Renowned chef and television personality Rachael Ray has revealed her deep love for Italy in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. Speaking at the New York City Wine & Food Festival’s Blue Moon Burger Bash 2.0, Ray shared that she embraces the Italian way of living by spending as much time there as possible. The culinary star expressed, “I live there as long and as much as I can.”
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Despite her affinity for Italy, Ray’s husband of 20 years, John Cusimano, is a New Yorker who prefers the bustling city life of New York. Ray acknowledged this difference in preference, stating, “My husband loves New York, prefers New York, and he has a rock ‘n’ roll band, so he spends a lot of time here. I spend as much time as I can there. We work in both places.”
The couple splits their time between a New York City apartment and a home in Lake Luzerne, which they rebuilt following a devastating fire in August 2020. Ray’s connection to Italy runs deep as she shared that her family roots trace back to the country. She and Cusimano exchanged vows in a Tuscan castle in 2005 and renewed their vows in the same location a decade later. In 2021, Ray disclosed that she had purchased a home in Tuscany, fulfilling her lifelong dream of living in Italy.
Ray’s love for Italy extends beyond just the picturesque surroundings. She described the tranquillity and peace she finds in the country, highlighting the activities she enjoys there, such as tending to a garden, making wine, and pressing olive oil. The serene environment allows her to relax and unwind, away from the fast-paced lifestyle of New York City.
One of the main reasons driving Ray’s extended stays in Italy is her rescue dog, Bella Boo Blue, who struggled to adapt to the urban setting of New York. Ray explained, “She just can’t handle the sound and the lack of land, grass, and woods of New York. She just can’t handle it, so I stay in Italy as much as possible. She’s there now, by the way.”
Ray, now 57, shared her plans for a quiet holiday season with Cusimano and Bella, emphasizing their desire for a peaceful celebration. The couple intends to spend a serene Christmas in Italy, away from the holiday hustle and bustle, enjoying each other’s company and the tranquillity of their Italian abode.
In conclusion, Rachael Ray’s deep-rooted connection to Italy shines through as she continues to embrace the country’s culture and lifestyle. Her story serves as a testament to following one’s dreams and finding solace in a place that brings a sense of peace and joy. Ray’s love affair with Italy not only enriches her personal life but also inspires others to pursue their passions and create their own oasis of tranquillity amidst life’s chaos.