Jax Taylor’s Unexpected Bond With Kim Zolciak Raises Eyebrows On The Valley Reunion

The cast of The Valley is unpacking everything at the Season 2 reunion. Despite Jax Taylor being out of the picture for most of the season due to his 30-day rehab stay, there was no shortage of drama or fallout within this group, enough to keep viewers hooked all season long.

The reunion will be split into three parts to ensure nothing gets left unsaid. Season 2 was packed with drama involving nearly every cast member. From Jax's and Brittany Cartwright's rocky relationship to Kristen Doute stirring the pot with a rumor about Jason Caperna not wearing his wedding ring. Reunions are always a chance to see where the cast stands now, and, as always, there are a few shocking revelations along the way.

Jax Taylor Shocks His The Valley Cast With Connection To Kim Zolciak

The Valley Season 2 reunion is here and there is so much to unpack after an explosive finale that left the cast divided more than ever. (Here's hoping it doesn't end up like Vanderpump Rules). While the cast confronted one another over rumors, feuds, and infidelities, there was one shocking moment that even left host Andy Cohen a bit surprised.

When Andy asked the cast who they were close to in the Bravo universe besides those starring in The Valley, Jax Taylor's answer was not what fans or those sitting around him that day were expecting.

"Who do I talk to the most? I mean, everybody," Jax began. "The last person I talked to was probably Kim Zolciak. Talked to her yesterday."

When Andy asked Jax what he discussed with the former The Real Housewives of Atlanta star, Jax said, "She's asked, because I'm coming to Atlanta. She's like, 'Do you want to meet for dinner?' So I'm gonna have dinner with her.'"

When Andy suggested that Kim was now single following her turbulent separation from former NFL player, Kroy Biermann, Jax quickly replied, "I'm good."

Are Jax Taylor And Brittany Cartwright Divorced?

Season 2 of The Valley saw Jax entering rehab for his mental health and substance-abuse issues following an explosive with Brittany Cartwright that saw him throwing a coffee table that hit her knee. Jax was not seen for most of the season, but he continued to rage text and even spy on Brittany while in the facility for 30 days. Just a day before he was released, Brittany took matters into her own hands and filed for divorce, which viewers watched in an episode of the show which was filmed in August 2024.

Now, almost a year later, the divorce is still not finalized. In an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in July, Brittany gave fans an update on their divorce status, sharing that it's taking longer than she expected because "We both didn't send in our stuff at the right time. It's a lot of stuff that happens."

However, Brittany shared that she had a new finalization date: "October 15 is the new date, and it's gonna happen."

Jax's Relationship With Kim Zolciak Goes Back To 2018

According to Bravo, Jax and Kim's friendship goes all the way back to 2018, when he was seen defending her marriage to Kroy on social media.

Some fans were frustrated by how often Kroy was seen chauffeuring Kim around during episodes of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, expressing sympathy for the former NFL player, who appeared to be constantly catering to her every need. When Jax saw this, he shared his thoughts on Twitter:

"It’s called loving your wife... such a messed up thing to say to [someone]," he wrote. "Who even are you?"

A couple of days later, Jax got back on Twitter to shut down another commenter who criticized their marriage. "Really, how was your [NFL] career homie... yeah....shut up. Go back under your rock. @Kimzolciak and her family are amazing. You do not [have] a single clue what you are talking about. Jealousy is very ugly on you. Sad."

Brittany Cartwright Didn't Find Out About Jax Taylor Leaving The Valley Until "The Night Before"

During Brittany's conversation with Andy Cohen, she shared that she had no idea that Jax would be leaving The Valley. "I found out the night before [his announcement], and I was like, 'That was a great decision by everyone.'"

Apparently, no one in the cast knew that Jax was not returning to the third season of the Bravo show. A source for People shared, "They were not given any advance notifications about his exit. Most of the cast were notified that filming was going to begin at the end of the summer, and they expected Jax would be a part of the new season because — even as lately as yesterday — he hadn't said otherwise. This is a huge surprise."

"The cast was absolutely blindsided by this news."

Jax's statement that he would not be participating in Season 3 read: "After an incredibly challenging year and many honest conversations with my team and producers, I’ll be stepping away from the next season of The Valley. Right now, my focus needs to be on my sobriety, my mental health, and coparenting. Taking this time is necessary for me to become the best version of myself - especially for our son, Cruz."

Jax's treatment of Brittany throughout Season 2 saw viewers petitioning for his removal. While he was away in rehab, he would continue to harass her by sending rage texts and allegedly would spy on her from their home security cameras. Additionally, Jax left Brittany a huge financial burden when he stopped paying the mortgage on their house for months.

For more The Valley coverage, visit our Reality TV Hub.

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The three-part reunion for The Valley will air on Bravo on Tuesday, July 29 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Part 2 will air on August 5 and Part 3 on August 12.