Rachael Ray Asks for ‘Space’ from Husband John Cusimano: ‘He Understands’

Rachael Ray Opens Up About Needing Space from Husband John Cusimano

Rachael Ray is candid about the realities of her marriage, revealing recent insights about her relationship with husband John Cusimano. During a podcast episode of “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” aired on October 29, Rachael expressed her gratitude for John while also emphasizing the importance of personal space. “I feel extremely lucky to have my husband,” the 56-year-old television personality shared with guest Billy Crudup. “But there are times when I need my own space, and he gets it. He needs his space, too.”

This admission wasn’t a one-time event. In a previous episode on October 21, she discussed the couple’s intense arguments, referring to them as “huge screaming matches.” Rachael noted the challenges they face, particularly as individuals who are fiery, creative, and vocal. “It can be tough for people like us to just calm things down,” she explained to Jenny Mollen. “John and I don’t really know how to cool it off, and I actually think that’s a healthy way to communicate. I have a hard time trusting those who stay too quiet.”

Interestingly, Rachael also recounted a misconception she had about John when they first crossed paths in 2001. Impressed by his impressive culinary skills and his profession as a lawyer, she initially thought he might be gay. “I was blown away by what he prepared for dinner and thought, ‘There’s no way a straight guy knows how to make tilapia or whip up homemade tomatillo salsa,’” she recalled with a chuckle. “When I described him, he said, ‘I’m not gay.’ And I thought, ‘Check, please!’”

Despite their tumultuous exchanges, the couple is approaching their 20th wedding anniversary, having tied the knot in 2005. Throughout their time together, both Rachael and John have cultivated their respective careers, with him working as an entertainment lawyer while she remains a prominent figure in the food industry. The couple made a conscious choice not to have children, a decision Rachael reflects on with honesty. “I work too much to be a suitable parent,” she admitted in a 2007 interview. “Some days, I feel like I’m a neglectful dog mom because I’m just not home enough. I worry that if I had a child, I would not do my best for them or for my work.”

Her sentiments echoed again two years later when she stated, “At 40, I realize I have so many responsibilities that I can’t wholly dedicate myself to parenting right now. I can barely call myself a good dog mom, let alone a mom to a human child. It would feel unjust not only to the child but also to my colleagues.”

As Rachael continues to navigate the complexities of her marriage and career, her honesty about their relationship offers a relatable glimpse into the challenges many couples face.