Jacqueline Laurita's Journey from RHONJ to "Retired" in the O.C.: See Throwback Pics
Catch a glimpse of the The Real Housewives of New Jersey alum's childhood and younger days with these photos from the past.
Wow, how time flies! Jacqueline Laurita's The Real Housewives of New Jersey journey began in 2009, when she came on the scene in Season 1. And for seven seasons on RHONJ, she took fans inside her complicated friendships in the Garden State crew as well as her life at home with her family, including her husband, Chris Laurita, her young sons, Chris Jr. and Nicholas, as well as a teenage daughter, Ashlee Holmes, from a previous relationship.
Since stepping away from RHONJ nearly a decade ago, Jaqueline is living out on the West Coast and is "retired in O.C," per her Instagram bio. She's also still married to Chris and remains an open book about her life as she shares updates on their two sons, CJ and Nicholas. She's still candid about Nicholas' autism journey and continues to share small peeks at her life in California, including how grown up CJ is today. Her eldest daughter, Ashlee, is holding things down on the East Coast where she raises her son, Cameron.
If Jacqueline's life seems different these days from when we were first introduced to her, you're probably right. And these unearthed throwback photos from before RHONJ prove that Jaqueline has always been evolving.
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Throwback Photos of Jacqueline of The Real Housewives of New Jersey
Before Jacqueline came on the scene, these throwback photos share a glimpse at her childhood and young adulthood as well as the many iterations of big hair she's worn over the years. They are truly a time capsule and definitely delightful to scroll through.
Jacqueline Laurita as a child before RHONJ
Jacqueline grew up in New Jersey and as you can see her youth was spent with a cute puppy, which is probably why she's smiling so much.
Jacqueline Laurita as a young adult before RHONJ
Like all Garden State girls, Jacqueline's life included big hair and glamour shots.
Where is Jacqueline Laurita after The Real Housewives of New Jersey?
After leaving New Jersey, Jacqueline and her family spent some time in Las Vegas before settling in California in June 2023. They currently live in Orange County for Chris' business. As noted, Jacqueline is enjoying being "retired" these days after a career spent as a Cosmetologist and Bravoleb.
While she has said she is done with sharing her life on TV, she has fond memories of her time in RHONJ: “I don’t regret it, because it was a very interesting experience and I love knowing the behind-the-scenes of things. I’m glad that I had that opportunity and got to experience everything that I did.”
Jacqueline may have stepped away from RHONJ, but a new season is right around the corner.
Watch The Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 14 premiere May 5th at 8/7c on Bravo and stream next day on Peacock.