Hold onto your diamonds, because Phaedra Parks is serving up some major tea – and it’s not just about the latest Atlanta drama. The iconic “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star has been busy building an empire beyond the small screen, and her funeral home business, “Parks Funeral Home,” is about to get a major glow-up.
Phaedra’s Friendship with Porsha Williams and the RHOA Cast
Phaedra and Porsha’s Unbreakable Bond
Phaedra Parks’ return to The Real Housewives of Atlanta is happening very soon. The entrepreneur, lawyer, and mom of two has not yet made her return to RHOA Season 16 in the first four episodes. But, when she does make her first appearance of the season, it’s going to be major — get all the details down below.
Phaedra first announced that she would be returning to RHOA for Season 16 last summer after being a cast member on Married to Medicine Seasons 10 and 11. The mortician took to Instagram at the time, where she posted a series of photos of her holding a peach while standing on stairs, leading up to a private plane. “You called. I answered,” she wrote in the caption of the post.
In the months since then, Phaedra has teased what’s to come from her big return and how fitting in with the Season 16 cast went for her. “It went absolutely awesome,” she told E! News in September 2024. “I felt like I was back home.”
Phaedra Parks dishes on upcoming “fun” moments with Porsha Williams
It certainly helped that Phaedra’s friend, Porsha Williams, joined the cast of RHOA Season 16 after appearing on RHOA from Seasons 5 to 13. This was major for Phaedra, who is very close to Porsha, and have lovingly referred to their friendship as “Frick and Frack.”
“When Frick and Frack is back, honey, it’s gonna be some fun,” she noted. “It’s definitely going to be very spicy, but it’s going to be some fun, too.”
She reiterated this in a conversation with Entertainment Tonight in March. “I love Porsha — Frick and Frack is back — so I’m super excited,” she noted. “The new ladies are absolutely amazing, so it’s gonna be fun. It’s going back to basics of what made us the flagship show, so we’re coming back. We’re coming back for the real peach.”
Phaedra was also glad that she could be on hand to shake things up. “I think bringing back some new energy, it’s gonna shake it up, but in a good way. In a positive way,” she told E! News.
Phaedra’s Thoughts on the New Ladies in the Group
Phaedra wasn’t the only person who was excited about her return to RHOA — Andy Cohen was super excited, too. In an interview with The Daily Dish in December, Andy explained why he was so excited about RHOA Season 16.
“I think people have been waiting a long time to see what we’ve done. We’ve got great new housewives,” he explained. “We’ve got the return of Porsha, we’ve got the return of Phaedra. Shamea [Morton Mwangi] is a full housewife. I mean, she’s someone that we’ve been seeing for years and years, but seeing her in this way is totally a breath of fresh air.”
Phaedra Parks attends the game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on March 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia; Andy Cohen hosting Watch What Happens Live in New York City on March 12, 2025. Photo: Paras Griffin/Getty Images;
During a March 16 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Andy continued to tease Phaedra’s return.
“Well, I gotta tell you, by the way, I’m watching [The Real Housewives of] Atlanta, way ahead of it, and it’s very fun when [Phaedra] joins your group, I have to say,” he told Shamea, who was a guest on the show and agreed with Andy’s statement.
Phaedra Parks’ connection to Drew Sidora and Ralph Pittman, explained
Phaedra also shared her thoughts on the new cast members, including Brit Eady, Kelli Ferrell, and Angela Oakley. “I knew a little bit about Brit because we’ve got a mutual best friend,” Phaedra told Porsha, having already dubbed the newbie a “woman about town” amid her Episode 12 comeback.
Even so, she returned to RHOA with plenty of thoughts on the women. “I knew a little bit about Brit because we’ve got a mutual best friend,” Phaedra told Porsha, having already dubbed the newbie a “woman about town” amid her Episode 12 comeback.
