From her early days at SUR in that unforgettable navy blue romper to navigating the whirlwind of reality TV fame, Brittany Cartwright has been a constant presence in the Vanderpump Rules universe. Joining the show in Season 5, she quickly became a fan favorite—not just for her Southern charm, but for her unwavering loyalty to her now-estranged husband, Jax Taylor. Their relationship played out on screen through Vanderpump Rules, their short-lived spinoff Jax & Brittany Take Kentucky, and even a post-Scandoval reaction series. But now, Cartwright is stepping into a new era—one defined by independence, growth, and putting herself first.
Currently starring in Bravo’s The Valley, a VPR spinoff that follows a group of 30- and 40-somethings navigating adulthood, marriage, and parenthood (with plenty of drama along the way), Cartwright is front and center—this time, without Taylor as her co-star. After years of highs and lows, the couple filed for divorce in August 2023 following a separation earlier that year. The current season of The Valley offers a raw, often painful look at their final days together, from explosive arguments to Cartwright dealing with Taylor’s rage-filled texts while he was in rehab.
“I’ve put Jax before me for so many years, and I think that I need help to figure out how to put myself first again,” she confessed in a recent episode.
And that’s exactly what she’s doing.
A Day in the Life: Glam, Growth, and Quiet Reflection
During a recent press tour in New York City to promote The Valley, Cartwright gave us a glimpse into her new normal—one where she’s reclaiming her time, her confidence, and her future. Between back-to-back interviews and photo shoots, she shared moments of quiet reflection, proving that even in the spotlight, she’s prioritizing healing.
Her day began with a glam session—hair curled to perfection, makeup flawlessly applied—but the real transformation was in her demeanor. There was a newfound lightness about her, a sense of relief that comes with shedding the weight of a strained relationship. “It’s been a journey,” she admitted, “but I’m finally learning what it means to take care of me.”
From Kentucky Princess to Independent Woman
Cartwright’s journey hasn’t been easy. For years, she stood by Taylor through controversies, infidelity rumors, and his own personal struggles. Fans watched as she defended him, forgave him, and often put her own needs aside to keep their relationship afloat. But now, she’s rewriting her story.
On The Valley, viewers see her navigating single motherhood (the couple shares a son, Cruz) while also dealing with the emotional fallout of her split. One particularly gripping scene showed her breaking down after receiving a barrage of angry messages from Taylor. But instead of crumbling, she sought therapy, leaned on friends, and made a conscious choice to step away from toxicity.
“I used to think love meant sacrificing everything,” she reflected. “But now I know that real love—especially self-love—means setting boundaries.”
What’s Next for Brittany?
While her future with Taylor is officially over, Cartwright’s future in the spotlight is anything but. Fans have rallied behind her, praising her strength and vulnerability. And with The Valley gaining traction, it’s clear that Bravo sees her as a star in her own right—not just as part of a couple.
As for what’s next? She’s open to new opportunities—whether that’s more reality TV, a podcast, or even a return to SUR (hey, stranger things have happened). But one thing’s for sure: Brittany Cartwright is no longer just “Jax’s wife.” She’s a mother, a reality TV veteran, and, most importantly, a woman rediscovering herself on her own terms.
And if there’s one thing her fans know, it’s that she’s always been resilient. Now, she’s proving it more than ever—one selfie, one confessional, and one brave step at a time.
The Valley airs Tuesdays on Bravo.
