Joe Giudice reported for his 41-month prison sentence one week ago, and now his wife, Teresa Giudice, is opening up about his absence and how he’s holding up at Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institution in New Jersey. The Real Housewives of New Jersey star, 43, recorded a video for Bravo’s The Daily Dish to thank fans for their words of encouragement.
“I just want to say thank you so much to all my fans out there,” Teresa said. “All your love and support means the world to me and my family. It has been a difficult week for us, but we’re making it through, thank God.”
“Joe’s doing as well as expected,” she continued. “Of course we spoke to him. And I just want to say thank you again from my heart for being there, and for all your beautiful tweets. Love, love, love you from my family to yours.”
Joe, 43, began his time behind bars on Wednesday, March 23, and is serving time for conspiracy and bankruptcy fraud charges. He may get out on early release after a minimum of 18 months if he takes part in some sentence-reduction programs, but he also risks being deported back to Italy after his release.
The RHONJ couple’s lawyer, James J. Leonard Jr., released a statement to Us after their emotional goodbye last week: “His brother, his sister and several other members of the Giudice family, as well as myself, were present when he turned himself in to the prison, including Teresa. It was obviously a very emotional day, but this is a very strong family with a tremendous support system and they will get through this, just as they did when Teresa was away.”
Meanwhile, the Turning the Tables author will stay at the couple’s home in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, with their four daughters, Gia, 15, Gabriella, 11, Milania, 10, and Audriana, 6. Joe looked after the kids while Teresa completed her 11-month sentence for fraud at Danbury Federal Correctional Institution in Connecticut. She was released in December.
