Clues of Jesse and Michelle Lally's Relationship Troubles Unveiled in 'The Valley'

The Valley Signs That Jesse Michelle Lally Were Headed for a Separation

Felix Kunze/Bravo

Jesse Lally and his wife Michelle Lally decided to separate before The Valley aired on Bravo. However, signs of their relationship troubles were evident throughout the first season of the Vanderpump Rules spinoff.

Right from their introduction on the show, it was clear that Jesse and Michelle's relationship had its share of ups and downs. Viewers saw them argue on screen about mundane things like laundry. Surprisingly, they were quite open about their issues not just in the premiere episode, but also in the episodes that followed.

Before Jesse and Michelle joined The Valley, they got engaged in November 2017 after dating for several years. They celebrated their wedding at the Beaulieu Garden in California one year later, and their family grew with the arrival of daughter Isabella in 2020.

During their time together, Jesse and Michelle became friends with Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright from Vanderpump Rules. This friendship eventually led to them becoming cast members on the spinoff show.

Jesse shared with We in March 2024 that a significant storyline in their life involved working on self-improvement throughout the summer to become the best version of oneself. The goal was for both partners to align with their best selves to make their marriage successful. Jesse emphasized the importance of personal growth and evolution in relationships, stating that if the marriage does not evolve along with the individuals, it will not succeed no matter how much they desire it.

Michelle pointed out that there have been numerous changes since they finished filming the series.

During a separate interview with Us, she mentioned how people often commented that watching the show made them realize their true selves. Being part of it, she didn't fully understand until taking a step back. Reflecting on herself, she acknowledged the presence of marital issues.

She also expressed the desire for fans to understand the authenticity of their portrayal on the show. They were genuine and did not fabricate anything. Their decision to do reality TV meant opening up their lives completely, showcasing both the positive and negative aspects.

Jesse and Michelle have ended their nearly six-year marriage, as confirmed by Us magazine after they did not walk the red carpet together at The Valley premiere party.

Keep scrolling to see the signs from The Valley that hinted at Jesse and Michelle's decision — and stay tuned for more standout moments leading up to their separation.

The Valley airs on Bravo Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET and will be available to stream on Peacock the next day.

Awkward Introduction

During their first joint confessional, Michelle was asked to describe Jesse using words. She took a moment to think before Jesse jumped in with "loving" and "sexy" as suggestions. Michelle paused at the first word and laughed when Jesse mentioned the second one.

The tension between Michelle and Jesse didn't lessen when they talked about their daughter. Michelle mentioned, "She loves her dad so much," and Jesse chimed in, "She loves me more."

Adding to the tension, Michelle pointed out that Jesse seemed to favor their daughter over her. She said, "I don't think he has ever had a photo of me on his phone as his screensaver. The dog and the baby are his choices."

Miscommunication

In response, Jesse shared his perspective. He mentioned, "Since we work together, I see you all day. Why do I need to have a picture of you on my phone?"

The Valley Signs That Jesse Michelle Lally Were Headed for a Separation

Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Casamigos

In the first video of Michelle and Jesse at home, it was clear that they didn't see eye to eye. Jesse surprised Michelle by opening a bottle of champagne during the day, but she wasn't too happy about it.

When Jesse offered her a glass, Michelle responded, "No, we're not on vacation. Are you planning to drink champagne all day?"

After Jesse replied that he would drink “a little bit,” Michelle offered him a questionable look.

The Transition to Parenthood

The Valley Signs That Jesse Michelle Lally Were Headed for a Separation

Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for Rayni & Branden Williams of The Beverly Hills Estates

Michelle and Jesse both noticed a shift in their relationship after their daughter was born. During a conversation with Brittany and Nia Booko, Michelle remembered that Jesse didn't help much after their first child arrived.

"He never woke up to help. I had to sleep in a different room with Isabella for a whole year," she explained. "It takes a special person to handle him."

Later during the premiere, Jesse admitted that he wasn't as involved when they started their journey as parents.

In a personal confession, he mentioned, "It's difficult to figure out what exactly we've been arguing about. It's usually small things. After the baby arrived, we shifted from the exciting honeymoon phase. She embraced motherhood and I struggled to adapt as a father. That's where we find ourselves now."

Discussing the Idea of Separation

The Valley Signs That Jesse Michelle Lally Were Headed for a Separation

Felix Kunze/Bravo

In the March 2024 premiere, Michelle discussed what she regretted not doing after she started dating Jesse.

"I always tell people that Jesse and I have been together for eight years. It's funny because we never even discussed basic questions about marriage and kids," she shared with Kristen Doute. "In my experience, it's important to have those conversations."

Meanwhile, Jesse had a conversation with Jax about the issues in his marriage.

Unexpected Encounters with Other Women

He confessed, "I don't think Michelle has been very happy in the last day. It hasn't been great. The discussions about splitting up have taken place. I don't want that. She was the one who mentioned it."

The Valley Signs That Jesse Michelle Lally Were Headed for a Separation

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures; Felix Kunze/Bravo; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

While hanging out at a party with the rest of the cast, Kristen and Jesse playfully teased each other. Kristen even jokingly twisted Jesse's nipple, and he tried to do the same to her.

During an interview with the cameras, Kristen laughed and said, "Can you believe it? I'm really good friends with Jesse's wife, Michelle, but Jesse and I are not that close for him to be touching my boobs. I just tolerate Jesse because he's Michelle's husband, you know how it goes sometimes."

Jesse surprised Michelle again with a comment about Lala Kent. He jokingly said, "I'll let my wife choose and my mistress [Lala] choose too. Sorry, I want to be more sophisticated - my sidepiece."

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