If you've watched the trailer for Season 8 of Bravo's the Real Housewives of New York City, then you saw the part where Bethenny Frankel revealed she is battling an illness. There were even mentions of her possibly needing a living will. Obviously, just the mention of both an illness and a will, in addition to seeing the fear on Bethenny's face is enough to worry fans and make them wonder what exactly Bethenny's illness is. At this time, the reality star hasn't specified what type of illness she is battling, but if anyone can get through whatever she is going through, it's Bethenny.
She did give People a bit of insight in March when she said, "I'm facing a women's health issue that many women can relate to." She added, "I'm dealing with it head on and viewers will understand how I personally deal with matters such as this. I hope women can relate, learn, and support each other in life moments like this." At this moment in time, that's all Bethenny has said of whatever she is dealing with health-wise.
I can only imagine what the 45-year-old author and Skinnygirl mogul is going through and feeling. As a single mother who loves her daughter, Bryn, unconditionally and would do anything in the world for her (as she's proven repeatedly on RHONY), this has to be an extremely scary and emotional time for her. That said, and I think many viewers and Housewives fans will agree with me, when I say Bethenny is beyond strong.
As someone who lives under a microscope, is constantly scrutinized, is going through a public divorce battle with ex Jason Hoppy, and has opened up her life on reality television, Bethenny has dealt with her fair share of tough moments. That is all the more reason she'll be able get through her illness. If you need further proof, here are some of the other tough times when Bethenny's stayed positive and fought whatever life threw her way.
When Her Marriage & Talk Show Ended
In addition to getting married on television, Bethenny has also dealt with her divorce on television. From discussing it in TV interviews, like with Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live, to being extremely candid about her marriage ending on RHONY, Bethenny has pushed through her split from Jason. Furthermore, like her marriage, her talk show, Bethenny , also came to an end, which also wasn't easy. It definitely hasn't been all rainbows for her, but like she usually does, Bethenny stayed positive and determined for herself and her daughter.
As she shared on her official website after appearing on WWHL in March 2015,
I have grown as a person the past couple of years and I am in a different place now. I am proud to be back on RHONY and although I don’t consider my marriage or my talk show "successes," I don’t think of them as failures either. I don’t believe in regret and I am right where I am because of my experiences. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
When Her Dad Died
From the beginning, Bethenny has been extremely open about her poor relationship with her parents. "I grew up in a very toxic home," she told Harper's Bazaar in November 2009. "You know, I grew up with alcoholism and bulimia, cigarettes, and I think Freud would say that's why I was drawn to health." Furthermore, she even dealt with her father's death during RHONY Season 3. It was a complicated and emotional time for her, but one she was able to eventually confront.
When She Sat Down With Her Stepdad
During Season 7 of RHONY, Bethenny sat down with her estranged stepfather in Miami and, again, it was an emotional moment for her. Even though he's not her biological father, she said her stepdad was "the only real father [she's] ever known." Like with her mother, she and her stepdad also had a contentious relationship, but like the tough individual she is, Bethenny confronted him and was able to get through it.
When She Bared Her Soul In Therapy
From time to time, Bethenny has showcased her therapy sessions on television, which can't be an easy thing to do. That said, she is not afraid to bare her soul and show viewers who she really is. I don't know if I could admit my faults, talk about my past, and discuss whatever heartbreak I was feeling at that moment all on TV, all while staying a focused, positive, and successful person and mother.
Bethenny surely has had a complicated life, but it has never, ever gotten her down to the point where she can't get back up.
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