Ashley Darby Has an Update on Her Relationship with Her Mom, Sheila (PHOTOS)

Family dynamics can get pretty complicated, and Ashley Darby can vouch for that. The Real Housewives of Potomac cast member has been open about the trying times she’s faced in her family, whether it was in her marriage to Michael Darby or in her relationship with her mom. (See the clip above to relive a particularly tense mother-daughter moment.)

In a recent Instagram post, the former beauty queen shared an update on one of her closest familial relationships. As usual, Ashley was heartfelt and candid with what she shared.

In the July 2 Instagram post, Ashley had a few choice words for her mother, Sheila Matthews — and all of them were supercharged with love and admiration. Here’s what Ashley had to say: “July 1 was a day this earth was blessed with a true angel!” she wrote. The angel in question? That would be Sheila! 

Ashely’s post continued: “We had a great time celebrating my mom, and hopefully showing her a modicum of the love she shows everyone else! A huge thank you to our wonderful family and framily [friends who are family] who turned all the way up with us! We love you so much! And happy birthday, my beautiful queen!!”

If you think the caption is sweet, wait until you see the video of Sheila’s birthday bash. The tented reception, which seemed to take place in Ashley’s new backyard, had all the makings of a top-shelf party. There were delicious snacks, fruity drinks, and bright decor. The icing on top? Trays of golden cupcakes and tons of festive dancing. Who knew Sheila had those moves? 

The heartwarming post comes after some difficult times for Ashley and her mother, which RHOP viewers witnessed. 

Back in 2018, Ashley’s relationship with Sheila wasn’t quite as solid as it is today. At the time, Ashley told The Daily Dish that watching the interactions with her mother on RHOP was extremely tough. 

“Watching the interactions that my mom and I had during that time, it’s still really heartbreaking for me,” Ashley shared at the time. “One of the most difficult episodes actually aired on Mother’s Day. So it was during a time when she was still going through finding a place to live, and I was giving her tough love, which was just as draining on me as it was on her. And to be taken back to that place, it’s very emotional for me.” 

However, on Mother’s Day of that same year, Ashley shared a tribute to Sheila that was filled with hope. “This is the stabilizing core of my being - the beautiful family I’ve been blessed to love,” she wrote, captioning a sweet photo of herself with her mom.

Despite any difficulties, she added: “Nothing will ever damage, replace, or rattle the bond we share. My mom selflessly raised us to be kind and fun-loving people, positive influences in the world. If you’ve been privileged enough to be in Mom’s presence, you’ve experienced her unparalleled ability to make anyone smile. Our relationship is evolving, and the process is full of tears, but the butterfly is soon to emerge. I cherish you endlessly.”