Former The Real Housewives of Orange County stars and fan favorites Gretchen Rossi and Slade Smiley are getting candid on the difficulties of IVF...
Plus the future parents answer whether they'll return to RHOC. Press play on the video above for Christy's exclusive interview. Then keep reading for more information on Gretchen and Slade's relationship history.
Gretchen Rossi and Slade Smiley's romantic relationship began in a rather unconventional manner, becoming one of the most talked-about romances in reality TV. They first met in 2009 while filming The Real Housewives of Orange County (RHOC).
At the time, both were dealing with significant personal challenges: Gretchen was mourning the loss of her fiancé, Jeff Beitzel, to leukemia, and Slade was dealing with financial issues and custody battles involving his children. Despite these circumstances, they formed a connection that soon blossomed into a full-fledged romance.
Their relationship faced scrutiny from both the public and their fellow The Real Housewives of Orange County cast members, who often questioned the authenticity of their bond. Critics were particularly vocal about Slade's reputation, considering his past relationships with other Housewives, including Jo De La Rosa and Lauri Peterson.
However, Gretchen and Slade stood firm, frequently defending their relationship on and off the show. Their dynamic brought both drama and genuine moments of support and affection, making them one of the standout couples of the series.
Gretchen Rossi exited The Real Housewives of Orange County after Season 8, which aired in 2013. Her departure followed a season filled with intense drama, including her controversial engagement to Slade Smiley and various conflicts with fellow cast members. Despite her unexpected firing, she left a lasting impact on the franchise and continued to stay in the public eye through her ventures in fashion, beauty, and her continued relationship.
In the years following their departure from The Real Housewives of Orange County, Gretchen and Slade have continued to build their lives together, often sharing their journey with fans via social media and other public appearances.
One of the significant milestones in their relationship was their engagement in 2013, marked by a heartfelt proposal involving a helicopter ride and a performance of a song Gretchen wrote for Slade. Despite their engagement, the couple has yet to marry, citing various personal reasons, including Slade's well-publicized debts.
In 2018, after a long and challenging journey with infertility, Gretchen and Slade announced they were expecting their first child together through IVF. This joyous news was a testament to their resilience and deep commitment to each other.
Their daughter, Skylar Gray, was born in July 2019, bringing immense happiness and fulfillment to their lives. Gretchen and Slade have been open about their experiences with IVF, hoping to offer support and encouragement to other couples facing similar struggles.
Today, Gretchen and Slade continue to maintain a strong and loving relationship. They often share updates about their family life, including adorable moments with Skylar, and their various business ventures.
Both have transitioned into roles as entrepreneurs and influencers, leveraging their reality TV fame to build successful careers outside of the show. Their journey together, from the initial controversies to their current family life, highlights their enduring bond and ability to navigate the challenges of life with unwavering support for each other.
Roll the video above to check out Christy's exclusive interview with Gretchen and Slade.
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