Exclusive: Vicki Gunvalson Says 'I've Been Through the Ringer' This Season

Vicki Gunvalson's got a lot on her mind following this recent season of Real Housewives of Orange County, as well as the all-hell-breaks-loose reunion that wraps up tonight. And with that craziness comes some reflection from "the O.G. of the O.C." -- and she tells The Dish in a statement that ultimately she just wants to thank her fans for sticking by her all these years.

"I've been on the show for seven great years, and each season has had its ups and downs," Vicki tells us, saying that even after all of the time and throwdowns, "it’s still interesting for me to watch the show with everyone else." She says that while the shows are often full of fireworks, "much of what you don’t see is the quieter moments, how much I love just being at home and enjoying time with my family. I have to laugh, it makes for boring TV, but I love those quiet times too!"

Vicki then gets a little less nostalgic and comes more into the current situations playing out on RHOC this season. She tells us: "This season, I’ve been through the ringer as new friendships arose and old ones were tested on the show. I can’t predict who will be friends with whom next season, but I know now that my family and my closest friends are the most important thing to me. As women, we are strong people! Women can go through hell, but we are strong, and stand up and fight for what we believe in. I’m happy to hold my head up high and look forward to what’s next! I’m a fighter, Bring It On!"



Vicki closes her statement by thanking her fans, saying "it’s been terrific to hear from each and everyone of them! I wasn’t trained to be on a reality show, no one is I suppose, but I dove right in and started swimming! The fan feedback, and the love I’ve felt from each and everyone of the Real Housewives Of Orange County fans has been overwhelming for me—and I want to thank my fans for their support! I keep them in my heart and my thoughts each and every day. Most importantly I’m looking forward to sharing the future with all my fans -- stay tuned, see you next season!! Woo Hoo!!"

Tonight's RHOC finale will have plenty of people talking, and Vicki's admission that her ex-husband Donn had "been having an affair for 20 years" will surely be a water-cooler topic across America on Tuesday. Watch a clip below and be sure to tune in tonight at a special time of 8pm EST.