Whitney Rose is opening up about how she and estranged husband Justin Rose are handling family life after their separation — including a “nesting” arrangement designed to keep things as stable as possible for their children.
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star, 39, said season 7 will show the breakdown of her marriage in real time and that she tried to be honest while still protecting daughter Bobbie, 16, and son Brooks, 13.
Whitney revealed that she and Justin actually separated at the end of May, although news of their split did not become public until July.
Rather than having their children move between two households, Whitney said she and Justin are the ones rotating.
The former couple shares their primary home and an apartment. Bobbie and Brooks remain in the family home while Whitney and Justin take turns staying there.
According to Whitney, the arrangement allows the kids to keep their bedrooms, friends and everyday routines without major disruption.
She said their home continues to be a gathering place for their children’s friends, which has helped keep life feeling familiar despite the separation.
Whitney also said she and Justin remain closely connected in other areas of their lives.
They continue to coparent, work together and spend time around their children, and Whitney believes the atmosphere has actually become more peaceful from the kids’ perspective.
The separation followed months of growing distance between Whitney and Justin.
Whitney said she moved into the guest bedroom in February, which she described as a significant step because the couple had historically been extremely close and codependent.
For her, sleeping separately represented the first serious attempt to create emotional and physical space in their marriage.
By May, Whitney said she realized she needed to take another step and formally separate.
Even though they are no longer functioning as a romantic couple, the two have continued working together professionally.
Whitney said Justin helped her regain and rebuild her Wild Rose Beauty business, describing that process as healing for both of them.
Still, she emphasized that they remain separated and are taking their future one day at a time.
For now, their focus is on their children, their business and giving their marriage some space.
Season 7 of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City premieres on Bravo Wednesday, September 16, with episodes streaming the following day on Peacock.
