Jonathan Rone may not have found The One in Joan Vassos, but he’s soaking in the moments with his new girlfriend, Michelle Zimmermann.
“Birthday Bliss 62🎈,” Jonathan, 62, wrote in a joint post with Michelle via Instagram on Tuesday, November 19. “We celebrated my 62nd birthday this weekend! Born in 62 and turned 62! So grateful and blessed for all that I have and don’t have! The moments shared between Michelle are truly special! I’m Loving Loving her❤️🌹.”
Alongside Jonathan’s heartfelt message, the pair shared several photos from their adventures together — including dinner dates and a hike. In one video, Jonathan and Michelle were all smiles as they spun in a circle.
Jonathan appeared on Joan’s season 1 of The Golden Bachelorette and earned a coveted one-on-one date before he was sent packing. While gathering with fellow former contestants at the Men Tell All episode, which aired earlier this month, Jonathan revealed that he moved on with a new woman.
“I just wanted to say thank you for the opportunity,” Jonathan told Joan, 61, during the episode. “I mean, I wouldn’t be here, I wouldn’t have started the journey if it wasn’t because of you. And so I just kind of wanted to give an update that on this journey that I have met someone and the most important thing about that is that I’m happy.”
Days later, Jonathan opened up about his connection with Michelle. “‘So I Dropped The Bomb’… I started my journey looking for love, a love that is a forever love. A love I thought I once had but this was my second chance! So, I went all in with no walls to protect my vulnerability! I had no other intentions than that!” he wrote via Instagram. “This journey can be full of expectations but the unexpected happened and ‘The Bomb’ is the second chance I’ve been looking for! I am so grateful for all the of the support and kind words from all you in the Bachelor Nation! I’m happy to say that Michelle is truly ‘My Bomb❤️.’”
Joan, for her part, ultimately accepted a proposal from Chock Chapple during the finale. After their engagement, Joan and Chock gushed exclusively to Us Weekly about their connection — and how it’s given them hope.
“Living life in your golden years is special. You’re not responsible for raising a family anymore or for a business. You get to really enjoy life. Travel is important to us. One day buying a home together,” she told Us. “After John [Vassos] passed away, I felt like my future was this black hole. And now it just looks so bright. The possibilities are endless for us. Which is a weird thing to say at this age, but I do feel that way.”
