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Credit: Instagram

The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Joe Giudice shared which daughter he had a harder time reconnecting with “when I got out” of prison in 2019. His oldest, Gia Giudice, then reacted, and she shared more details behind the story.

In 2014, Joe and his then-wife, Teresa Giudice, pleaded guilty to financial fraud after striking a deal with prosecutors. After spending 41 months in prison, Joe (who was born in Italy) was forced to leave the country for good. Teresa and his four daughters still live in the United States, and Joe can only see them in person when they travel abroad.

Joe was recently interviewed remotely by his daughter, Gia, on her Casual Chaos podcast.

At one point in the interview, Gia stated, “I think just because I’m older — you know, obviously, we have a different bond — but I feel like you’re close to all of us [sisters].”

Though Joe agreed, he admitted that it took him longer with his youngest daughter, Audriana Giudice, “when I got out” of prison.

“Because she was like six when I went away,” he said.

Gia added, “When she was growing up, she didn’t have you … there and present as she was, you know, becoming into a beautiful young lady that she is now.”

“You could tell she always missed that,” Gia continued. “She always missed having that father figure. And it obviously did take her a little time because it was almost like she had to get to know you all over again.”

Last month, Gia asked President Donald Trump to pardon her dad so he could return to the U.S.

“Hey, guys, my name is Gia Giudice. I’m the daughter of Joe Giudice, and today I’m using my voice for something deeply personal,” she said in an Instagram video. “My dad was deported over four years ago. Since then, our family has lived in an emotional limbo. No matter how strong we try to be in the absence of a father, of a parent, it’s something that never stops hurting.”

“Growing up, my dad was present at every cheer competition, every dance recital, holiday, he was our provider and he still is, just now from thousands of miles away,” Gia went on. “A pardon would mean more than legal forgiveness. It would mean healing for my sisters, for my mom, for my family, and for me. We’ve missed birthdays, graduations, even the small moments that matter the most. This isn’t just about one man. It’s about a family that deserves to be whole again.”