Rachael Ray shares how she's been 'bashed over the decades' for choosing child-free life
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: On the Tuesday, November 12 episode of her podcast, 'I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead', Rachael Ray opened up about her choice not to have children and the scrutiny she has faced for it over the years.
Speaking with 'The Biggest Loser' trainer Bob Harper, who also chose a child-free life, the pair explored the societal pressures and judgments they’ve encountered, as reported by People.
Rachael Ray reflects on her decision to live child-free
"I chose to never have children," Harper said. "God love all the people that have kids."
Ray, 56, explained that while many find fulfillment in raising children, that path simply wasn’t for her. "Me too! Boy, did I get bashed for it over the decades," Ray said.
Harper noted that, during his upbringing, there was far less societal pressure on queer individuals to start families, a sharp contrast to today, where LGBTQ+ couples have numerous pathways to parenthood.
Instead, Harper channels his care and devotion toward his pets. "What my dogs teach me on a daily basis is that unconditional love."
For both Ray and Harper, the love and companionship of pets provide a different kind of nurturing experience. “My pets bring me a ray of light and help me through dark days,” Ray shared, adding that she often finds comfort in spending time with her dog after tough days.
"For me, if I have the absolute worst day, or I'm sick as a dog as the expression goes, the thing that makes me feel best is to go home and literally climb into bed under a blanket with my dog," Ray said.
Rachael Ray opens up about marriage, balance, and support from husband John Cusimano
In recent episodes of her podcast, Rachael Ray shared insights into her 18-year marriage with husband John Cusimano.
On the October 29 episode, Ray revealed the importance of personal space in their relationship, while emphasizing her gratitude for her husband. "We need our space," Ray acknowledged, "but I still consider myself wildly, wildly, wildly lucky."
The following episode saw Ray discussing the complementary dynamic between her and Cusimano, who is both a lawyer and a musician. "I'm not a musician. I'm certainly no lawyer," she laughed. Ray explained that, despite their different careers, they manage to balance each other.
"We allow each other to be open to different worlds," she shared.
Internet reacts to Rachael Ray's choice for a child-free life
Rachael Ray has always been open with her fans, and recently she shared another personal decision, choosing a child-free life with her husband, John Cusimano.
In a recent podcast episode, Ray explained her choice, adding that she feels fulfilled in her life as it is. Her candid words resonated with fans, who took to Facebook to express their understanding and support.
Many fans rallied behind Ray's decision, with one writing, "Enjoy your life however that may look to you, nobody owes anyone an explanation for how you live your life."
Another supporter wrote, "It's her and her husband's life. If both of you feel the same about not having (children), then that's that."
Others expressed frustration over societal expectations, with one fan remarking, "It's insane that people hate on those who don't want or can't have children. Why is it anyone’s business?"
Another shared, "There’s no point in doing something just because society expects it. If you know parenthood isn’t for you, there’s nothing wrong with that. People can mind their own business."
"Same here….children are a huge responsibility! The decision needs a lot of thought and soul searching," a user said.
"It's okay if you don't want to have kids. Some people are not cut out to be parents. It doesn't make them bad people. If you can't do it right don't do it. It's too important," another fan observed.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
