RHOP’s Candiace Dillard Bassett Shares Secret to Relationship Success With Husband Chris Bassett
Candiace Dillard Bassett is completely faithful to her relationship.
Indeed, after more than a decade with her husband Chris Bassett, the Traitors star reflected on what makes their romance so successful.
“We were friends first,” Candiace told E! News in an exclusive interview at the 2026 BET Awards June 28. “Friendship is gonna trump love all day, every day.”
Plus, the 39-year-old added, “We like each other.”
“Even when we’re mad, I still want to talk to him, I still want to tell him how my day went, and vice versa,” she continued. “That’s always the key, is to find the friendship first.”
And it’s that special bond that Candiace—who tied the knot with the professional chef in 2018—used as inspiration for her upcoming song “Pretty Ain’t Perfect.”
“It’s about me and my man,” the Real Housewives of Potomac alum said, noting that a healthy romance is forged by persevering through tough times, too. “When you’re in a relationship, you go through trials and tribulations and ups and downs, and it’s not always perfect.”
“When you make promises to each other,” she added, “and somehow, some way, you don’t keep them, or they get broken, the journey to figuring out your new normal is not always pretty. And the song is about that kind of love and finding the beauty in the mess.”
Of course, Candiace has been building a beautiful life with Chris since they started dating in 2015. And the pair poured their love for each other into their growing family, welcoming their son Jett Maxwell Lee Bassett in October 2024.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
“Chris and I couldn’t be happier,” the reality TV star told People at the time. “It’s so cliché to say, but he’s brought such joy to our lives in ways I never would have been able to describe before. It’s pure love!”
For more stars who showed up and showed out at the 2026 BET Awards, keep scrolling…
—Reporting by Sharon Carpenter
Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET
Druski
Aaron J. Thornton/WireImage
Kelly Rowland
Aaron J. Thornton/WireImage
Keke Palmer
In Gucci
Aaron J. Thornton/WireImage
Doechii
In Dsquared2
Aaron J. Thornton/WireImage
French Montana
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Queen Latifah
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Janet Jackson
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Teyana Taylor
In Stephane Rolland
Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET
Jamie Foxx
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Kehlani
In CHATS by C.DAM
Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET
Lizzo
In Christian Cowan
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Chlöe Bailey
In Valdrin Sahiti
Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET
Gabby Thomas
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Eva Marcille
In Muehleder
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Skai Jackson
In Do Long
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Tia Mowry
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
T.I.
Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET
Mercy Miller, Master P, Hercy Miller
Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET
Olandria
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Coco Jones
In Basil Soda
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Deon Cole
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long
Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET
Jamie Foxx, Anelise Bishop
Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET
Flo Milli
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Meagan Tandy
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Jimmy Jam
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Lindsey Diann
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Eric Benet
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Rick Ross
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
JaNa Craig
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
Leave a comment