Ashley Darby, one of the standout stars of The Real Housewives of Potomac, recently gave fans an in-depth look into her personal life during her January 12, 2025, appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.
Nearly three years after separating from her husband Michael Darby, Ashley confirmed that she has not only made progress in finalizing their divorce, but has also found a new romantic connection — albeit a label-free one.
Ashley shared that she’s currently dating Josh Gudenburr, a man she met during a speed dating segment that aired in Season 9, Episode 10 of RHOP.
The connection has evolved since then, and while they’re not officially calling each other boyfriend and girlfriend, Ashley described the relationship as exclusive.
“We’re hanging out,” she told Andy Cohen with a smile, adding, “He may have set me off this morning… yeah, he’s a good guy.”
When asked if the two were monogamous, Ashley didn’t hesitate to say yes, although she was quick to clarify that they haven’t applied any formal labels to their bond just yet.
“We are only banging each other,” she quipped, staying true to her candid personality.
Beyond her budding romance, Ashley addressed where things stand with her ex, Michael Darby.
Though they’ve been separated since March 2022, Ashley confirmed she officially filed for divorce in November 2024.
While the legal process is still ongoing, Ashley made it clear that she considers her part done, noting that “it’s in the hands of Virginia state, so I’m done.”
In an email statement to The Daily Dish, she reflected on the experience of signing the divorce papers, calling the moment “bittersweet.”
Drawing a poignant comparison, she said it felt like leaving a house filled with memories:
“Just before you close the door for the last time, you think back on all the incredible things you created together like your children and lasting memories, and then you just have to close the door and move on.”
Ashley also opened up about how the separation has affected her emotionally, acknowledging that even after two years of living apart, there was always a lingering feeling of attachment.
Now that the divorce is underway, she says she feels a new sense of freedom and excitement about shaping her life on her own terms.
Co-parenting has been another area of growth for Ashley and Michael. The two share two young sons — Dean Michael Darby and Dylan Matthew Darby — and Ashley says their parenting relationship has improved considerably.
“We went from parallel parenting to co-parenting, so we’re good. We’re better,” she told Andy.
However, their children are still young and don’t entirely understand the situation. Ashley shared a heartfelt moment involving her eldest son, Dean, who recently asked,
“Why don’t you and daddy live together?”
For now, the kids simply know that their parents live in separate homes, and Ashley seems focused on making that reality as smooth and loving as possible for them.
When asked about Michael’s current dating life, Ashley didn’t shy away from acknowledging what she’s heard.
According to her, Michael is “in the streets every weekend,” and she often hears stories about his adventures from others.
Despite the sometimes overwhelming flow of information, Ashley seems to take it in stride, wishing him well and expressing no bitterness.
With her divorce nearly finalized, her co-parenting relationship stabilized, and a promising new romance on the horizon, Ashley Darby appears to be turning a fresh page in her life.
Her candidness and emotional maturity continue to resonate with fans, offering a deeper, more personal look into the life of one of RHOP’s most dynamic cast members.
As she navigates this new chapter, viewers will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how her journey unfolds.
