A look inside ‘RHOC’ star Braunwyn Windham-Burke’s fresh start after divorce
Back in 2019, Braunwyn Windham-Burke played the leading role The Real Housewives of Orange County with her businessman husband, Sean Burke. The seemingly perfect couple lived in a mansion with stunning ocean views, threw drinking parties for friends and traveled the world with their seven children (Bella, 23, Rowan, 21, Jacob, 18, Caden and Curren, both 10, Koa , 9, and Hazel, 6.)
Five years later, Windham-Burke’s life couldn’t have been more different. In 2020, she got sober and came out as gay. She’s engaged Jennifer Spinner since July 2022 and finalized her divorce from Sean last November after 23 years of marriage. She and Spinner left the OC and ventured to the small town of Franklin, Tennessee, where they now live in a modest townhouse after living with Sean for a short time in a “nesting” situation.
It’s a new start for the reality TV alum, who currently works as a recovery coach and had to save for a car for months. “I had everything, but I wasn’t happy,” says the 46-year-old. “It turned out that I didn’t want any of that. Things are very different now, but it is also very good.”
Windham-Burke talks about what the future holds We weekly‘s latest issue:
Why did you leave the OC?
I had a hard time after Real Housewives and when I came out and got sober. I went to middle school and high school in Laguna Beach. Everyone knew everything about me. I started having panic attacks when I went to the supermarket.
Why Tennessee?
I never found Orange County to be the healthy environment I wanted for my children. I had sober friends here, [The Hills alum] Jason Wahler, and he said, “Move to Franklin.” We came here and the first house we saw I thought, ‘This is it. This is the life I want.”
And Sean was okay with the move?
He said, “Yes, you can go, as long as you put my name on the lease.” He wanted to know if he had a place to stay with the children. He was only supposed to be there for a while. I said, “We can go back to nesting, where you can stay in our guest room 10 days a month to be with the kids.” Things went well for a while, [but in the end], I had to be the one to leave. I actually had to have my psychiatrist write a letter to get out of the lease and say this is not a healthy living environment.
(When asked for comment, Sean Burke denied creating an unhealthy living environment and stated that he was a “supportive and caring husband” throughout the marriage.)
Your life has changed a lot since you RHOC to dawn…
It’s a riches to rags story. I have less than when I was 18. I have to work, which is difficult if you’ve never been in the job market before. I am fortunate that I was able to go back to school thanks to the help of my parents.
Do you wish you were involved in your family’s finances?
Every woman should see her bank account. She would also have to pay bills. I fell into the trap of convenience. I had a credit card and it worked, and that’s all I needed to know.
Would you say you lost your identity during your marriage to Sean?
I met Sean when I was 18. Back then, I was so busy being a stay-at-home mom and wife that I never asked myself, “Who is Braunwyn?” As I got older, I realized that I had wanted all the wrong things.
Do you regret anything?
It’s hard not to be positive when you have an amazing fiancée and four little kids who are adorable running around with our puppy. I wish I stayed in school [and] Have a job? Yes. But when you have children, you can’t have any regrets because you love your children.
No regrets doing it RHOC?
[No]For one reason: Without the responsibility, I don’t think I would have stayed sober. I remember Kelly Dodd I said I was pretending to be an alcoholic. There were times when I wanted to drink so badly but didn’t want to give her the satisfaction. I was like, “I hate her more than I want to drink.”
Full of scandals or just the right time to walk away? Stassi Schroeder, Lauren Conrad and Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi are among the reality stars who made surprising exits from their shows. For example, Schroeder was fired from Vanderpump Rules after eight seasons alongside costar/frenemy Kristen Doute. Bravo confirmed their departure in June 2020 following their racist past […]
Have you finally found yourself?
I have found my voice. For so long people told me to be smaller and quiet. I have been disappointed many times in my marriage… Finding someone who loves you completely for who you are is magical.
What is your message to other women who are struggling?
You need to take charge of your life and control your situation. If you are going through a divorce or thinking about it, ultimately there is freedom. There is empowerment. And it will be fine.