When you grow up with cameras around the dinner table and private confessionals broadcast for the world to see, reality TV doesn’t exactly feel out-of-the-norm. Still, even a seasoned reality TV star like Kandi Burruss knows the spotlight hits a little different when the cameras are solely on your child.
The singer, producer and longtime “Real Housewives of Atlanta” standout attended the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards last week (March 12), where she opened up to PEOPLE about preparing her daughter, Riley Burruss, for the unpredictable world of reality television.
Kandi Burruss to Daughter Riley: ‘Keep It Honest’
GettyAfter years of popping up on screen beside her mom during RHOA’s legendary run, Riley is officially stepping into her own spotlight. The 23-year-old joined the cast of “Next Gen NYC” — Bravo’s series following a circle of twenty-something friends navigating ambition, friendship and a little chaos in New York City.
The show’s cast reads like the next chapter of Housewives royalty. Alongside Riley are fellow reality-TV heirs like Ariana Biermann, daughter of Kim Zolciak-Biermann; Gia Giudice, daughter of Teresa Giudice; and Brooks Marks, son of Meredith Marks.
But Burruss made it clear she gave her daughter a quick masterclass before the cameras started rolling. Moreover, Kandi Burruss stands out for guiding Riley through the ups and downs of reality TV. “Well, I just told her don’t be on there [and] say anything that you ain’t going to stand behind,” she admitted.
“You got to make sure you keep it honest on this show. And even if you say something they don’t like, just own it and keep it pushing,” she continued. “Don’t let them rewind no tapes on you like how they do with people on the shows. We not doing that.”
So, in other words, she wants Riley to say everything she means and be ready for the replay.
Burruss Admits She Feels Protective: ‘Nothing I Could Do to Shelter Her’
GettyBurruss officially exited RHOA in 2024 after an impressive 14-season run, leaving behind one of the franchise’s most successful eras. But watching her daughter walk into that same reality-TV arena brings a different kind of nerves. Notably, Kandi Burruss’s legacy continues on through her daughter and their shared experiences.
The proud mom shares Riley with her ex, Russell Spencer, and since graduating from New York University in May 2024, Riley has been building her own life in the city.
Still, Burruss has admitted she feels protective. Speaking previously at the BET Awards in 2025, she confessed the transition hasn’t been entirely easy. “It’s your baby, you know what I mean?” she said. “People already be trying to say crazy stuff about my child online and other celebrity kids. When it’s her out front, it’s like really nothing I could do to shelter her.”
Explaining how “things change” once the spotlight shifts directly onto you, she added, “You’re not just catching a stray. It’s like people can really just focus on you and say whatever they want to say, and for sure so I’m scared. Oh, Lord. I’m scared of what she gonna be doing on there, child.”
Burruss Told Andy Cohen She Still Helps Pay the Bills
While Riley may be building independence, Burruss recently joked that her daughter’s lifestyle still has a familiar sponsor: her.
During a February appearance on “Watch What Happens Live” with host Andy Cohen, Burruss laughed about how Riley’s New York life still comes with a little financial assistance.
“I mean, you know, she lives in New York in a two-bedroom in a nice building,” Kandi told host Andy Cohen. Naturally, Cohen wondered whether Riley had a roommate to balance out those Manhattan rent prices. “No,” Burruss replied.
