whether Turner experiences any frustration regarding the ‘waiting period’ before commencing cancer treatment, or if he is merely thankful that his health has not yet been significantly affected.
“I genuinely mean this; since receiving this diagnosis, it feels like a privilege to live as if you are dying,” he articulated. “I do not decline any opportunities. I sense that I am more receptive to emotions and experiences.”
“The individual I am dating often asks, ‘Would you like to go do-‘ and before she can finish her thought, I respond affirmatively. Thus, I am engaged in everything,” he elaborated. “This approach makes life thrilling because, in the back of your mind, you realize there is much living to be done, and the duration you have to accomplish it is uncertain, so do not refuse any opportunities. Therefore, in a sense, it is truly a positive aspect.”
In December 2024, Turner initially disclosed to PEOPLE that he had been diagnosed with a slow-growing form of ‘bone marrow cancer’ known as Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia. His condition was identified following a visit to an orthopedic surgeon due to a persistent shoulder injury.
“It felt as though 10 tons of concrete had been suddenly dropped on me. I experienced a period of denial; I was reluctant to accept it,” he remarked at that time.
Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia causes the transformation of white blood cells into cancerous cells that accumulate in the bone marrow, which is the spongy tissue within the bones responsible for blood cell production, as stated by the Mayo Clinic. This condition is most frequently observed in men over the age of 70.
“Regrettably, there is no cure for this condition,” Turner remarked.
The former restaurateur elaborated that in the absence of understanding the short-term, medium-term, and long-term implications of the disease, he aimed to be deliberate in his choices.
“I aspired for my life to proceed as normally as possible, which led me to the belief that maintaining normalcy meant spending quality time with my family, including my two daughters, my two sons-in-law, and my granddaughters,” he expressed.
Turner further mentioned that despite his initial feelings of denial, he has embraced Tim McGraw’s song “Live Like You’re Dying” as his guiding principle.
“I have acclimated to it. I have reached a stage where I can feel somewhat at ease with it,” he shared with PEOPLE regarding his diagnosis. “I intend to fill my life with as much enjoyment as I can and cherish every moment. When my time comes, it comes, but I refuse to harbor regrets.
