Ashley Darby: Two Years of Tears and the Journey to Rebirth After Divorce

Ashley Darby, a star of The Real Housewives of Potomac (RHOP), has faced a prolonged and emotionally taxing divorce from her now ex-husband, Michael Darby. The couple, married for eight years, announced their split in April 2022. Together, they share two sons: Dean, 5, and Dylan, 3. Since the announcement, Ashley has been candid about the challenges she faced during this transitional period, particularly on the topics of emotional healing and financial stability.

Navigating Emotional Turmoil and Financial Uncertainty

Ashley has been forthright about the complexities of her separation, both on RHOP and in interviews. One of her primary concerns was securing financial stability for her family, especially after purchasing a home post-separation. However, Ashley’s hesitation to finalize the divorce wasn’t purely logistical.

In a revealing interview with Page Six’s Virtual Reali-Tea, Ashley discussed the depression she experienced after parting ways with Michael. “It’s hard out here,” she admitted. “I wish I could put a timestamp on it that everyone wants me to in relation to this divorce. It is so emotional for me. It’s a point of grieving.”

The emotional weight of processing the end of her marriage left her unable to adhere to the timeline others expected of her. “I even went through a little bit of a depression, thinking about where my life is now versus where I thought it was going to be, and coming to terms with that,” she shared.

After two years of deliberation, Ashley officially signed the divorce papers in June 2024, marking a significant milestone in her journey. Despite societal expectations to “move on quickly,” Ashley took the time she needed to heal. “As much as I wanted to just be a bad bitch and be like, ‘Yeah!’ — in actuality, it was still really hurting me,” she confessed.

A New Chapter and a “Very Big Step”

Now, Ashley is stepping into a new phase of her life. In recent updates, she revealed that her patience and introspection have paid off. “I’m in a much better place,” she said. “I did something very big this [month]. I can’t quite share with you yet, but it was a very big step that I took this week. I shed a tear or two, but I’m feeling good otherwise.”

While she hasn’t disclosed the details of this major development, it’s clear that Ashley is prioritizing her well-being and embracing her independence. A robust support system has played a crucial role in her recovery. She credited her therapist and close friends, particularly her bestie Cory, for their unwavering support. “Cory has this sixth sense and knows when I’m in a down-in-the-dumps place. He calls me, takes me out, makes me get dressed up, look pretty, and flirt with some boys. And that always makes me feel better,” she shared.

Moving Forward: Career and Dating

Ashley is actively dating and exploring new opportunities. She was previously linked to Summer House alum Luke Gulbranson and recently filmed a dating show for Peacock alongside her RHOP co-star Gizelle Bryant. While the show’s premiere date is yet to be announced, it signifies Ashley’s willingness to embrace new experiences.

Her journey has been one of resilience and growth, proving that healing doesn’t follow a set timeline. As she continues to navigate life post-divorce, Ashley’s story serves as a reminder of the strength required to rebuild and rediscover oneself after heartbreak.

Catch The Real Housewives of Potomac Sundays at 8/7c on Bravo to follow more of Ashley’s story.