Joan Vassos, the hard-luck contestant who had to leave "The Golden Bachelor" early on, will be ABC's inaugural leading lady on the first-ever "The Golden Bachelorette."

As USA TODAY exclusively revealed in February, Vassos, 61, was among the top picks for the show following the success of "The Golden Bachelor." The private school administrator from Rockville, Maryland, was officially tapped to lead "The Golden Bachelorette," ABC announced Tuesday. The series will air on Wednesdays this fall.

"The secret is out," Vassos wrote on Instagram Stories. "I'm honored to be the first Golden Bachelorette."

Vassos, who spent a romantic evening with Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner in last year's show, became a fan favorite after her heartbreaking decision to leave "The Golden Bachelor." Vassos eliminated herself due to a medical concern with her daughter that required her care out in the real world.

The new show will be a "second chance at love," according to an ABC release.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

'The Golden Bachelor' recap:Here's when Joann had to give up the fight for Gerry Turner's heart

'Golden Bachelor' Gerry Turner congratulates 'Golden Bachelorette' Joann Vassos

Following the announcement, Turner congratulated Vassos on Instagram, writing, "Congratulations on being named the first-ever Golden Bachelorette."

Turner added: "You will be phenomenal as the new representative of a generation. From one 'Golden' to another...Relax, breathe and enjoy."

After Vassos exited "The Golden Bachelor" competition, Turner went on to give Theresa Nist the final rose, and the couple married in January. But in April, they shockingly announced on "Good Morning America" that they were divorcing after three months.

During an interview with CNN Tuesday, Vassos said she was "surprised" by Turner and Nist's divorce.

"I loved watching their journey. I saw them fall in love," Vassos said. "I believed, just like they did, that they were the perfect couple. And I applaud that they jumped into this process with both feet and they were ready to find love. And I also applaud them that when they discovered it wasn't perfect that they called it quits."

During Vassos' time on Turner's season, the bachelorette also talked passionately about her husband, John, who died after 32 years of marriage from pancreatic cancer. "He was the husband that always made me feel safe and cherished," Vassos wrote on Instagram in January. "He was the parent that was always the fun one because that’s all he knew how to do … I could go on for hours."

Who is Joan Vassos? Fans fell for her in 'Golden Bachelor' Episode 3

It's hard to forget Vassos in Episode 3 of "Golden Bachelor."

During a talent competition, the self-deprecating Vassos, who nervously claimed she didn't have any talent, killed it. She read her poem about meeting Gerry, "I Just Hope I Don't Vomit on Your Shoes."

The simple verse got big laughs but also touched Turner, who welled up in tears listening. He picked Vassos as the talent show winner. The two connected on the following solo dinner date, which ended with Turner giving her a rose, and a deep kiss.

And yet the budding passion was all for naught, as Vassos tearfully exited "The Golden Bachelor" the next day. She received news that her daughter, who underwent a difficult C-section birth, required her mother's love and intervention in the real world.

During the November Women Tell All episode, Vassos returned. "It was so abrupt, it was like I had unfinished business," Vassos said tearfully of Turner. "I saw a future with somebody."

Vassos also expressed hope for a rekindled romantic future with someone.