Setting her champagne flute aside marked a pivotal decision in her life. The 37-year-old alum of The Real Housewives of Potomac shared exclusively with PEOPLE how thrilled she is about stepping away from the Bravo series after season 8 to focus on her pregnancy.
She and her husband, Chris Bassett, celebrated the arrival of their first child, son Jett Maxwell Lee Bassett, just last month. Reflecting on her choice to leave behind the on-screen drama, she expressed gratitude for the tranquility it brought to her pregnancy journey.
Describing the experience, she said, “I’m overjoyed and fulfilled with how gentle and serene my pregnancy turned out to be. It was filled with relaxation, joy, and indulgence.” After appearing in six seasons of RHOP, her exit in March allowed her to embrace the peacefulness she craved.
Chris Bassett and his wife celebrate baby Jett’s arrival with joy
Emphasizing the freedom she felt, she recalled, “It was empowering to focus on myself—working out, eating what I craved, and sending Chris on late-night runs for whatever I needed. It was an amazing time.”
Initially hesitant about pregnancy, she admitted she was surprised by how much she enjoyed it. “I expected to dislike it,” she revealed. Concerns about sickness and body changes faded as her experience got exposed with unexpected joy.
Comparing this chapter to the potential stress of filming season 9, she believes continuing with the show would have compromised her happiness. “The second trimester, when energy returns, is a time to thrive, and I wouldn’t have had that. It was such a beautiful experience.”
Looking back, she feels no regret about her departure. “Absolutely none,” she affirmed. While she hasn’t been keeping up with the series, she’s glad fans continue to enjoy it. Her time on RHOP remains a source of pride, as she reflected, “Being part of Potomac’s legacy is something no one can take away from me.”
Shortly after sharing her pregnancy news in April, she explained to Entertainment Tonight that her decision to leave was largely influenced by her desire for a peaceful environment for her growing family. “I wanted to create a space for us and our child that was free from the pressures of the show,” she explained.
Announcing Jett’s arrival earlier this month, she described her newborn as “the cutest little thing” and shared her happiness with PEOPLE. “Chris and I couldn’t be more thrilled. He’s brought a joy to our lives that’s indescribable—pure love!”
She concluded with a sense of excitement, saying, “I look at him and imagine all the adventures we’ll share together.”
