James Kennedy and his girlfriend Ally Lewber are looking to the future amid the Vanderpump Rules Season 12 cast shakeup, but not without a lot of accompanying emotions.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(719x0:721x2)/James-Kennedy-Girlfriend-Ally-Lewber-073123-4-5b3c85dabaa0413da668e6dacda477f0.jpg)
It was announced on Nov. 26 that VPR Season 12 will return in 2025 with a new batch of SUR-vers, resulting in the former cast to share their reactions to the news and formally say goodbye to the show.
Ally told Us Weekly on Dec. 3 that James was "grieving and just feeling emotions" when he found out about the casting news. Although they were apart when they found out, Ally was able to talk to James on the phone about it.
"I wasn't there so I didn't get to see him, but I would call and check in and he'd be like, 'I'm fine,'" she said. "He was just going to the gym and doing his thing, but I could just tell he was a little low. But I think he was reflecting."
She continued, noting that although it took time for him to process the news they are both ready to "move on."
"It was just an insane part of his life. I think he's proud — I know he's so proud — of where he's at now compared to where he started the show," Ally said.
"So, I think it's just gratitude and looking back and going, 'Holy sh-t. We just did that. And now we can move on,'" she concluded.
What's next for James Kennedy and Ally Lewber?
The couple, who currently lives in the cutest Burbank bungalow, have a lot going on in their lives. Ally has her astrology business, while James is currently touring across the nation as a DJ, and is even opening up for DJ Pauly D in February.
"During the week [when] we're both [home], we wake up and I do a couple of my astrology readings in the morning and then he makes us breakfast and we go on a walk with Hippie," she told the publication.
James has also been busy with brand partnerships, noting in the caption of one recent Instagram post that he was "excited to share more adventures" with his Instagram followers. He's also been so proud of his music career, revealing that over 216,000 people listened to his original songs on Spotify this year.
"I know I didn't release any original music this year, but expect that to change in 2025!" he wrote in the caption of the post. "I've been working hard on a big sound and can't wait to share it with you all."
James Kennedy's tribute to the Vanderpump Rules recast
James took to his Instagram account on Nov. 26 where he penned an emotional tribute about his time on VPR. "I can't lie, I'm holding back some tears as I write this," he wrote. "It's been a pleasure being a part of VPR and filling your TV screens with our lives over the past decade."
"I've dedicated my life to this show and I'm forever grateful to everyone who tuned in," he continued. "All of my dreams are finally coming true; this year I played Neon Carnival, EDC and Stagecoach, and I have a Vegas residency — and I have all of you to thank. It's been a wild ride and I'm excited to see what the future holds. Although this is a bittersweet ending for me, this is just the beginning! THANK YOU."
Ally Lewber's "appreciation post" for her Vanderpump Rules cast members
Ally also took to her Instagram account, where she posted a series of photos, taken with her VPR cast members (including James) over the years. She then took to the caption of the post where she expressed her gratitude for her time being on the show.
"An appreciation post for all these amazing humans I'm lucky to call friends," she wrote. "And thank you ALL for the love & support! It's been such a fun ride! Can't wait to see what's next for James Kennedy and me."
