Ashley Unfazed by Spotlight

As The Real Housewives of Rhode Island prepares to launch, its cast is already addressing how stepping into the spotlight may impact their personal lives — particularly Ashley Iaconetti and Jared Haibon.

Iaconetti, 38, brings years of reality-TV experience, having met Haibon, 37, on Bachelor in Paradise after appearances within The Bachelor franchise. That shared history, she says, has given them a strong foundation heading into Bravo’s cameras.

“I know that since we’ve been through the spotlight together, that neither of us are going to feel affected by it,” Iaconetti said during early press interviews.

The couple married in August 2019 following a well-documented on-and-off romance and now live in Rhode Island with their sons, Dawson and Hayden. Their business, Audrey’s Coffee House Lounge, will feature in the series, with storylines touching on the time, effort, and ongoing decisions tied to keeping it running.

Iaconetti has indicated that their past experience navigating a public relationship helps them approach the new series with clarity, particularly when balancing family priorities and professional commitments.

The expansion of the franchise — originally developed by Andy Cohen — continues Bravo’s focus on real-life dynamics, echoing the relationship-driven storytelling seen with figures like Kyle Richards.

Elsewhere in the cast, newcomer Jo-Ellen Tiberi said she and husband Gary Tiberi had detailed conversations before joining, with their children as their top priority. Rosie DiMare, meanwhile, reflected that she and husband Rich DiMare entered filming without setting clear boundaries — something she would reconsider for a future season.

The Real Housewives of Rhode Island premieres April 2 on Bravo, with new episodes airing Sundays and streaming the following day on Peacock.