Right Cheek's Next Chapter: 5 Shocking Updates On Emily Fernandez (Little Women: Atlanta) In 2025

The reality TV landscape has drastically changed since Emily Fernandez, famously known as "Right Cheek," last graced the screens of *Little Women: Atlanta* and *Little Women: Dallas*. As of December 2025, the dynamic performer has stepped away from the Lifetime cameras, transitioning to a more private life focused on family and her career as a Dallas-based entertainer. Her journey is one of immense resilience, marked by professional success as half of the hip-hop duo "The Cheeks" and profound personal heartbreak, all of which have shaped her current, low-key path. This in-depth look explores the biggest updates on Emily Fernandez's life in 2025, from the status of her iconic partnership to her estimated net worth and family life.

Emily Fernandez: A Complete Biographical Profile

Emily Fernandez captured the attention of millions with her fiery personality and undeniable talent, quickly becoming a fan-favorite on the reality television circuit. Her life, both on and off-screen, has been a testament to her strength and determination.

• Full Name: Emily Fernandez
• Nickname: Right Cheek
• Date of Birth: June 30, 1991
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 34
• Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
• Medical Condition: Achondroplasia (a form of dwarfism)
• Height: 4 feet 2 inches (127 cm)
• Marital Status: Single (Previously in an on-again, off-again relationship with Lontel Johnson)
• Children: Daughter, Eva (from a previous relationship); Late Son, Lontel "JJ" Johnson Jr. (with Lontel Johnson)
• Known For: Main cast member on Lifetime’s *Little Women: Atlanta* (Seasons 1, 3, 4, 5) and *Little Women: Dallas*. One half of the hip-hop duo "The Cheeks."
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): Approximately $500,000

1. The Permanent Split of "The Cheeks" Duo

For years, Emily Fernandez (Right Cheek) and Briana Barlup (Left Cheek) were an inseparable force, both on reality TV and in the music world. Their hip-hop duo, "The Cheeks," was a major storyline across both *Little Women: Atlanta* and *Little Women: Dallas*, showcasing their talent as rappers and dancers. However, as of 2025, the dynamic duo has officially gone their separate ways.

The split was confirmed to be a result of a falling out, with the two women now leading separate lives. Briana Barlup has chosen to focus primarily on her family life in Atlanta, while Emily has maintained her base in Dallas, Texas, continuing to pursue her individual career as a performer and entrepreneur. This separation marks the end of an era for fans who loved their on-screen chemistry and musical collaborations. Emily continues to be an entity in the entertainment world, but is now focused on solo ventures.

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2. Emily’s Life as a Dallas-Based Performer and Entrepreneur

While Emily did not return for Season 6 of *Little Women: Atlanta*, her career as an entertainer is far from over. Before her reality TV fame, Emily was already a fixture in the club and performance scene, and she has returned to her roots in Dallas, Texas.

She has been described as an actress, rapper, club owner, and performer. Her financial success, which contributes to her estimated $500,000 net worth, stems from her various ventures, including television appearances, music releases, and club hosting gigs. Emily's focus has shifted from the drama of Atlanta to managing her own career and maintaining a strong presence in the Dallas entertainment circuit, where she continues to use her stage name, "Right Cheek."

3. The Enduring Heartbreak and Resilience After Losing JJ

The most profound and tragic chapter of Emily Fernandez’s life, which continues to define her journey, is the loss of her infant son, Lontel "JJ" Johnson Jr.. JJ, who was born with Achondroplasia Dwarfism—the same condition as Emily—passed away tragically in August 2016 at just three months old due to health complications.

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This immense personal tragedy was documented on *Little Women: Atlanta*, showcasing Emily's raw grief and her incredible strength in the face of unimaginable loss. Her resilience became a major part of her public persona, as she openly discussed her struggle and her determination to honor JJ's memory. This period also led to her temporarily stepping away from the show to mourn and focus on her mental health, a critical decision for her well-being.

The loss of JJ remains a central entity in her life story, a powerful reminder of her vulnerability and the strength she needed to continue her career and family life.

4. Current Status of Her Daughter, Eva Fernandez

While the focus is often on Emily's life in Dallas, she is also a mother to a daughter named Eva Fernandez. Eva is from a previous relationship and, for much of the time Emily was filming in Atlanta, lived in Pennsylvania with Emily’s father. This arrangement was due to Emily's demanding work schedule as a performer and reality star.

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As of 2025, Eva is a young teenager, and while Emily keeps her daughter’s life largely private, the arrangement highlights the sacrifices and complex family dynamics of her life away from the cameras. Emily has expressed her love for Eva and the importance of her family support system, which allowed her to pursue her career while ensuring Eva had a stable upbringing.

5. The Ongoing Relationship Saga with Lontel Johnson

Emily’s on-again, off-again relationship with Lontel Johnson was a recurring storyline throughout her time on *Little Women: Atlanta*. Lontel is the father of her late son, JJ. Their relationship was tumultuous, marked by drama and emotional highs and lows, including a confirmed second pregnancy after JJ's passing.

While public updates on their romantic status are scarce in 2025, the pair remains intrinsically linked through their shared loss and history. Emily's focus appears to be on personal growth and her career, maintaining a level of privacy about her current romantic life. The saga with Lontel Johnson is a key entity in her narrative, reflecting the challenges of maintaining a relationship under the intense scrutiny of reality television.

What’s Next for Emily "Right Cheek" Fernandez?

Emily Fernandez has successfully navigated the transition from a full-time reality star to an independent entertainer and mother. Her story is a powerful narrative of professional ambition, the complexities of family life, and profound personal tragedy.

While a return to a major reality series like *Little Women: Atlanta* seems unlikely in the near future, Emily’s continued presence in the Dallas entertainment scene and her strong social media following suggest she will remain a relevant and influential figure. Fans can expect her to continue sharing glimpses of her life, focusing on her music, performances, and her journey as a resilient woman who has overcome immense challenges.