Gretchen Rossi and Slade Smiley Celebrate Their Daughter's Graduation: "We Are So Proud"

Gretchen Rossi is beaming with pride.

On Wednesday, June 4, The Real Housewives of Orange County friend took to Instagram to celebrate her daughter Skylar Gray’s most recent milestone: school graduation. Gretchen posted photos and videos of the ceremony, in which her 5-year-old girl led her classmates in a prayer.

Gretchen Rossi takes us inside her daughter's graduation day

“Graduation Day! We are so proud of our girl!” she captioned the carousel. “She lead the whole Graduation ceremony with a prayer! (and did it in front of a whole Adult audience). 

“My heart just melted when they all came out in their cap and gowns,” Gretchen continued before saluting Skylar’s school and teachers. “We are so grateful for her wonderful school who has nourished her soul in ways we could never say thank you enough. She is becoming such a precious sweet young lady and we know a lot of it is because of the hands on care and love she receives from her amazing teachers.”

The post included footage of Skylar receiving her little diploma, as well as a cute family photo featuring her dad and Gretchen’s longtime fiancé, Slade Smiley.

“Your Mommy & Daddy are so proud of you Skylar Gray! We love you so much,” the RHOC mom wrote. “P.S. where does the time go[?] She is growing up way too fast (she is already 6 next month).”

Gretchen Rossi teases her RHOC Season 19 return

Gretchen Rossi in the Real Housewives of Orange County Season 19 press portrait. Photo: Bravo

Gretchen shared the family update as she prepares for her small-screen comeback. The mother of one appeared in RHOC seasons 4-8 and will return for Season 19 as a friend of the group. 

Ahead of the season premiere, Gretchen shared a few words about her Season 19 experience, saying she was so “excited to be back in the mix with all the ladies.”

“I love the girls, I’m having so much fun, and I can’t wait for the season to air,” she said during a chat with BravoTV.com. “Since you guys last saw me, I have a baby girl, Skylar Gray. Well, she’s not a baby anymore. She’s 5 and a half. We’re just busy with work and being parents.”

Season 19 will feature returning cast members Shannon Storms Beador, Heather Dubrow, Tamra Judge, Gina Kirschenheiter, Emily Simpson, Jennifer Pedranti, and Katie Ginella. 

“I actually have had friendships with Heather and Emily over the last several years and then have gotten really close with Jenn and Katie,” Gretchen said before revealing what’s in store for Season 19. “Fans can expect fun. They can expect some fashion. And I’m not afraid of a good fight.”

RHOC will return to Bravo on Thursday, July 10. Find out more about the upcoming season, which promises to deliver plenty of drama.