Alicia Carmody is happy to see Liz McGraw doing well after her decision to step away from “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.”
While speaking exclusively with Page Six‘s “Virtual Reali-Tea,” Carmody opened up about her longtime friend’s life after leaving the Bravo series following its debut season. McGraw announced her departure in July, but Carmody said she has heard positive updates about how her former co-star is doing.
“I’m so happy for her, and I hear she’s thriving,” Carmody told the outlet.
Carmody acknowledged that appearing on reality television can bring challenges, particularly when cast members open their personal and family lives to public discussion.
For now, Carmody is respecting McGraw’s decision and giving her room as she moves into a new chapter.
“I love her from afar. I always will love Liz,” Carmody said.
Alicia Carmody Admits She Misses Liz McGraw
Carmody is currently filming Season 2 of “RHORI” without McGraw, making the upcoming season a different experience for her.
“We started this [show] together,” she told Page Six. “I definitely miss her for certain things, but she had to do what she had to do.”
Carmody also agreed with executive producer Andy Cohen’s previous comments that the door remains open if McGraw ever wants to return to the franchise.
McGraw announced her departure after one season by explaining that she wanted to devote more attention to other areas of her life.
In her statement, McGraw said she was stepping back to focus on her family, work and passions. She also expressed support for the women continuing with the franchise and said she planned to watch the second season.
“The ‘RHORI’ cast is an amazing group of women who have created something special,” McGraw wrote on Instagram.
McGraw did not provide a more specific reason for leaving. However, “Real Housewives of Orange County” star Tamra Judge previously told Page Six that McGraw had struggled with negative attention on social media.
BravoAlicia Carmody Clarifies Her Relationship With Liz McGraw
Carmody and McGraw also experienced their share of disagreements during “RHORI” Season 1.
One of their most significant conflicts involved Carmody discussing experiencing homelessness during childhood. McGraw questioned Carmody’s characterization of that period because Carmody and her mother eventually stayed with her grandmother.
Despite their tension on the show, Carmody’s latest comments make clear that their history stretches far beyond reality television.
However, she also clarified that their relationship was not quite as close as viewers may have assumed.
When Page Six suggested that the two had been “like sisters,” Carmody disagreed with that characterization.
Carmody explained that she grew up as best friends with McGraw’s niece, while McGraw’s sister shared a close friendship with Carmody’s mother. Those family connections meant McGraw had been part of Carmody’s life since childhood.
“Me and Liz weren’t besties but we have [had] a connection since I was born, a little girl,” Carmody said. “I looked up to her.”
Their relationship may have become complicated during their first season together, but Carmody appears focused on supporting McGraw’s decision from a respectful distance.
As Carmody continues filming Season 2 and McGraw focuses on life away from the cameras, both women are moving forward on separate paths. Still, Carmody’s comments suggest that the affection built through their years of knowing one another remains intact.
For now, Carmody is pleased to hear that her former co-star is thriving and appears open to whatever the future may hold for their relationship.
