7 Shocking Facts About LeeAnne Locken’s Life After Real Housewives Of Dallas

LeeAnne Locken, the undisputed "Queen of the Carnival" and one of the most polarizing figures in reality television history, has kept fans guessing about her life since dramatically exiting The Real Housewives of Dallas (RHOD) in 2020. As of December 2025, Locken is no longer just an influencer focusing on her mental health; she has made a massive announcement about her return to the spotlight, confirming that the cameras are indeed back in her life. This article dives deep into the latest, most current updates on the controversial star, from her new television project to the status of her marriage with Rich Emberlin.

Locken's four-season run on RHOD was marked by explosive confrontations, iconic one-liners, and a deeply emotional journey into her traumatic childhood. Stepping away from the Bravo franchise allowed her to focus on a new chapter, which she initially described as a return to her roots in acting and charity. However, her recent activity suggests that her reality TV days might not be over, with a major new show on a major network set to redefine her career.

LeeAnne Locken: Full Biography and Profile

LeeAnne Locken is an American actress, television personality, philanthropist, model, author, and former beauty pageant titleholder. She was one of the original and most prominent cast members of The Real Housewives of Dallas.

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• Full Name: LeeAnne Locken
• Date of Birth: June 7, 1967
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 58 Years Old
• Birthplace: Pasadena, Texas, USA
• Early Career: Locken was raised by her grandparents and spent time in foster care. She began modeling and pageantry at a young age. She won the Miss Arizona USA title in 1989 and competed in the Miss USA pageant.
• Acting Career Highlights: Before RHOD, she had minor roles in films and television, including a notable appearance in the 2000 film Miss Congeniality, starring Sandra Bullock.
• Husband: Rich Emberlin (Married April 27, 2019)
• Role on RHOD: Full-time cast member for Seasons 1 through 4 (2016–2020).
• Departure from RHOD: Announced her departure in February 2020 following a controversial season.
• Current Status: Actress, TV Personality, Influencer, Philanthropist.

The Biggest Controversy That Ended Her RHOD Run

LeeAnne Locken's time on The Real Housewives of Dallas was a rollercoaster of dramatic highs and lows, but it ultimately ended amidst a significant and public controversy involving racially insensitive comments. This event remains a key part of her RHOD narrative and was a major factor in her decision to leave the show.

The "Little Chirpy Mexican" Scandal

The controversy centered around comments Locken made about her co-star, Kary Brittingham, who was born in Mexico. During Season 4, Locken was recorded referring to Brittingham as a "little chirpy Mexican." The comments were widely condemned by viewers, the media, and her fellow cast members, who labeled them as racist and unacceptable.

The backlash was intense, and Locken was heavily grilled by Andy Cohen during the Season 4 reunion. She issued a public apology, stating that she was "deeply sorry" and that her comments were "racially insensitive." Despite the apology, the damage was done, and the relentless public scrutiny contributed to her decision to step away from the reality series.

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Locken announced her departure in February 2020, stating she was looking forward to "stepping away from the cameras and spending quality time with my husband and friends, traveling, but most importantly, getting back to my acting roots." This move was seen by many as a direct consequence of the controversy, allowing her to exit the intense environment of reality television and focus on her well-being.

What Is LeeAnne Locken Doing Now? Her Current Life in 2025

LeeAnne Locken’s post-RHOD life is a blend of personal focus, continued charity work, and an unexpected return to major television. Her career shift has involved a strategic move from reality drama to a more traditional entertainment path, proving she is still a major player in the industry.

1. Starring in a New FOX Show

The most significant and recent update on LeeAnne Locken is her announcement that she is starring in an upcoming show for the FOX network. This is a major pivot from Bravo and signifies a move back into a more structured, likely acting-focused, or competition-based television environment. While details of the show are still under wraps, the news confirms that the cameras are indeed back in her life, a tease she had been giving fans for months.

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2. Marriage Update: Still Going Strong with Rich Emberlin

LeeAnne and her husband, Rich Emberlin, are still happily married as of 2025. The couple tied the knot in a lavish ceremony at the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas on April 27, 2019, a wedding that was featured on RHOD. Rich Emberlin is a retired Dallas Police Department SWAT officer and a law enforcement veteran of over 30 years, known for his signature eye patch. The stability of their marriage was one of the main personal narratives Locken focused on during her final seasons, and their relationship appears to be a source of strength for her post-reality TV career.

3. Focus on Health and Mental Wellness

Since leaving the show, Locken has been very open about prioritizing her mental and emotional health. The intense pressure and drama of reality television took a toll, and her departure allowed her to step away and focus on her well-being. She has used her social media platform to share her journey, becoming a wellness influencer and advocating for self-care and positivity.

4. Continued Philanthropic Endeavors

Despite leaving the spotlight of RHOD, Locken has maintained her deep commitment to the Dallas charity scene. She is known for her extensive history of philanthropic work, which was a core part of her identity on the show. She continues to serve on the board of The Fashionistas and has been involved with major Dallas organizations like DIFFA and Fashion Group International. Her charity work is a consistent entity in her life, solidifying her status as a Dallas social fixture.

5. An Influencer and Style Evolution

In her post-RHOD life, Locken has embraced her role as a social media influencer. She has been featured on magazine covers and has used her platform to showcase a dramatic style evolution. Shortly after her exit, she famously cut five inches off her hair, signaling a fresh start. Her social media is now a mix of fashion, travel, and personal updates, allowing her to connect with fans on her own terms without the manufactured drama of reality TV.

6. Addressing RHOD Reboot Rumors

While The Real Housewives of Dallas franchise was canceled, rumors of a potential reboot or a spin-off are always circulating. Locken has addressed these rumors, stating that she believes it will likely be "a few more years" before Bravo considers bringing the Dallas Housewives franchise back. However, her recent tease about cameras coming back into her life and her new FOX show suggest she is open to television opportunities, whether with Bravo or another network.

7. Undergoing Surgery for Ruptured Implants

In a personal health update, Locken revealed that she had to undergo surgery for ruptured breast implants. She shared details about the procedure, which was a necessary step for her health. This candid sharing is part of her commitment to transparency with her audience as an influencer, discussing real-life health issues that many women face.

LeeAnne Locken's life after The Real Housewives of Dallas is a testament to her resilience and ability to reinvent herself. From facing the fallout of a major controversy to securing a new show on a major network, the former reality star is proving that her career is far from over. Fans eagerly await the details of her new FOX project, which promises to be her biggest move since leaving the Bravo stage.