Understanding the Candiace Dillard Husband Story and the Marriage Behind the Reality Star
If you watch The Real Housewives of Potomac or follow Bravo personalities, you’ve probably wondered about Candiace Dillard husband and the real story behind her marriage. Candiace, known for her pageant background, sharp wit, and powerhouse vocals, has one of the most talked-about relationships in the franchise. Her husband, Chris Bassett, has appeared alongside her since her first season, and their dynamic — full of love, challenges, ambition, and growth — has become a central storyline on and off the show.
If you’re curious about who Chris Bassett is, how they met, what their marriage looks like behind the scenes, and why fans stay invested, this in-depth article breaks it all down.
Who Is Candiace Dillard? A Quick Look Before Exploring Her Marriage
Before diving into the Candiace Dillard husband topic, it helps to understand why she commands so much attention.
Candiace Dillard Bassett is:
- A former Miss United States (2013)
- A cast member on The Real Housewives of Potomac
- A singer and recording artist
- The founder of a hair care and beauty brand
- A film and TV actress
- A woman with a bold, outspoken, memorable personality
Her mother, Dorothy Dillard, also became a notable figure on the show due to her involvement in Candiace’s life and finances. Candiace’s rise in entertainment and reality TV naturally put her relationships under scrutiny — especially when she introduced her then-fiancé, Chris Bassett, to the world.
So, Who Is Candiace Dillard’s Husband? Meet Chris Bassett
Candiace Dillard’s husband is Chris Bassett, a chef, restaurant professional, consultant, and entrepreneur. Their marriage has been widely featured on RHOP, revealing both tender moments and real-life complications that come with blending families and careers.
Chris Bassett is known for:
- His laid-back but hardworking personality
- His long career in the food and beverage industry
- His expertise as a private chef and hospitality consultant
- His devotion to Candiace, despite intense public attention
- His co-parenting relationship with his children from prior relationships
Fans know him as calm, supportive, deeply in love with Candiace — and occasionally frustrated by how others portray him.
How Candiace Dillard and Chris Bassett First Met
Candiace and Chris met while they were both working at a restaurant in the Washington, D.C., area. At the time:
- Candiace was working in the hospitality industry while pursuing entertainment opportunities.
- Chris was a manager and chef who had already built a career in the culinary world.
Their relationship developed slowly and naturally. They began as friends, bonding over late-night conversations, similar humor, and shared ambitions.
Over time, friendship deepened into romance. Their connection was rooted in authenticity — something Candiace later said she hadn’t experienced as deeply in past relationships.
Their Engagement: A Moment Straight Out of a Romance Movie
Chris proposed to Candiace in 2017 with a deeply personal and emotional engagement. He chose a sentimental approach, prioritizing meaningful words and heartfelt commitment over flashy gestures. Candiace often describes the proposal as perfect for their relationship — intimate, thoughtful, and centered on their bond rather than spectacle.
Their engagement became part of Candiace’s introduction storyline on RHOP, capturing fans’ attention from the start.
Their 2018 Wedding: Elegant, Classy, and Totally “Candiace”
Candiace and Chris married on August 11, 2018, in a luxurious, glamorous ceremony held in Washington, D.C. The wedding:
- Featured Candiace’s signature pageant-level elegance
- Included emotional vows
- Had a sophisticated color palette and grand atmosphere
- Brought together both families — though not without tension
- Became a major milestone celebrated on the show
Candiace wore a stunning custom gown, and Chris looked sharp in a tailored suit. Their wedding episode highlighted love, vulnerability, and the merging of two very different life experiences.
Chris Bassett’s Background: What to Know About the Man Behind the Marriage
To fully understand the Candiace Dillard husband story, it helps to look closely at Chris Bassett’s real life — beyond reality TV editing.
His Career
Chris has held multiple roles within the hospitality industry:
- Chef
- Food and beverage director
- Restaurant manager
- Bar program creator
- Hospitality consultant
He later shifted toward private chef services, cooking classes, pop-up events, and food-related content creation.
His Children
Chris has three children from previous relationships. While he and Candiace do not have children together (as of now), their blended family dynamic is often referenced on the show. Chris tries to maintain healthy relationships with all of his kids.
His Personality
Chris is often described as:
- Calm and collected
- Emotionally intelligent
- Non-combative unless pushed
- A grounding presence for Candiace
- Passionate about cooking and entrepreneurship
His grounded energy contrasts with Candiace’s fiery personality, creating a balance fans find compelling.
Candiace and Chris’s Marriage on RHOP
Their relationship has been central to Candiace’s storyline. Viewers have watched:
- Their affectionate, playful moments
- Their conflicts about finances
- The impact of Candiace’s mother’s involvement
- Chris’s career changes and challenges
- Candiace’s journey as a singer and how Chris supports it
- Issues of boundaries with castmates
- Their evolving communication as newlyweds entering public life
Their marriage is authentic — not overly perfect, not overly dramatic — which is rare in reality TV.
Major Challenges They’ve Faced Publicly
Like any reality TV couple, Chris and Candiace have navigated tough moments under the spotlight.
1. Finances and Responsibility
Some castmates questioned Chris’s role in the marriage because Candiace came from a financially supportive family. Both Candiace and Chris pushed back, emphasizing their partnership and shared goals.
2. Rumors and Misunderstandings
Chris has been the subject of accusations from castmates, leading to intense season-long storylines. Candiace defended her husband strongly, and the claims were eventually dismissed or disproven.
3. Career Pressure
Chris shifted careers during the show, which sparked disagreements about income, goals, and the future.
4. Public Judgment
Reality TV magnifies everything — small disagreements turn into major talking points across social media.
Despite these challenges, Chris and Candiace have remained committed and united.
Why Their Marriage Works
Fans often praise their marriage because:
- They communicate openly, even when it’s uncomfortable.
- They defend each other against external criticism.
- They allow each other to chase dreams — music, business, creativity.
- They understand that blending personalities and histories takes work.
- They are each other’s biggest supporters.
It’s a partnership rooted in love, mutual respect, and real growth.
Current Status: Are Candiace and Chris Still Married?
Yes — Candiace Dillard and Chris Bassett are still married.
Despite rumors, they continue to show up together publicly, support each other’s careers, and share glimpses of their life on social media.
A Clear Summary of Candiace Dillard’s Husband
To wrap it up:
- Candiace Dillard’s husband is Chris Bassett.
- They met while working in hospitality, bonded through friendship, and married in 2018.
- Their relationship has weathered public scrutiny, rumors, and reality-TV pressure.
- Chris is a chef, consultant, father, and entrepreneur with a calm, grounded personality.
- They remain together and continue building a life filled with creativity, ambition, and partnership.
Featured image source: Pinterest
