Michelle Saniei has opened up about life’s ups and downs on The Valley — from her ongoing divorce with Jesse Lally and motherhood, to her recent breakup from Aaron Nosler — and now, she’s sharing a look into her life since the tragic passing of her mother.
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On August 4, the mother of one and luxury real estate agent shared a sobering post to Instagram in honor of her mom, who died in November 2024 after being diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. One photo showed Michelle lying on her back and using her arms to cover her face before a grave marker in a cemetery, while a second captured a red sunset, which Michelle alluded to with a sundown emoji.
“It feels like yesterday and a lifetime ago,” she captioned the post. “I miss you, Mom.”
Michelle further opened up about her bond with her mother in a recent Daily Dish interview. “She was just a very present mom and we spent so much time together from when I was a toddler to an adult. I spoke to her every day on the phone,” Michelle explained. “She was very encouraging about everything I ever did in life. She was like, ‘Take risks, do this, move to LA,’ — whatever dreams I had that may have sounded crazy, she was like, ‘Go for it.’ She was very much my cheerleader and motivator.”
Many of Michelle’s friends and fellow Bravolebs have since taken to the comment section of her post to lend their support, including Vanderpump Rules’ Ally Lewber and The Real Housewives of Orange County’s Shannon Storms Beador.
Michelle Saniei opens up about her mother’s battle with cancer
Michelle spoke about her mother’s stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis on Season 2, Episode 9 of The Valley, explaining to series friend and VPR alum Lala Kent that her mother received the difficult news about one year earlier amid Michelle and Jesse’s separation.
“She thought she had food poisoning and had to go to the doctor, and was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer,” Michelle said at the time.
Related: Michelle Saniei & Jesse Lally Share Updates on Their Daughter & “Smiling Together” as Co-Parents
She explained to Lala that her mother’s cancer journey was a day-by-day situation, and that after the first round of chemotherapy failed, they hoped the second round would be successful. Unfortunately, the cancer ended up spreading.
Michelle Saniei reflects on her mother’s passing
On the date of the June 10 episode of The Valley, Michelle shared a handful of Instagram photos of her mother along with the heartbreaking news that her mother had passed. The post included pictures of Michelle’s childhood, celebrations, and candid snaps of her mom.
Some also featured Michelle’s mother smiling as a happy grandmother to 5-year-old Isabella Bunny Lally.
Related: Andy Cohen Shuts Down Jesse Lally Over Michelle Saniei Insult: “Excuse Me…”
The final photo from the bunch was a standing-framed portrait near a large floral arrangement shaped into angel wings, a sweet display to honor Michelle’s mother.
“Sharing my heart with you tonight,” Michelle captioned the post, regarding the aforementioned episode. “This was the first time I spoke on camera about my mom’s battle with cancer. She’s no longer with us, but her love and strength are with me every day. I miss her deeply and I’m grateful to share a little piece of my heart with you.”
Michelle dedicated the episode to her mother, adding, “I miss you every day.”
Don’t miss out on the latest of those from The Valley as the Season 2 reunion continues, including the moment Michelle and Jesse came clean about their $150,000 wedding.
