Share and Follow
Ashley Iaconetti is entering the world of reality TV once again, but this time she feels assured that her marriage to husband Jared Haibon will remain unscathed. As she prepares for the launch of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island, Ashley, at 38, is confident that their relationship is strong enough to withstand any challenges that might arise from her new role.
Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
In anticipation of the series’ premiere later this week, the former Bachelor star shared her thoughts on the so-called Real Housewives curse. With her husband Jared, 37, by her side, she isn’t worried about any potential pitfalls. During a candid conversation with Us Weekly on March 25, she expressed her belief that their shared experience in the limelight has fortified their bond. “We’ve been through the spotlight together,” Ashley remarked. “This isn’t going to be a new thing … It’s comforting to know that we’re not introducing anything new to our relationship.”
The couple, who tied the knot in August 2019 and are parents to sons Dawson, 4, and Hayden, 20 months, are no strangers to public scrutiny. Both Ashley and Jared have been part of Bachelor Nation and have navigated the challenges that accompany a publicized personal life.
Ashley also touched on other aspects of her life, including their struggling café, while highlighting how RHORI differs from the Bachelor franchise. She did admit to maintaining a certain level of guardedness during the filming of the first season, suggesting that despite her experience, she remains cautious as she steps into this new reality TV venture.
Both having been a part of Bachelor Nation, Ashley noted that she and Jared, who wed in August 2019 and share two sons, Dawson, 4, and Hayden, 20 months, have already been faced with the “struggles” that come with putting a public spotlight on their relationship.
“We, honestly, know how to navigate it pretty well. It’s our foundation,” she explained. “I would say we, kind of, know how this is gonna go. We know we have our priorities in line, for sure … We’re very grateful for having previous experience when jumping into this. I cannot imagine starting to get a spotlight on me in my late 30s.”
In addition to showcasing her marriage on RHORI, Ashley said she and Jared would openly discuss the finances of their business, Audrey’s Coffee House & Lounge.
“It’s our real life. Audrey’s, ever since it opened, it’s been such a work of love for Jared and so many hours get put into that place,” she shared. “It’s always a debate on whether it’s worth keeping because it’s really about his happiness.”
After Ashley admitted that appearing on the show was “too good of an opportunity” to pass up, her co-star, Jo-Ellen Tiberi, revealed that she spoke to husband Gary Tiberi before joining the cast.
“Gary and I talked a lot about our family. That’s our No. 1 focus,” she revealed.
According to Jo-Allen, her “biggest concern” was with their 11-year-old son and “if anyone was going to tease him.”
“I want to protect my kids. That was probably our biggest thing,” said Jo-Ellen, who is also mom to a four-year-old and an 18-month-old. “Gary and I have known each other since we were in high school. We know everything about each other. He knows the good, he knows the bad. I do, too. So if my husband loves me and my friends, it’s not going to change anything.”
Rosie DiMare weighed in as well, confessing that she should have spoken to husband Rich DiMare before filming began.
“We didn’t have any boundaries going into it, and I kind of wish that we had,” she stated. “We should probably talk about that if we’re going to do [another] season.”
Meanwhile, in a second interview, Ashley noted that RHORI was much more intense than The Bachelor.
“I kind of felt like I’ve been around conflict on screen before, but I truly haven’t,” Ashley told Parade on March 26. “It was so much more dramatic than Bachelor … We might have disagreements… but normally the fights are like talking. We don’t like curse out each other.”
Reflecting on one particular incident between Jo-Ellen and Rosie, Ashley recalled telling herself, “You’re not involved, so don’t get involved.”
Overall, Ashley said she went into the show with her guard up, which made her concerned that she’d been “too careful” about how she’d look on the show.
“I went in with so much… education on it that I may have even been a little guarded,” she said.
The Real Housewives of Rhode Island season one premieres on Thursday, April 2, at 9/8c on Bravo, before moving to Sunday nights at the same time on April 5.