Joe Giudice Breaks Silence: Thoughts on Ex-Wife Teresa Giudice’s Engagement to Luis Ruelas
Joe Giudice, at 49 years old, and Teresa Giudice, also 49, shared a life together for two decades as husband and wife. Their journey, which began with their marriage, saw them navigate numerous challenges, both personal and public, as documented extensively on reality television. While their highly publicized separation in December 2019 was undoubtedly marked by difficult periods and emotional upheaval, Joe has consistently shown a remarkable degree of support for his ex-wife, particularly concerning her blossoming relationship with Luis Ruelas, 46. Now, with the significant news that Luis has officially proposed to Teresa in a grand, romantic gesture, the question on many minds has been: How does Joe truly feel about this monumental step in Teresa’s life? His recent comments offer a rare glimpse into his perspective, highlighting a complex blend of good wishes and personal observations as Teresa embarks on this exciting new chapter.
Addressing the joyous news, Joe Giudice, known for his role on the hit reality series The Real Housewives of New Jersey, shared his sentiments with Page Six on October 22nd. “I’m happy for Teresa and Louie, I give them my blessings,” he affirmed, indicating a genuine desire for his ex-wife’s happiness. However, he also offered a candid observation about the pace of their relationship, noting, “I think they moved a bit quick into this romance, but I’m glad she found her true love and wish them all the best.” This statement reveals a thoughtful and perhaps slightly cautious approach, reflecting on the whirlwind nature of Teresa and Luis’s romance while ultimately expressing unwavering support. For an ex-spouse, particularly one who shared such a long and public history, these words carry significant weight, demonstrating a maturity and focus on co-parenting and mutual respect that many might find admirable. Joe’s acknowledgment of Teresa finding “true love” underscores a peaceful acceptance of her new journey, despite the rapid progression of the relationship in his eyes.

The love story between Teresa Giudice and Luis Ruelas unfolded rather quickly, captivating fans and media alike. Their relationship officially began in November 2020, and it wasn’t long before their connection deepened significantly. Earlier this month, the couple took a major step, moving into a magnificent sprawling New Jersey mansion together, a milestone they proudly shared with their followers through enchanting Instagram stories. This cohabitation marked a clear signal of their commitment, preparing the ground for the even more momentous event that was to follow. On Monday, October 19, Luis orchestrated a truly unforgettable and epic proposal in the breathtaking setting of Greece. The romantic scene was nothing short of a fairytale, adorned with an abundance of red roses, a dazzling display of fireworks lighting up the night sky, and a “Marry Me” sign, making it a moment Teresa described as truly magical. “Teresa is ecstatic right now and she truly feels she found her dream man,” a source close to the reality star EXCLUSIVELY shared with HollywoodLife. The insider further elaborated on Teresa’s emotional state, adding that the beloved reality personality “is happier than she’s been in a long time,” underscoring the profound positive impact Luis has had on her life. The grandeur of the proposal and Teresa’s radiant happiness speak volumes about the depth of their bond and her readiness to embrace this new chapter with open arms.
The source continued to provide crucial context regarding Teresa’s journey to this newfound happiness, highlighting the challenging period she had navigated before Luis’s arrival. “Luis entered Teresa’s life when she was going through one of the hardest times in her life,” the insider explained. This period was indeed marked by immense personal sorrow and significant life changes. Following her emotionally taxing divorce from Joe, Teresa faced the profound grief of losing both her beloved parents, Giacinto and Antonia Gorga, within a few years of each other. These losses left a deep void in her life, stripping away key figures of support and love. Concurrently, she was still grappling with the complex realities of life as “somewhat of a single mom” after Joe’s legal troubles led to his incarceration and eventual deportation. This meant not only handling the emotional weight of her family’s public struggles but also taking on the primary responsibility for raising her four daughters amidst unprecedented turmoil. Luis’s presence during this vulnerable time provided much-needed stability, comfort, and a renewed sense of hope, acting as a beacon of light after a prolonged period of darkness. His understanding and unwavering support have been instrumental in helping Teresa heal and move forward, allowing her to rediscover joy and optimism for the future.

Teresa and Luis’s journey began approximately two months after Teresa officially finalized her divorce from Joe Giudice, marking a distinct separation point and the beginning of a truly new chapter for the reality star. The former couple had shared a 20-year marriage, a union that brought them four wonderful daughters: the eldest, Gia, now 20; Gabriella, 17; Milania, 15; and the youngest, Audriana, 12. Their highly publicized split followed a tumultuous period dominated by Joe’s legal issues, which ultimately led to his conviction for fraud and subsequent time in prison. After his release, Joe faced the difficult reality of deportation to his native Italy, making it physically impossible for him and Teresa to maintain their marriage. This geographical separation, coupled with the profound changes in their lives, necessitated the end of their marital relationship. Despite the emotional complexities and public scrutiny surrounding their divorce, both Teresa and Joe have consistently prioritized their daughters’ well-being, striving to maintain a cooperative co-parenting dynamic. The finalization of their divorce was a pivotal moment, allowing Teresa to fully embrace the possibility of a new romantic connection and paving the way for her serendipitous meeting with Luis, marking a fresh start after years of personal and legal battles.
Even amidst the challenges of divorce and the geographical distance, Teresa and Joe have managed to forge a remarkably amicable co-parenting relationship. Following their initial separation, a source close to the former couple confided in PEOPLE, stating, “They have been very friendly with one another and are very supportive of each other’s happiness.” This mutual support has been a cornerstone of their post-marital dynamic, particularly important given their shared commitment to raising their four daughters. The source further elaborated on the lingering affection and pragmatic understanding between them: “They still love one another, but as Teresa told Andy Cohen on the Watch What Happens Live special, they are separated by the Atlantic Ocean. Neither is interested in a long distance relationship.” This poignant statement perfectly encapsulated the reality of their situation. While deep affection and a shared history remained, the physical barrier created by Joe’s deportation to Italy made a conventional marital relationship unsustainable. Their decision to separate and ultimately divorce was born out of a practical necessity, rather than a lack of care for one another. Joe’s continued presence in his daughters’ lives, facilitated by visits and technology, underscores their commitment to family despite the distance. His recent blessings for Teresa and Luis further exemplify this mature approach, demonstrating that even after a highly public and tumultuous past, it is possible for ex-spouses to find a path to mutual respect and support, allowing each to pursue their own happiness.