RHONJ’s Teresa Giudice receives support from ex Joe as she struggles with the death of her dad
REAL Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice received support from her ex Joe Giudice as she struggles with the death of her dad, Giancito.
The couple in December 2019 after 20 years of marriage - though they hadn't lived together since in early 2016.
, 48, took to Instagram on Friday to share one of the last photos she took of her father before he passed away.
As the two held hands while he was in the hospital, she wrote: "Miss you so much #papa"
Many of her fans came to her support, including her estranged husband .
The father of four wrote to her: "Your father was a phenomenal father, grandfather, husband and loyal friend many.
"He had a great sense of humor, a hearty laugh, boundless compassion, and a deep knowledge of the world.
"He cared deeply about our kids and now he is your angel always looking down on you."
His estranged wife took her time in responding to him and said: "Yes, he was, thank you for your kind words."
She finished the comment off with a heart-eye emoji.
Teresa's brother, , also commented on his heartbroken sister's post.
"I miss him so much too," he shared.
She replied: "I know, me too, today was a bad day, I can't stop crying."
Teresa and Joe's pain comes four months after at the age of 76 , The Sun was the first to report.
The star announced the news on her Instagram with a series of pictures of her late father and mother.
Teresa captioned a video collage of her dad: “My father, my protector, my hero, God took you early this morning to be with mommy, I saw you peacefully pass & I know you kept fighting for my daughters and I.
“I have so many amazing thoughts of you, every day seeing you in the kitchen at my home, teaching my girls to cook, my partner in crime on shopping trips, your love of the shore & my travel buddy.
"You always wanted everyone to have a good time, eat great food, have a stiff drink and enjoy life.”
She then thanked him for being the “best husband, father and Nonno.”
She ended the sweet post with: “Your devotion to mommy was one for the record books, you were the true example and a gentleman and devoted husband.
"You visited mommy every single day & would go twice for the days you missed while traveling or if you were too sick to go, my silver lining is knowing you’ll be together now. Thank you for showing us all what true love is. Love you Papa Rest In Peace.”
Why did RHONJ’s Teresa Giudice and Joe split?
The couple announced their separation in December 2019, though they hadn't lived together since Joe left for prison in early 2016.
The couple - who got married in 1999 - called it quits after years of legal drama.
She explained in the show that she hadn't been happy since their arrests and that she wanted someone with her every day.
Teresa's brother confirmed in April 2020 that
Despite the distance, her estranged husband has been there to support her on social media.
On her post, he shared: "Thank you for setting an example for us and my girls- you're an exemplary example. We benefited from it every day.
"Thank you for being a guiding light - your experiences and knowledge helped us navigate day-to-day challenges.
"Thank you for cooking at family holiday dinners - I cherish the times we all sat around the table together playing cards and listening to your remembrances of thanks. Thank you for your wit - your daughter got the best of that."
He ended the post with: "Now, Your heart and my dad are smiling in this tough time because they get to enjoy your good food and funny jokes. Cin cin."
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Giacinto has appeared on multiple episodes of .
He has helped the housewife raise her four daughters, Gia, 18, Gabriella, 16, Milania, 15, and Audriana, 11, while husband Joe was in prison for fraud.
He has also helped support Teresa and his granddaughters when Joe was , where he remains today.
Giacinto's wife, Antonia, passed away at age 66 from pneumonia in March 2017.