Carole Radziwill Makes Surprise Return to Real Housewives of New York City
In a major development for reality television fans, legendary icon Carole Radziwill is officially returning to The Real Housewives of New York City. The 62-year-old former cast member will rejoin the franchise as a 'friend' for the upcoming Season 16, which is scheduled to begin filming this week according to multiple reports.
Revamped Cast for New Season
Radziwill will join the three remaining cast members from the reboot era: Erin Lichy, Sai De Silva, and Jessel Taank. The new season lineup expands further with several notable additions including Hailey Glassman, best known as the ex-girlfriend of Jon Gosselin, and celebrity makeup artist Daisy Toye, a longtime glam professional for Martha Stewart. Rounding out the fresh faces is celebrity fitness trainer Erika Hammond, creating what promises to be an intriguing dynamic for the sixteenth installment.
A Storied Reality Television History
Radziwill originally joined the RHONY cast in 2012 for its fifth season, becoming a mainstay through season ten alongside co-stars including Bethenny Frankel, Ramona Singer, Sonja Morgan, and Luann de Lesseps. Her debut surprised many viewers given her respected background in journalism, but she quickly became immersed in the show's signature drama.
Throughout her initial run, audiences witnessed the development and eventual dissolution of her friendship with Bethenny Frankel, as well as her relationship with chef Adam Kenworthy, who was more than twenty years her junior. The couple split in 2017 after three years together.
Dramatic Exit and New Beginning
Radziwill sensationally quit the show in 2018 following five seasons, amid a public falling-out with producer Andy Cohen. At the time, she released a statement explaining her decision to return to journalism and producing, stating: 'I have decided to return to what I do best - journalism and producing. I am sure this does not come as a surprise to any of the viewers, all of whom have been supportive, encouraging, and kind.'
She further elaborated that her 'original curiosity about reality television has waned over the years' and she wanted to focus on projects that better suited her 'more steady temperament.' Radziwill later revealed persistent on-set issues and accusations of preferential treatment toward certain stars contributed to her departure.
Distinguished Journalism Career
Prior to her reality television fame, Radziwill built an impressive career as a producer for ABC News spanning two decades. A significant portion of this time was spent stationed in Iraq covering the Gulf War, where she demonstrated exceptional reporting skills. She also spent six weeks in Afghanistan in 2003 and earned three Emmy Awards for her work on a documentary about land mines in Cambodia.
Radziwill began her journalism career in the 1980s as an intern on the magazine show 20/20 before moving to Peter Jennings's documentary unit, where she produced programs on contentious topics including abortion and gun control.
Personal Life and Legacy
The reality star is the widow of Prince Anthony Radziwill, whom she married in 1994 and who passed away from cancer in 1999. She found love in the ABC newsroom with Anthony, the son of Prince Stanislas Radziwill and nephew of Jacqueline Kennedy. His death proved particularly difficult as it occurred just three weeks after her close friend Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and husband John Kennedy, Jr. died in a plane crash.
In 2017, Radziwill shared insights into her spouse's cancer battle during a podcast appearance, noting how the disease was viewed as a death sentence at the time and rarely discussed openly. Following Anthony's passing, she stepped down from ABC News in 2003 to focus on writing her memoir What Remains: A Memoir of Fate, Friendship and Love.
With filming for Season 16 commencing this week, viewers can anticipate how Radziwill's return will influence the dynamics of the revamped Real Housewives of New York City cast, blending her journalistic background with the franchise's signature drama.