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Here’s What You May Have Missed on Bravo: Phaedra Parks Reveals Her Surprising Connection to Ralph Pittman (EXCLUSIVE) Phaedra Parks Reacts to the Drew and Dennis Rumors: “From What I Understand on the Streets…” Phaedra Parks Spills on the Two Special Guys In Her Life (EXCLUSIVE)
As for Angela, though, Phaedra shaded the Season 16 newcomer by saying she “had no idea” that she existed, let alone that Charles Oakley even had a wife.
Phaedra Parks’ connection to Drew Sidora and Ralph Pittman, explained
That, of course, left only one other cast member: Drew Sidora, whom Phaedra called “Drusilla” and said she didn’t know well.
“But I know Ralph [Pittman],” she added in reference to Drew’s estranged husband. “How do you know Ralph so well?” Porsha asked. “I always hear you say that, but I never knew how you knew him.”
Related: Phaedra Parks Shares Update on Her Son Ayden’s Dating Life and Career Goals: “I Don’t Expect…”
“Well, we’re in a lot of the same friend circles,” Phaedra replied, further explaining, “My old manager is his manager.”
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Phaedra’s Venture into the Funeral Business
During this week’s episode my quest to enter into the funeral business is highlighted during a visit with my friend, the legendary Willie Watkins.
Willie and I met almost ten years ago during a fundraising event held by my mentor, the late attorney Charles Mathis. Charles was not only known as one of the best litigators in the South, but he was also known for having the most elaborate events in Atlanta.
When I entered the practice of law over twelve years ago during the swearing in ceremony, the judge stressed the importance of having a legal mentor and a sounding board.
As I stood before him I recall him saying in a stern voice, “A mentor should be a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.” As I left the courthouse that day, I pondered on who would be willing to take on such a task.
I knew I needed a mentor who would understand my vision and encourage me to pursue my goals. Most people who know me know I have always had lofty dreams and what some might consider an eccentric personality.
Much like myself, Charles brought his great work ethic and an even bigger heart from his small town to the big city of Atlanta. He loved to help people, entertain, and most of all, win cases.
I never formally asked Charles to be my mentor. Once I was sworn in he took me to lunch and I told him I was making him my mentor whether he liked it or not. From that day on, he treated me like a daughter. His family became my family. His daughter CoCo became my sister.
Charles always listened and gave me sound advice. I could always trust and depend on him.
In May of this year, Charles passed. His passing left a hole in my heart, because I not only lost my mentor, but also a member of my family.
Willie handled all the arrangements for Charles’ funeral, and as always everyone was pleased. Willie has always been known for his signature elaborate funeral services.
Although I know numerous funeral directors, when I thought about entering into the business, he was the only mentor I considered. Willie is a trailblazer who has always followed his heart.
Similar to myself, he has never been afraid to be different. Willie blazed a path that I hope to pave with more opportunities for women.
Mentoring is important because, “The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.”(Benjamin Disraeli)
I often say, “No great person makes it to the top alone.” As I continue to make a conscious effort to mentor, I challenge you to do the same.
It only takes a moment to change the path of someone else’s life.
Rest in peace Charles A. Mathis (1953-2011)
Conclusion
Phaedra Parks’ journey from reality TV star to funeral director has been a fascinating one. This exclusive interview sheds light on her evolving business, revealing the personal touch and unique services she offers to grieving families. Phaedra’s commitment to providing compassionate and memorable farewells, alongside her dedication to advocating for funeral reform, sets her apart in the industry.
This move signifies a significant shift not just for Phaedra, but for the funeral industry as a whole. Her success demonstrates a growing demand for personalized and culturally sensitive services, challenging traditional practices and paving the way for a more inclusive approach to death care. As Phaedra expands her business and continues to advocate for change, we can expect to see more innovative and compassionate options emerge, transforming the way we honor and remember our loved ones. It’s a reminder that even in the face of loss, there is always room for grace, dignity, and a touch of personal flair.
