Jenn Tran has been announced as the latest Bachelorette

By M Muzamil Shami

The franchise has appointed its inaugural Asian lead, a 25-year-old student training to become a physician's assistant.

In a surprising twist that likely caught Bachelor Nation off guard, ABC has unveiled their latest Bachelorette — and it's neither frontrunner Maria, nor Joey Graziadei's second-place finisher Daisy, nor even the beloved fan-favorite Lexi.

Meet Jenn Trann, a 25-year-old student studying to become a physician's assistant in Miami, Florida. Not only is she a surprising choice, but Jenn also holds the distinction of being the first Asian star ever featured in the Bachelor franchise. The announcement was made by host Jesse Palmer and former Bachelorette Charity Lawson during Monday night's live After the Final Rose special.

"I'm completely taken aback, it's absolutely mind-boggling," she expressed. "It's like a dream to even be in this moment." Tran continued, expressing profound gratitude for being chosen as the inaugural Asian lead in the Bachelor franchise. "Since my childhood, I've yearned for Asian faces on screen," she remarked. "Now, being here, taking charge of my narrative, I'm overwhelmed by the thought of inspiring others and making a difference in their lives."

      Jenn Tran (Photo: ABC)

Jenn maintained a consistently delightful presence throughout Joey's season on The Bachelor. She made a memorable entrance on premiere night by arriving in a go-kart, and later enjoyed a surfing excursion with the Bachelor during their intimate one-on-one date in week three. Week six saw the group venturing to Montreal, where Jenn stood out on a group date with her uniquely intriguing poutine recipe, which Joey bravely tasted. Despite their apparent connection, Joey made the tough decision to bid farewell to Jenn just before the hometown dates.

During her segment on the Hot Seat™ during the Women Tell All reunion on March 18, Jenn reflected on how her journey on The Bachelor had a profound impact on her relationship with her mother. "She's never quite viewed me as a fully independent adult," Jenn expressed. "But witnessing my journey on television, witnessing me falling in love, she's truly witnessed my growth, and it's had a significant impact on our bond." Jenn proceeded to commend her mother, who emigrated from Vietnam to the United States and single-handedly raised Jenn and her brother after Jenn's father departed. "She's the epitome of the woman I aspire to become," Jenn shared. "Honestly, she means the world to me."