RHONJ: What Jacqueline Laurita's Sons C.J. And Nicholas Are Doing Today
Longtime fans of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" will recall past cast member Jacqueline Laurita. As Bravo wrote in Laurita's bio, Laurita is married to Chris, and the two share three children, Ashlee, C.J. and Nicholas. In 2016, Laurita spoke with E! about how her relationship with Ashlee had grown as Ashlee was engaged and pregnant with her first child. "Our relationship came full circle. We're amazing," Laurita said.
In addition, Laurita has used the spotlight to raise awareness about autism, as she announced that Nicholas is autistic in 2012, per People. "People that aren't going through [autism] don't understand it," Laurita said to In Touch in 2013, per Bravo. "I love having the opportunity to be able to show people because honestly, what's given me strength is listening to everyone else's stories, their struggles, their successes." After appearing on "RHONJ" since Season 1, Laurita revealed she would be exiting the series for good following its seventh season. "I think the feeling [from the network] is that I no longer have an authentic connection with two of the season's cast members," Laurita said to Entertainment Tonight in 2017. Since then, Laurita has opened up about how her two sons are progressing.
Jacqueline Laurita's sons are growing up fast
Following her departure from "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," Jacqueline Laurita's two sons have matured quite a bit. Believe it or not, Laurita's middle child, C.J., celebrated his 20th birthday in 2022. Laurita honored C.J.'s big day with a photo of him and his father, Chris, on Instagram in December 2022. "Rare picture of my older son C.J. who turned 20 years old in May!" Laurita wrote. "He started on #rhonj filming his 6th birthday! Where has the time gone?" "RHONJ" cast mates like Caroline Manzo shared their thoughts on C.J. being grown up. Manzo commented, "He's a man. And I just saw him a few months ago, but the shock never wears off."
Also in 2022, Laurita's younger son, Nicholas, officially entered his teen years. In June of that year, Laurita announced that Nicholas was turning 13 years old. The former reality TV star shared via Instagram that Nicholas spent the week of his birthday with her and other family members in Palm Desert. "We love you and are so proud of all of your hard work and accomplishments. You bring us so much joy!" Laurita wrote to Nicholas. "I'm sure you'll have another great year!" In August 2022, Laurita posted Nicholas' eighth-grade school photo on social media. She has continued raising awareness on autism and has kept fans up-to-date on how things are going in regard to family life.
Jacqueline Laurita remains a dedicated mom
Jacqueline Laurita continues to use her platform to educate and connect with those who also have children who are autistic. Back in October 2022, Laurita shared on Instagram that the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation and Pyramid Educational had debuted the NICK Fire & Burn Safety resources, which are named after her son Nicholas. Laurita explained that the "resources were designed to bring fire and burn safety education to individuals on the autism spectrum, those with developmental disabilities or communication challenges, and pre-school aged children."
Additionally, in honor of Autism Awareness Month 2021, Laurita took to social media, writing that Nicholas "makes [her] smile every day" and "has taught [her] so much about life." "I love and cherish the connections I've made within the autism community and the many wonderful people who support it," Laurita said. "Thank you to all of you that have shared your stories with me." Furthermore, in a June 2021 "NoFilter with Zack Peter" podcast episode, Laurita stated that Nicholas' latest interest is real estate. "Nick is doing good, making progress," Laurita said. "He loves school ... He's obsessed with real estate, Google Earth. He has every real estate app." In a 2019 chat with poet and author Russell Lehmann, Laurita expressed her joy in being a mom to her three children, Nicholas, C.J. and Ashlee. "All my kids are unique, and I love them all," she said.