Vicki Gunvalson on Learning of Her Mom's Death on #RHOC

Last night’s episode of the Real Housewives of Orange County featured one of the most heartbreaking moments in the show's history, as Vicki Gunvalson received a phone call informing her that her mother, Joanne Closset Steinmetz, had passed away. The RHOC star collapsed to the ground with cameras rolling and co-stars attempting to comfort her. It was an incredibly raw and emotional experience that led many to react after the fact.

"When I watched the show, it was like I was reliving a nightmare," Vicki wrote in her cast blog. Co-star Heather Dubrow took to Instagram to show support with a photo of the two together. 

Shannon Beador admitted that watching it play back was difficult for her as Vicki's close friend.

Real Housewives of New York’s Bethenny Frankel gave her condolences to Vicki via Twitter.

Vicki was active on Twitter during the episode, explaining that Bravo has been “extremely sensitive” in the wake of her mother's death.

Andy Cohen, Watch What Happens Live host and producer of all things Housewives, cleared the air about Vicki's stance on the episode (which was echoed by Bethenny).

During an interview with Andy before the show, Vicki agreed with that sentiment. “It’s part of my reality. I lost my mother. I signed up for all areas of my life to be exposed — the good and the bad,” she explained. “There’s been a lot of great moments that have been aired and there’s a lot of moments that I wish I wasn’t on a reality show. This is not a moment that I feel, as of right now, that I regret because statistically people are going to lose their parents, right? We’re going to be alive when our parents die, statistically.”

Vicki was appreciative of the outpouring of love and support she received after the episode aired, tweeting her gratitude to her fans.

Vicki continues to look back fondly on her wonderful memories with her whoop-it-up mom, thanks to this beautiful tribute video.