RHONJ: What Happened To Jacqueline Laurita's Daughter, Ashlee?

In 2009, when Bravo launched the first season of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," Jacqueline Laurita was introduced as one of the original housewives. Laurita wasn't alone on the show as she soon introduced her daughter, Ashlee Holmes, who was only a teenager at the time. With Holmes appearing from Season 1 through Season 5, as well as Season 7, "RHONJ" viewers watched her evolve from a somewhat confused teenager to a successful young lady, making a name for herself in the beauty industry.

Since leaving the show, Holmes has mostly flown under the radar, leaving "RHONJ" fans wondering what she has been up to.  According to her LinkedIn, Holmes works as a beauty stylist at Nordstrom and also is a freelance professional makeup artist, with a focus on TV and film. As seen on her Instagram, Holmes also works as an influencer, often partnering with beauty and lifestyle brands. 

Outside of these gigs, however, much more has been happening in the former reality star's life. 

In 2018, two years after getting engaged, Ashlee Holmes got married to her longtime partner Pete Malleo, with whom she had also welcomed a son, Cameron, in 2016. "I couldn't be more thrilled for them," Jacqueline Laurita wrote then in a congratulatory Instagram post. "May they have a beautiful life together! A.M./P.M. Congratulations! Love you both!" The couple also received a special shoutout from Holmes' aunt and former "RHONJ" star Caroline Manzo who wished the couple a lifetime of happiness. But of course, wishes are not horses.

In July 2020, Holmes took to her Instagram Stories, announcing her and Malleo's decision to separate. "I've always been an incredibly open and honest person. Although no one is entitled to the details of my private life, I have always chosen to share them with you," she started (via Bravo). "Those of you who follow my husband Pete and I on social media have naturally become invested in our lives over the years. That being said, Pete and I have decided to separate."

While Holmes and Malleo's separation was kept relatively private, she revealed on Mother's Day 2022 that they had finalized their divorce the month prior. "This is going to be my first Mother's Day as a single mom," she captioned an Instagram post. "My divorce was finalized last month while I was away visiting my family ... All I can say for now is that I wholeheartedly tried everything."

In June 2022, Ashlee Holmes shared another major life update, revealing a mental health diagnosis to fans. "These last two years have been especially difficult for me. About almost a month ago, I had a mental breakdown," Holmes revealed. "I found myself in a position where I was afraid of myself and my own thoughts." After taking a break from social media and getting proper help, she revealed she was diagnosed with bipolar II and borderline personality disorder.

Writing further, Holmes revealed she was on medication and was not ashamed of her diagnosis. "I see bipolar disorder as the gift of extraordinary emotions. It has given me a level of resiliency that I very much needed growing up," the "RHONJ" alum added. "I'm curious and hopeful to see where I'll be a year from now. Life is a journey full of ebbs and flows. Keep going. Be proud of yourself."

Holmes shared details of her mental breakdown with Page Six in March 2023, admitting that it was triggered by her separation from Malleo and how quickly he moved on. "I was just really hurt and really angry, and it was just bad ... It was a really dark time for me," she explained. The professional makeup artist also revealed she sought psychiatric help to process her diagnosis, and that she's "doing good right now."