Chock Chapple, winner of ABC's inaugural season of The Golden Bachelorette, disclosed that he underwent surgery to remove his prostate following a cancer scare that developed after his appearance on the reality dating show.
The 62-year-old Wichita, Kansas resident shared the news through an Instagram video posted Tuesday, August 11, filmed at his home alongside fiancée Joan Vassos, 63. The procedure took place last Wednesday, August 6, after medical testing revealed concerning results.
"Elevated PSA. Biopsy, MRI, another biopsy. Turned aggressive. Last Wednesday I had my prostate removed," Chapple wrote in the post's caption, referring to prostate-specific antigen, a protein measured in blood tests to monitor prostate health. The National Cancer Institute uses PSA testing to ensure safe protein levels in the blood.
Chapple explained that his family history and desire to remain present for loved ones drove his decision to proceed with the surgery. "Lost my mother to cancer. I know what's at stake. My son asked how much time I wanted with my grandkids, and that made the decision easy. Get it removed. Be around. For them. For Joan, for the rest of her life," he stated in the caption.
The health issue came to light through routine blood work conducted after filming concluded on The Golden Bachelorette. "When I got off the show, I had a blood test. It showed that I had an elevated PSA so we monitored it for a while and my PSA kept increasing. I made the decision just to go and have it removed," Chapple explained in the video.
The father of two children, whom he shares with ex-wife Heather Chapple, acknowledged the challenging recovery process. "Recovery's been really rough, I will admit, I've had a number of surgeries and this one's a little unique, but I'm glad I had it done," he said.
Vassos, a Maryland resident and mother of four, has been caring for Chapple during his recuperation at his Kansas home. "Joan's been here taking care of me, cooking, and now I have the cleanest refrigerator in the world and I've eaten really good. Our goal is to put 20 pounds on me," Chapple shared.
Vassos praised her fiancé's resilience throughout the ordeal. "He's a brave guy. He's actually a really good patient. He surprised me because he's had a couple of colds around me and he acts like a baby," she joked. "He's super brave for this one and I'm glad he made the decision that he made. I want to keep him around for the rest of my life."
Despite the recent surgery, Chapple confirmed that the couple's planned European vacation remains scheduled for late August. "Trip to Europe is still on for the end of August. Cleared to travel, and I'm ready!" he wrote, adding an urgent message for other men: "Guys, get tested. Have your PSA checked. Early is everything."
Chapple and Vassos became engaged during the 2024 season of The Golden Bachelorette, with Chapple proposing to Vassos by the beach. The couple currently maintains a long-distance relationship between Maryland and Wichita as they plan their future together.