She's kept a low profile since leaving The Real Housewives of New Jersey, and fans are eager to know what Jacqueline Laurita has been up to since her exit. Jackie was a fan favorite (along with her outspoken daughter Ashlee Holmes), and known for being one of the few cast members to stand up to Teresa Giudice. After seven seasons on the show, Jacqueline left on horrible terms with Teresa. Since her departure, Jacqueline has kept herself busy raising her children and grandchildren, and giving back through philanthropy.
Jacqueline was known for being one of the more transparent housewives on the show. She and her husband Chris Laurita allowed the cameras into their home to share their journey with their autistic son, Nicolas. Additionally, a then-teenage Ashlee was giving her mom Jackie a hard time, so her mother struggled to understand the troubled teen. After sending Ashlee to live with her dad in Las Vegas, the parent and child built a stronger bond. Meanwhile, Jackie's longtime friendship with Teresa came to an end after she brought up Teresa and Joe Giudice's legal issues on the show. The former friends have remained estranged since Jacqueline left ahead of season 8.
Since leaving the show, Jackie's family has grown to include a grandson that Ashlee welcomed in 2016, with her then-fiance, Peter Malleo. Ashlee tied the knot two years later, with Jackie's approval. “I couldn’t be more thrilled for them," Jackie tweeted at the time," as captured by Us Weekly. "May they have a beautiful life together!" However, by November 2021, thing had gotten ugly, as Ashlee accused her husband of cheating. "My husband is busy f–king some busted looking whore,” Ashlee replied to a fan comment on Instagram, Page Six reports. Ashlee was responding to a fan who asked if she was planning on having another baby with Pete. She went on to add, “but maybe one day.”
Meanwhile, Jackie works to spread autism awareness and serves as a health coach for families with special needs. She recently celebrated being certified in the Picture Exchange Communication System (P.E.C.S.). "The N.I.C.K. (Neurotypical/diverse Independent communication Kit) for Fire and Burn Safety was developed by the partnership of @pecs_usa and the @aarbf inspired by Nick and I," Jacqueline shared in her caption. On Mother's Day, the RHONJ star, who has tangled with Teresa, posted a heartwarming video showing Nicolas wishing her a Happy Mother's Day. People often take to Jackie's comments to thank her for her continued advocacy for autism, and for using her platform as a safe space for the community.
With all of the history that Jackie has on The Real Housewives of New Jersey, there's always an opportunity for her to return. However, with her and Teresa remaining enemies, it'll be hard to get the two original cast members in the same room. The family ties are frayed, with Jacqueline being married to Chris, who is Caroline and Dina Manzo's brother. However, Dina remains estranged from her family while maintaining a close friendship with Teresa. With Teresa being best friends with Dina, there's too much bad blood for Teresa and Jackie to ever mend fences. Fans can keep up with Jackie on social media.
Sources: Us Weekly, Page Six, Jacqueline Laurita/Instagram