Whitney Rose has officially filed for divorce from her husband of 16 years, Justin Rose, after reports of their separation first emerged in July. The 40-year-old reality television personality shared an exclusive coparenting update just hours after submitting the legal paperwork in court.
Speaking to E! News during Page Six's Virtual Reali-Tea Awards 2026 at the Edison Ballroom in New York City on Sept. 6, the Utah native confirmed there is no bad blood between her and her 59-year-old estranged husband. The couple are focusing on supporting their two children, daughter Bobbie, 16, and son Brooks, 13.
Rose is best known as an original cast member on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, a popular Bravo reality television franchise documenting the lives of influential women in Utah. She is also the founder of skincare brand Wild Rose Beauty.
Nesting Arrangement and Family Stability
"We’re nesting, so we share two homes," Rose told E! News during the event. "Our kids stay in one home and he and I move from home to home to keep the kids’ security, safety, stability."
While the entrepreneur admitted feeling sad that her 16-year marriage ended, she emphasized that her primary focus remains her children's safety and well-being.
"This process has taught me no matter what happens between us, we will put the kids first," Rose added, "and that’s all that matters to me, is my family is safe despite what happens in my marriage."
The split comes as viewers watch the couple's relationship difficulties unfold on screen during the seventh season of the Bravo reality series. Rose admitted that watching the filmed marital conflicts back on television has been emotionally challenging.
Reflections on Divorce and Fan Connection
"It’s hard to rewatch it because that was some time ago," Rose admitted. "I’m in a completely different place and a different mindset."
Despite the emotional toll of watching past disagreements, Rose expressed pride in how she and Justin have managed their separation. "I’m very proud of Justin and I, we’ve remained amicable and coparenting," she said.
Rose promised viewers that she intends to remain "vulnerable and real" as her personal journey continues to air on television, expressing gratitude for the supportive messages received from viewers.
"Keep sending the love," Rose shared. "I really appreciate when fans reach out and share their connection to my story because that’s why I’m here doing it. It makes me feel like at the end of the day there is beauty in all the madness of reality TV and I have the ability to connect with so many people I normally wouldn’t be able to."
Sixteen Years of Marriage
Reports that the couple had separated first surfaced in July. Over previous seasons of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, the pair frequently spoke about working through difficult periods in their relationship.
While celebrating their 16th wedding anniversary last November, Rose posted a tribute on Instagram reflecting on the symbolic meaning behind their milestone year.
"I looked up the 'symbol' and 'gift' that you give someone who is celebrating 16 years and it told me that the symbol is wax," Rose wrote on Instagram at the time. "At first, I was like wth but I started reading more about it and it’s beautiful."
She continued her post by explaining how the tradition reflected their long relationship: "The wax represents the flexibility and the warmth that a couple needs to mold their lives together over time. This is beautiful and it definitely resonates with how much we have been through yet while always loving each other every step of the way. I love you J, thanks for molding this life with me."
Salt Lake City Season Seven Developments
Bravo's logline for season seven notes that Rose is "on a journey of self-reflection and is making major changes in her life, including where she stands with her husband, Justin." The network added that while her bond with castmate Bronwyn Newport remains strong, Rose is looking to make amends with Lisa Barlow and Meredith Marks, though "the road ahead may be uneasy."
Other cast members are navigating major personal transitions and relationship changes of their own throughout the current season.
Heather Gay is currently in love and spending time with her new boyfriend, Tripp. Bravo teased: "Though she's excited to embrace her relationship era and new opportunities, Heather looks to bury the hatchet with Lisa and Meredith, who may not be as open to moving on."
Lisa Barlow is described as "more committed to her family than ever following an emotional heart-to-heart with her husband, John, and the return of her oldest son, Jack, from his Mormon mission," according to network teasers. Barlow also pursues a music career this season, though one of her songs "ruffles feathers within the group."
Cast Support, Feuds and New Arrivals
Following the loss of her son Robert Jr., the cast has rallied around Mary Cosby. Bravo noted that the women are prepared to put their feuds aside to support Cosby as she "finds solace in Robert Sr., her faith and the path ahead."
Meredith Marks sees her friendship with Barlow deepen as she seeks to hold other cast members accountable. Meanwhile, Angie Katsanevas is "discovering herself and finding her voice, but in doing so realizes she may be growing apart from the person she loves the most and must navigate troubles at home," according to Bravo. While Katsanevas forms a deeper bond with Gay, she and Barlow "refuse to see eye to eye."
Bronwyn Newport is navigating life without Todd, seeking advice from Muzzy, and preparing to move out with her daughter, Gwen. Network teasers note that although Newport's new model boyfriend, Brandon, is quick to charm, the cast begins to question what is occurring in her personal life.
Britani Bateman is working to move on from her ex Jared Osmond. Bravo's logline states that while Bateman is "determined to bring some positivity and fun to the group, things go awry as her pot-stirring ways continue."
Joining the cast this season as a new addition is Ashley Quai, a Utah native, entrepreneur, motorcycle enthusiast and former makeup artist who is friends with Barlow and Rose. Known as Quai, her introduction to the show hits a rocky patch when "an anecdote about her husband becomes fodder for the ladies."
