REAL Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey has reacted to pal Kyle Richards’ separation from her husband Mauricio Umanksy in an exclusive interview with The U.S. Sun.
RHOBH's Kyle and Mauricio announced their split on July 3 after 27 years of marriage.
The reality star's friend from The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip is opening up about hearing the news.
"Oh, I was, like, devastated. I was really surprised. I really loved them as a couple," Cynthia Bailey, 56, told The U.S. Sun in a new interview.
"I loved their whole family dynamic and I got a chance to meet Mauricio when we were in Turks and Caicos for [Ultimate] Girls Trip.
"And he just seems like a really great guy and I know they've been together for a really long time, so I'm praying that they work it out, and I'm praying that if they don't work it out that they both, you know, will still be good and be able to just be friends at least."
The Beverly Hills star and Atlanta star filmed together for season one of RHUGT, which premiered in November 2021.
Kyle, 54, and Mauricio, 53, both released statements on social media after the shocking news broke with people speculating the reason behind their split.
They wrote: "Any claims regarding us divorcing are untrue. However, yes, we have had a rough year.
"The most challenging one of our marriage. But we both love and respect each other tremendously."
KIM & KROY
Prior to the now-separated couple working through their issues, Cynthia's former RHOA castmate, Kim Zolciak, and her husband, Kroy Biermann, both filed divorce papers.
However, two months after filing, they called off the divorce.
Cynthia, who is promoting her partnership with Seagram's Escapes and its new summer cocktail, Peach Bellini Ombre Punch, shared her reaction to the divorce news with The U.S. Sun.
"You know, I feel like they have so many kids and it just seemed like they were really happy," she said.
"I'm happy to see that they're gonna try to work it out.
"I think when you have children involved, it's always like, 'Let's give it all we have,' and then if they feel like they're just better as co-parents, then that's up to them.
"But I think that if it was me, I would exhaust all options before I walked away."
The reality star went through her own public divorce with ex Mike Hill.
They were married for two years before announcing their split in October 2022.
Their divorce was officially finalized two months later in December.
GIVING ADVICE
She's now offering advice to others who are going through a similar experience.
Cynthia told The U.S. Sun: "The only advice that I would give to anyone who asks for my advice is just... your peace is very important. I think that you have to consider yourself as well.
"I think self-love is very important and I think it's hard to show up for other people if you're not showing up for yourself the way you want to.
"So I would just say, 'Hey, at the end of the day, you know your peace. None of it matters if you don't have peace because you're just gonna be better for it if you're at peace with yourself and you're taking care of yourself.
"And if you can do all of those things and have those things in a relationship, in a marriage, then I think that's the key.'"
FEELING GOOD
Luckily for Cynthia, the TV personality didn't have to film her divorce for RHOA since she left the show in September 2021.
But, fans did get to witness their wedding when it was part of season 13.
Now, the actress is feeling good after finalizing her divorce and is enjoying being single, calling this time "hot girl summer."
"I feel good. Going through a divorce is not easy and I think that anyone that's going through that process just wants it to be over and wants it to be as drama free as possible," she explained.
"And, you know, my divorce didn't come with any drama and I'm so grateful to my ex for that we jumped in with both feet and we kind of jumped out with both feet and we still were able to do it in a respectful way where we both were just able to walk away with grace."
The pair, who didn't have a child together, are now on non-speaking terms, per Cynthia.
"We don't really talk that much anymore just because we're not married anymore and I think that when you go through a divorce or a breakup, there needs to be sometimes some space," she insisted.
"I think we both are respecting each other's space and each other's healing process.
"If I see him, of course, it would be all hugs and, you know, it'd be great to see him, but as far as us just hanging out just to be hanging out, no.
"I don't think either one of us is interested in that right now."
For now, the Terror Lake Drive star is focusing on her acting career while having fun hosting parties and sharing her Peach Bellini Ombre Punch recipe with friends.
The summer cocktail is made with Seagram's Escapes Peach Bellini, bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and grenadine.
