Kandi Burruss, the former star of *The Real Housewives of Atlanta*, has publicly shared her emotional struggles during her divorce from Todd Tucker. In an Instagram Reel posted on December 3, 2023, Burruss, 49, expressed her feelings of sadness and stress while attempting to maintain a facade of happiness for her family and friends.
In her caption, Burruss remarked, “This is what I look like when I’m going through something,” highlighting the contrast between her outward appearance and her internal struggles. She explained, “I show up for my family, I show up for my friends, I show up to handle my business, & I show up with a smile all while on the inside I’m emotionally broken.” Burruss elaborated that many people in her life were unaware of the “inner stress & sadness” she was managing, stating, “This is not being fake. This is just how I deal with things. I internalize and deal with it alone.”
The emotional post resonated with her followers, as she emphasized the importance of checking in with those who appear strong, saying, “I am the poster child for the saying ‘check on your strong friend because you never know what they are going through.’” Burruss’s candidness was further underscored by the inclusion of a song she wrote years ago, featuring the poignant lyrics, “Can’t keep running away, keep running away, from all the pain.”
Burruss confirmed her separation from Tucker, 52, in a statement to *Us Weekly* on November 21, 2023, after 11 years of marriage. On the same day, she filed for divorce, marking the end of a significant chapter in her life. In the following days, Tucker filed court documents demanding primary custody of their two children, Ace, 9, and Blaze, 6. Burruss initially sought joint custody but later adjusted her request to sole custody, reflecting her desire to ensure stability for her children during this tumultuous time.
“After deep thought and a lot of prayer, I’ve made the decision to move forward with a divorce,” Burruss stated. “This is a difficult and emotional time, but my focus remains on protecting my peace, being the best mother I can be, and co-parenting with love and respect.” She expressed gratitude for the support she has received and requested privacy as her family navigates this transition.
In a subsequent Amazon Live broadcast on November 24, Burruss revealed that the decision to end her marriage had been “brewing for a while.” She candidly discussed the ups and downs of the process, admitting, “I’m gonna be very honest with you, I am up and down. Obviously, going through a divorce is definitely not the easiest thing.”
During the Thanksgiving holiday, Burruss shared moments with her family on Instagram, noting that Tucker had joined them for dinner but was absent from the family picture. She clarified, “He was not left out or anything like that,” indicating a cooperative approach to their co-parenting situation.
As Kandi Burruss embarks on this new chapter, her openness about her emotional journey resonates with many, shedding light on the complexities of navigating personal challenges while maintaining a public persona.
