Rachael Ray has revealed that she prefers the tranquillity of her home in Tuscany to the fast-paced lifestyle of New York. The 57-year-old television presenter, who has been married to musician John Cusimano since 2005, shared that life in Italy feels far more peaceful and fulfilling. “My husband loves being in New York,” she told Us Weekly. “But for me, Italy is where I’m happiest. It’s quiet, the air is fresh, and our dog, Bella, has space to run. She’s not a New Yorker at all.”
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The couple’s Tuscan estate features large gardens, olive trees, a vineyard, and even a swimming pool for their beloved dog. Ray explained that the serenity of rural Italy has given her a new appreciation for a slower, simpler way of living. “For Bella’s sake, I spend as much time there as I can,” she said. “Everything is peaceful and calm, and I prefer that kind of life.”
Rachael and John recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary with a relaxed getaway across Italy. The pair marked the milestone by visiting friends and favourite restaurants in Florence and Rome. “We live in Tuscany, so it’s easy to pop back and forth,” she said. “We’ve thrown big parties before, but this year we kept it simple — just the two of us.”
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Despite her long career in television, Ray insists she has little interest in the glamour associated with fame. Speaking to NPR, she admitted she feels uneasy with public attention. “I don’t enjoy the trappings of fame,” she said. “I feel uncomfortable in high heels and dresses — I don’t care who designed them. I just can’t pretend to be something I’m not.”