Brittany Cartwright, known for her time on Bravo’s *Vanderpump Rules* and its spin-off *The Valley*, has recently opened up about her journey through motherhood, co-parenting, and dating in a candid interview with *PEOPLE*. As she embraces a new chapter in her life following her split from ex-husband Jax Taylor, Cartwright revealed that she is currently “single as a Pringle” and finding joy in this stage of her life.
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Having first joined the cast of *Vanderpump Rules* during its fourth season, Cartwright became a beloved figure on reality television. However, her journey has been far from straightforward, marked by significant challenges and milestones. With the third season of *The Valley* having recently premiered, Cartwright is navigating life not only as a star but also as a devoted mother to her five-year-old son, Cruz.
Filming the latest season without Taylor has proved to be a transformative experience for Cartwright. She described the process as “refreshing,” noting that it was the first time in over a decade of reality television that she worked without him. “I was completely on my own for the first time, and that made things a lot lighter and easier for me,” she shared, hinting at a newfound sense of freedom and autonomy in her life.
The couple’s marriage ended following five years together, culminating in Cartwright filing for divorce in August 2024. Although they have yet to finalise the divorce officially, they reached an agreement on co-parenting earlier this year. Cartwright expressed that while co-parenting is often challenging, the well-being of their son is paramount. “Cruz is going to come first, so the co-parenting stuff is actually okay,” she stated.
Cartwright has acknowledged that her relationship with Taylor has been marked by ups and downs, describing it as “an up-and-down battle.” Nonetheless, both parents remain committed to their son, who she noted is thriving. “I just try not to have drama in my life anymore and keep toxic behaviour away from my son,” Cartwright explained, reflecting on her prioritisation of a healthy environment for Cruz.
Cruz has been a featured part of *The Valley* since its initial season, and Cartwright expressed her pride in sharing his story with the audience. Following his recent autism diagnosis, she has utilised her platform to raise awareness about autism, emphasising the importance of openness about her son’s journey. “I think it’s so important to share his autism journey because I want to help as many people as I can,” she remarked.
While the season has included an exploration of her relationship with Brandon Hanson, which ended shortly after their public debut, Cartwright expressed gratitude to fans for witnessing her experiences. “It is strange to see Brandon on *The Valley* because that was such a short fling,” she said, but quickly added that there are no hard feelings between them, as they remain friends.
Currently focusing on personal growth, Cartwright affirmed her single status, stating that she is enjoying her independence and taking time to heal. “I deserve to be happy and get the butterflies,” she reflected, highlighting her commitment to self-improvement as she moves forward.
As the third season of *The Valley* progresses, Cartwright promises viewers will be treated to an array of enjoyable moments and adventures. “We had a lot of really funny, hilarious moments that are coming up, and awesome trips, too,” she teased, eager for audiences to see the lighter and more vibrant aspects of her life.
With episodes airing on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo and available for streaming on Peacock the following day, fans can continue to follow Cartwright’s journey, both as a mother and as an individual carving out her own path in the entertainment world.