Bethenny Frankel is getting help from Bravo stars after her mother passed away, Bernadette Birk.
On April 20, 2024, the former “The Real Housewives of New York City” star announced on Instagram that her mother died from lung cancer at age 73.
In her post, Frankel, 53, did not sugarcoat her difficult relationship with her mother, with whom she had a 12-year estrangement before reconciling in recent years.
The comment section to Frankel’s post received more than 200,000 likes and thousands of comments. Additionally, “Real Housewives of New York” stars past and present offered support to Frankel.
Here’s what you need to know:
Bethenny Frankel Got Support From the Bravo TV Family
In her heartbreaking post, Frankel shared details of her difficult relationship with her mother. She wrote that her mother struggled with a self-destructive lifestyle but still loved her despite her lack of parenting skills. The RHONY OG called her late mom “selfish in life, yet selfless in death” by making her last wishes simple and clear.
Frankel also shared that the death of her mother caused her to confront past childhood trauma. She ended her post with a farewell to her mother and added, “You did the best you could and you are free and at peace.”
Bravo stars quickly offered their condolences to Frankel and her 13-year-old daughter, Bryn Hoppy.
“So sorry for your loss , so sorry for the pain your mother had within her and how it affected your relationship with her 💔,”wrote Frankel’s former RHONY co-star Ramona Singer.
“I felt this🥹. What a meaningful message Bethenny, sending so much love and light,” wrote RHONY newcomer Sai DeSilva.
“Real Housewives of Miami” star Guerdy Abraira wrote, “Thanks for being open and not sugar coating your relationship like many do. She seemed like a queen to me! My condolences.”
Stars from other Bravo shows also offered their condolences to the original RHONY star.
“What a strong and beautiful message. I’m so sorry for your loss @bethennyfrankel ❤️🩹🫶🏻,’ wrote “Vanderpump Rules” alum Billie Lee.
“So beautifully written. So sorry for your loss,” wrote “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Danielle Cabral.
“I’m sorry Bethenny ❤️ Thinking of you and Bryn 🙏,” added Frankel’s longtime friend, “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Kyle Richards.
“I’m sorry for your loss. This was beautifully written. Peace be with you ❤️,” wrote “Real Housewives of Orange County” star Vicki Gunvalson.
“What a wonderfully written tribute to your mother,” wrote Dr. Tiffany Moon of “Real Housewives of Dallas.” “I’m sorry for your loss. Thank you for being so open about your complex relationship with your mother and I’m so glad you reconnected to her so she could have a relationship with Bryn. Sending you all love ❤️
“So beautifully expressed. I am so very sorry for your loss,” added fellow RHOD alum Stephanie Hollman.
Bethenny Frankel Ended Relationship With Bravo in a Dramatic Manner
GettyAndy Cohen and Bethenny Frankel
Frankel was on 8 seasons of RHONY and two spinoffs before leaving the franchise permanently in 2019. However, she is unlikely to attend a BravoCon event in the future.
In the past year, Frankel has been in the news for her “reality reckoning” campaign. According to Page Six, the Skinnygirl founder called for systematic changes at Bravo even though she ended her ties with RHONY years ago. “It seemed quite clear to me,” Frankel told Vanity Fair in October about the need for a reality TV union. “Then I thought, ‘How can I take this further? I can’t just talk and not take action.’”
Frankel’s criticism of the genre that brought her fame irritated some Bravo stars.
Her former co-star Luann de Lesseps even called her out during one of her cabaret shows. “Now, back to Bethenny. You know, listen, why criticize the people who support you?” de Lesseps said while performing at a New York City show in December 2023, according to Page Six.
But Frankel’s Bravo conflict was set aside following her heartfelt tribute to her mother as many stars from the network offered her support.
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