Stacey Rusch

Rusch was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She built a broadcasting career as a television reporter and host, with work on Good Day Fox Five and Good Morning Washington before becoming associated with QVC.

At QVC, Rusch hosted her own branded show that was broadcast live to millions of homes across the United States. She left the network to focus on motherhood and later returned to television through reality programming.

Rusch joined The Real Housewives of Potomac in its ninth season. Her storyline centered on entering a new phase after a long marriage, navigating divorce, and considering whether to date again. She also became known for her optimistic personality and her involvement in group conflicts involving Karen Huger, Wendy Osefo, Ashley Darby, Gizelle Bryant, Mia Thornton, and other cast members.

Her season included a prominent romance storyline involving her best friend Thomas Anthony "TJ" Jones. Rusch described their connection as emotionally significant, although the two did not have sex and Jones had chosen celibacy until marriage. At the reunion, Rusch said they had broken up around the holiday season but remained best friends.

Rusch also hosted the Strut for Strays fundraiser with Jones in support of the Humane Rescue Alliance. The event became a major part of her season and brought her into conflict with several cast members, including Karen Huger.

Animal welfare is a central part of Rusch's public work. She serves as an ambassador for the Humane Rescue Alliance and hosted the organization's Strut for Strays fundraiser, where the Housewives walked a runway with adoptable dogs.

Rusch has also supported the Dream Baby Foundation, Dress for Success, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Her charitable interests extend internationally: she has volunteered in Africa and Asia on conservation efforts involving mountain gorillas and giant pandas.

Her wellness background includes private yoga teaching for organizations and institutions including the White House, NASA, the CIA, and American University. She also founded SHAYO, a cannabis brand that she identifies as the first owned by an African American woman in Virginia.

Rusch has a daughter, Arabella, and has emphasized prioritizing time with her while navigating the end of her marriage. Arabella is a swimmer, and Rusch has discussed helping her connect with both her Black and German heritage.

Rusch's former husband is Thiemo Rusch, a German businessman. The pair met on an airplane while traveling and were married for 16 years. During the divorce process, they continued living in the same home in separate bedrooms while coordinating care for Arabella, and Rusch later said that she and Thiemo had officially divorced.

Rusch's relationship with Thomas Anthony "TJ" Jones became one of her defining storylines on The Real Housewives of Potomac. They met when Jones was auditioning for a QVC host role, and Rusch later described him as her best friend and romantic interest. Their relationship was complicated by Jones's decision to abstain from sex until marriage and by Rusch's ongoing divorce.

At the reunion, Jones said that Rusch had paid him to portray her love interest on the show and that she owed him money. Rusch denied paying him or his expenses, and Jacqueline Blake defended her during the discussion. Rusch said she would address the matter with Jones through her attorney.