Riley Burruss, daughter of singer-songwriter and βThe Real Housewives of Atlantaβ alum Kandi Burruss, is opening up about how she has been impacted by her momβs recent split from stepdad Todd Tucker.
In November 2025, Kandi Burruss confirmed in a statement to People that she was separating from Tucker, whom she married in 2014. The magazine reported that the divorce was finalized in March.
Riley Burruss appeared as a guest on TODAY Radio Show on SiriusXM and shared how she has been feeling since the break up.
βI will say, a lot of people forget the fact that yes, a divorce happens between two people, but it affects more than just those two people,β she told host and TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle executive producer Talia Parkinson-Jones in a July 10 clip. βSo it is really hard for me.β
She said that she has been struggling recently while shooting her Bravo series βNext Gen NYCβ because she first learned about her mom and stepdad separating during filming.
βItβs just been a year of adapting,β she continued. βItβs tough at times. Itβs easy at times. Itβs confusing. Iβm still learning, honestly.β
Parkinson-Jones said she could relate to Riley Burruss because she went through a similar situation when she was younger. She asked the reality television star what she has learned about her mother as they navigate this challenging time.
The 23-year-old replied, βIβve learned from my mom that there are a lot of things that she protects in herself, and how strong she is, how courageous. Because all of this stuff, I didnβt even know. She wants to protect me the most she can. So being able to do that for your children, I think, is just a powerful thing.β
In her initial statement to People about her divorce, Kandi Burruss told the outlet that it had been βa difficult and emotional time.β
βAfter deep thought and a lot of prayer, Iβve made the decision to move forward with a divorce,β she said in a statement. βThis is a difficult and emotional time, but my focus remains on protecting my peace, being the best mother I can be, and co-parenting with love and respect.β
She added that she was entering βa new chapterβ in her life and focusing on her work, family and personal growth.
Part of that next chapter was starring on Broadway in the production of β& Juliet.β Burruss portrayed AngΓ©lique from December 11, 2025 to March 8.
During that run, she stopped by TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle to chat about the changes in her life. Jenna Bush Hager asked Kandi Burruss how co-parenting was going after pointing out that the Xscape singer spent the holidays with Tucker.
βWell, we have determined that no matter what, weβre always gonna be great co-parents for our kids. So that means that weβre going to spend holidays together sometimes because weβre still family, even though he and I have decided to go our separate ways,β Kandi Burruss responded.
She shared that she and her now ex-husband are βtrying to make it as easy as possible for our children.β
Kandi Burruss told Sheinelle Jones that her Broadway show and many other projects were helping her cope.
βWhen I decided to do this show was rightβ¦ in the thick of it,β she recalled. βSo it has been the best therapy for me, because sometimes you have to have something to put your focus into or your attention, to keep your mind out of a sad place.β
The Grammy winner said that singing, performing and working out were her methods of healing.
β(I) do everything that Iβm supposed to do to make sure Iβm the best I can be on stage in front of everybody. While behind the scenes, I might be breaking down, but I have to keep it together and get it. It gives me motivation,β she explained.
Kandi Burruss shares 10-year-old son Ace and 6-year-old daughter Blaze with Tucker. She shares Riley Burruss with ex Russell βBlockβ Spencer. Tucker is also a dad to 30-year-old daughter Kaela Tucker, whom he welcomed during his relationship with ex Keema Parker.