Susan Lucci Claims She Was Called About Leading The Golden Bachelorette: 'It Wasn't for Me' (Exclusive)

Susan Lucci is dipping her toes into The Bachelor, but she isn't quite ready to be the franchise's next leading lady.

In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, the All My Children alum, 77, shares that she's a recent Bachelor fan. And while ABC has found their Golden Bachelorette in season 1 contestant Joan Vassos, Lucci reveals that she had a hat in the ring before the decision was made final.

"I believe that they contacted my publicist and it wasn't for me," explains Lucci, who is set to receive the Spirit of Life award on June 4 in New York City. "I watched The Golden Bachelor. I really enjoyed watching The Golden Bachelor. This is a new addiction for me."

Though she spent years watching her mother love the franchise, the soap star wasn't interested until a "couple seasons ago" after her assistant inspired her to give The Bachelor a chance.

"My assistant told me she was going home to watch The Bachelor with her daughters," she recalled. "She said, 'Well, it's really good.' I watched it. The first time I watched it was that night a couple seasons ago. I was immediately engaged. I cared. I wanted to know more about these people."

While the actress calls the show "my new guilty pleasure," Lucci said, "I didn't pursue [it] when they called my publicist to see if I would be interested."

"It wasn't for me, but I do love watching," she added. "I'm a fan. I love watching."

ABC and Warner Bros. does not comment on casting news. However, a source tells PEOPLE she was not offered the role.

On May 14, ABC announced at the 2024 Disney Upfronts at the Javits Center in New York City that Vassos, 61, will take the lead as the first Golden Bachelorette this fall.

During an appearance on the Bachelor Happy Hour: Golden Hour podcast, Vassos shared the relatable reason she accepted the offer to be the Golden Bachelorette.

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“I really want love,” she explained. “I want to have somebody in my life. I feel like life is better when you share it with somebody. I truly believe all of that."

"As far as my heart being completely open, I think it's nine-tenths of the way there," she continued. "So, I think I just need to spend a little more time in like an environment like The Bachelor environment. I so am not… like I really want to find love. I just don't want to go to the work of going on a dating website.”

Though Lucci may not be entering Bachelor Nation, she is slated to do something else exciting: receiving the Spirit of Life award next week. The award is presented to individuals who "exemplify the ideals and values that have guided City of Hope for a century, and whose professional and humanitarian accomplishments are worthy of celebration," per a release.

"I have to acknowledge how prestigious it really is. I know the list of former recipients and I'm very honored to be in their presence," Lucci tells PEOPLE of the honor. "And also, my goodness, it's very humbling. You just go along in your life and try to do the best you can, but to be acknowledged by the City of Hope for contributions to women's health is just more than I could have ever expected or hoped for. And so I'm very, very honored indeed to accept this award."