Reality television star and Grammy-winning singer Kandi Burruss has publicly shared the profound emotional toll of her ongoing divorce from husband Todd Tucker. The 49-year-old former Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member took to Instagram this week to reveal she feels 'emotionally broken' inside, despite maintaining a brave face for her family and business commitments.
A Smile Hiding Heartbreak
In a candid post on Wednesday, Burruss accompanied a series of photos showing her smiling with friends and loved ones with a powerful message. 'This is what I look like when I'm going through something,' she wrote. 'I show up for my family, I show up for my friends, I show up to handle my business, & I show up with a smile all while on the inside I'm emotionally broken.'
She clarified that this outward composure was 'not being fake' but her personal way of dealing with turmoil, often internalising her struggles. Burruss described herself as 'the poster child' for the adage about checking on your strong friends, as many in the pictures were unaware of her inner sadness during a 'life changing' event.
The End of an 11-Year Marriage
The revelation comes just weeks after Burruss formally announced her decision to file for divorce from Tucker in late November, ending their marriage of 11 years. The couple, who tied the knot in 2014, share two children: nine-year-old Ace and six-year-old Blaze.
In an initial statement, Burruss called it a 'difficult and emotional time,' focusing on protecting her peace and co-parenting with love. She later elaborated during an Amazon Live session, admitting the split had been 'brewing for a while' and that she experiences fluctuating emotions. 'I'm gonna be very honest with you - I am up and down. Obviously, going through a divorce is definitely not the easiest thing,' she told viewers.
Support and Speculation
The media personality's heartfelt post garnered immediate support from friends and former colleagues. Ex-RHOA castmate Cynthia Bailey sent 'love, prayer & strength,' while singer Deborah Cox and TV personality Tanisha Thomas also offered uplifting messages.
The separation follows a seemingly united public front. Notably, Burruss thanked Tucker in a speech at BravoCon in Las Vegas on November 14th after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award. Furthermore, the estranged pair spent Thanksgiving together, though Tucker was absent from the family photo Burruss posted, a detail she quickly clarified was not deliberate.
However, a source alleged to People magazine that marital troubles stemmed from Burruss discovering Tucker had been 'talking to other women behind her back,' claiming she 'had no idea.'
Burruss and Tucker first met in 2011 while filming the fourth season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Their relationship blossomed both personally and professionally, leading to joint ventures including a soul food restaurant chain in Georgia and their own Bravo series. The couple last posted about each other on October 8th, sharing images from a family apple-picking day.
