TWO contestants from The Golden Bachelorette share secret Hollywood connections - with ‘charming’ frontrunner Gary Levingston revealed as the godson of Tina Turner.
Retired financial executive Gary, 65, let slip during Wednesday's episode that he counted the late music legend as a close family friend.
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And, at another point in the installment, Jordan Heller, 61, told Bachelorette Joan Vassos, 61, that he once dated Taylor Dayne, 62.
The Tell It to My Heart songstress had appeared on the ABC reality show to perform at a seniors' prom.
During her group dates afterwards, widow Joan was left stunned after being told by Jordan about their history.
She told viewers in a confessional: "Jordan tells me he went on a date with Taylor Dayne five years ago. Crazy! I mean, he dated Taylor Dayne."
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The sales manager went on to say he approached her during their encounter on the show to ask if she'd remembered him.
To his delight, Taylor confirmed that she did and the pair enjoyed a five minute catch-up.
Show fans then discovered Gary's connection to Tina, with blonde beauty Joan asking him what she was like in person.
Giving little away about their relationship, he simply replied: "Nothing like she was on stage."
According to Distractify, the California-native paid tribute to Tina following her death in May 2023.
He reportedly wrote on social media: “My hero, advisor, and loving Godly mother will be missed.
Golden Bachelorette casts Joan Vassos as lead after fan-favorite had to abruptly exit Gerry Turner’s Bachelor season
"You left a great legacy behind here on earth as an amazing legend for the world to remember… in loving memory, I will hold on to your treasured gifts and will continue to walk with my head held high like the king you proclaimed me to be…. ONWARD!”
But it appears she's not the only famous figure he has tied to.
Gary disclosed to ABC that he has a Grammy-nominated uncle, a singer and songwriter from the 1950s.
The only nominee in both the Best Male Vocal and Best R&B Performance categories at the awards in 1959 was Jesse Belvin, who tragically passed away in 1960 at the age of 27.
He's also related to Willie Crawford, a former LA Dodgers player, adding yet another layer to his impressive family lineage.
ONE MORE SHOT
Fans have been looking forward to seeing Joan in action since she was announced as The Golden Bachelorette.
Many know the 61-year-old for her time on Golden Bachelor, where she signed up to find love with Gerry Turner.
Joan left the show to be with her daughter, who had just given birth at the time.
During a conversation with Gerry, Joan revealed he daughter was dealing with the aftermath of a difficult C-section.
"I got a text this morning and I think I need to go home and be a mom," she told him.
"So as much as I don't want to leave and I don't want to leave our journey, I've got to go home and be a parent."
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Gerry was left in tears as he admitted he was "disappointed" to part ways with Joan.
"There's a moral compass that we both share, and sometimes the right thing to do is the hardest."
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