Kristen Doute, the 42-year-old star of The Valley, is basking in the glow of new motherhood after welcoming her daughter, Kaia Lily, with fiancé Luke Broderick last month. But as she navigates the joys and challenges of parenthood, Kristen is also dishing on the relationships that have shaped her journey—from the icy silence of her former boss Lisa Vanderpump to the unexpected warmth of her bond with Brittany Cartwright. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Kristen opened up about her fractured ties, mended friendships, and the co-stars who’ve stepped up in a big way.
When asked if Lisa Vanderpump, the 64-year-old restaurateur and former Vanderpump Rules matriarch, reached out to congratulate her on Kaia’s arrival, Kristen didn’t mince words. “What do you think? No, and it will undeniably stay that way,” she told Us Weekly. The blunt response underscores the lingering tension between the two, a rift that seems unlikely to mend anytime soon. Fans hoping for a reconciliation between the former SUR server and her ex-boss may need to brace for disappointment.
On a brighter note, Kristen shared a heartwarming update about her relationship with Vanderpump Rules alum Lala Kent, 34. After a public falling-out, the two have taken steps toward reconciliation. “With Lala, it has been kind of public that we made up in a way. She landed a really gracious apology, which I appreciate,” Kristen revealed. While they haven’t fully hashed out their differences, Lala has proven to be a surprising source of support during Kristen’s pregnancy. “She’s been really helpful. She lent me a night nurse. She’s talked me through things and she’s been someone that’s been really great to text,” Kristen added. The duo’s evolving friendship is a testament to the power of forgiveness and shared experiences.
Kristen also touched on her connection with Ariana Madix, 40, another Vanderpump Rules veteran. Though their communication has been limited to texting, Kristen appreciates the check-ins. “We’ve been in touch via text,” she shared, hinting at a cordial but not overly close relationship. As both women navigate their post-Vanderpump Rules lives, these small gestures keep their bond intact.
When it comes to unwavering support, Kristen couldn’t stop singing the praises of her The Valley co-stars Nia Booko, 35, and Danny Booko, 41. “Nia has helped me through my fertility journey and through my entire pregnancy. We’re sending voice memos to each other every single day,” Kristen gushed. As a seasoned mom, Nia has been a guiding light for Kristen, offering advice and emotional support. Danny, too, has been a rock, always ready to lend a hand. “Her and Danny are just both right there to give us any advice that we need and they’re always on call,” Kristen said.
The four—Kristen, Luke, Nia, and Danny—even share a lively group chat. “Even if I’m texting Nia one-on-one, she’ll reel it back to the four of us and she’s like, ‘Daniel really wants to be involved,’” Kristen laughed. “It’s just really great to have the two of them.”
In a surprising twist, Kristen revealed that Brittany Cartwright, 36, has taken on a special role in Kaia’s life: her emergency contact in California. “We were in our pediatrician’s office and Brittany is our emergency contact,” Kristen shared. “I told her that actually. I was like, ‘So I didn’t ask you ahead of time, but you’re Kaia’s emergency contact.’ She loves it.”
Brittany’s proximity and enthusiasm made her the perfect choice. “She’s been over a couple of times, but she’s so excited about it. She knew the gender of our baby before we did, so it only makes perfect sense. She lives right down the street from us. I’m over there all the time,” Kristen explained. The bond between the two women has clearly deepened, with Brittany stepping up as a trusted confidante.
Jesse Lally, 45, also earned high praise for his support. As a fellow parent, he’s been offering “really amazing advice as a girl dad to Luke and just constantly checking in on us and seeing if we need anything,” Kristen noted. “Jesse’s been fantastic.”
Not everyone in Kristen’s orbit got a glowing review, however. When it came to Jax Taylor, 45, Kristen didn’t hold back. Asked if she’d ever let Jax babysit Kaia, she quipped, “I wouldn’t let Jax babysit Luke’s gecko—who requires no work whatsoever. Absolutely not. I wouldn’t let Jax babysit my Yeti. Like, no.” The sharp jab highlights the ongoing tension between the two, with Kristen making it clear that Jax is far from her inner circle.
Kristen also gave a shout-out to Zack Wickham, 36, who stepped up in a practical way by looking after her and Luke’s home while they were in the hospital. It’s these behind-the-scenes acts of kindness that have helped Kristen and Luke settle into their new roles as parents.
As Kristen embraces motherhood, she’s surrounded by a tight-knit crew of friends who’ve rallied around her and Kaia. From Brittany’s heartfelt role as emergency contact to Nia and Danny’s constant support, Kristen’s village is strong—despite the absence of certain familiar faces like Lisa Vanderpump. With her signature candor, Kristen is navigating the highs and lows of her new reality, proving that even in the world of reality TV, real connections matter most.