Sonja Morgan, 61, reveals heartbreaking end to romance with ‘The Viking’ after nearly two years of dating

Sonja Morgan, the beloved Bravo icon, has shared the sorrowful conclusion of her 18-month relationship with “The Viking” in an exclusive conversation with the Daily Mail.

61-year-old former cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City, Sonja, is now amusing fans across the country with her improv comedy tour titled “Sonja In Your City.” Upcoming performances are scheduled in Tampa, Florida and Orange County, California within the following weeks.

Morgan decided to celebrate her newfound independence after ending a two-year relationship with “The Viking” by embarking on a joyful tour instead. This fun-filled adventure was an ideal way to mark her status as a single woman.

Indeed, even a star such as Morgan isn’t exempt from the pitfalls of contemporary dating – her approach to ending things mirrors experiences that many singles will find familiar.

She shared with the Daily Mail that during her off-season, while renting in Amagansett, she became involved with a man whom she now refers to as ‘the Viking’, keeping his true identity hidden. This relationship lasted about a year and a half, during which she had never experienced anyone disappearing from her life like he did. According to her, he was going through a difficult family situation.

She shared that he had a great deal to deal with in his personal life, making it difficult for him to manage a romantic relationship. Consequently, she accepted the situation, moved forward, and has been casually dating since then.

In my pursuit of genuine connections, I only seek individuals who share a commitment to building a lasting partnership for the future – one that could potentially lead us into growing old together. That’s where my focus lies right now.

Previously, Morgan lived with her former spouse, the late investment banker John A. Morgan, who regrettably died this year at the age of 94.

From 1998 to 2006, the celebrity was wed to the heir of J.P. Morgan. Together they have a 24-year-old daughter named Quincy Adams Morgan.

Recalling the romance, Morgan said her ex asked for her hand in marriage ‘right away.’ 

It was clear beyond any doubt that he desired marriage. Initially, we didn’t discuss having children until our second year together, effectively acting as if we were already married. Afterwards, it was our decision to start a family by having a baby,” she explained.

She supported her husband during his difficulties, but she doesn’t wish to discuss it further. However, due to the circumstances, she had to stand by him completely, and eventually, they chose to part ways. This particular event wasn’t depicted on the program.

To be clear, the situation made it seem like I was being careless, but that wasn’t the case. There were unavoidable circumstances that required us to part ways, and it was truly unfortunate for both of us.

Upon hearing about his recent passing, she expressed that it was incredibly tough. Not only does one have to endure the loss, but also relive the entire process when dealing with legal matters following a death, caring for the deceased, and managing close family affairs. She added that this ordeal has been repeated.

She remarked that this isn’t just a personal matter for her, but something anyone might face – the passing of someone close. There are numerous tasks that need attending to, such as organizing the will and tidying up various loose ends. It can be quite distressing to handle all these responsibilities.

Morgan acknowledges that those devoted fans who show up at her comedy gigs understand the depth of her feelings for her former partner: ‘They grasp I genuinely cared for him. They paid no heed to the rumors surrounding me and us, as they weren’t privy to our story.’

Although they might not be fully aware, it’s clear to the audience because what is captured by the camera is apparent to them. They can sense your true emotions and understood that I truly loved my husband. Despite our subsequent divorce.

Despite legally severing ties, the reality star sees herself as forever a Morgan. 

As a faithful devotee, I’ll forever remain ‘Morgan.’ In the hallowed halls of the Morgan Library, I am unwaveringly ‘Mrs. Morgan.’ At the charitable institution in Paris connected to the Morgan Museum, I carry that title as well, and this is something I proudly assert.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that as follows: Back in 2010, I joined the dynamic cast of RHONY (Real Housewives of New York City), and for over a decade, I was part of this amazing journey until my departure in 2021. Interestingly, despite the new stars joining the show, the original co-stars continue to maintain our bond through our lively group chat affectionately named ‘OG Beauties.’

Morgan shared with the Daily Mail, “We go by the group chat name ‘OG Beauties,’ which was actually given to us by Kelly Bensimon.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I can tell you that some of my favorite TV personalities – Morgan, Bethenny Frankel, and Ramona Singer – have chosen the Sunshine State as their primary residences. Meanwhile, another one among them can be found residing in the bustling cityscape of New York.

As I happened to bump into Bethenny at the grand premiere of Ryan Murphy’s Swans, there was an electric surge of excitement between us, a feeling we both shared, as I later recounted to Daily Mail.

A chance encounter with former Real Housewives of New York City co-star Dorinda Medley turned out to be quite emotional: ‘I bumped into Dorinda at the backstage area of a women’s empowerment event, and it was like seeing each other brought tears to our eyes… Our bond is genuine,’ she stated about their deep feelings for one another.

Morgan expressed genuine concern when she and her friends became anxious after not hearing from Ramona for three hours: “We all fretted a bit about Ramona the other day because we didn’t get in touch with her for hours on end. Then I said, ‘Look, here she is, ladies… She was playing golf. She’s alright.’

Since you tend to be engrossed in golf for about five hours straight without responding, we like to make sure we stay connected by keeping track of each other.

Before becoming part of the cast, Morgan had already formed close friendships with Luann de Lesseps, a singer, and Jill Zarin. She attributes the authenticity of these friendships to the show’s continued success.

She stated to Daily Mail that everyone on the show were already friends prior, which is why Andy Cohen’s book emphasizes the strongest franchises are those built on genuine friendships. She suggested that the decline of their show might have been due to introducing new talent who weren’t familiar with the group or didn’t trust them, a strategy she believes doesn’t work as effectively, as evident from what transpired.

Regardless of the past or future events that may come our way, causing potential turmoil, we stand united as close friends who are more like a family. We’ve been through thick and thin, and a minor disagreement is nothing compared to the bond we share and the value we place in our friendship. Our love for each other runs deep.

The females remain optimistic about getting a second opportunity to appear on smaller screens. Furthermore, Morgan hinted that they’ve been in touch with various production companies, keeping their options open for a potential comeback.

She mentioned that everyone is actively seeking opportunities for a new show. They’re reaching out to various production companies with their feelers, so to speak. The desire is certainly present, but the challenge lies in coordinating everything and securing the necessary funds at the right moment.

Following the writers’ strike, all financial resources were put on pause. Now, we’re collaborating to gather everything we need, and there is indeed enthusiasm. The key question is who can collect the funds quickest so we can produce a pilot together.

Morgan imagines a series centered around their lives in Florida. It wouldn’t be the Real Housewives of New York, but rather a depiction of us ladies, if I may say so without using the term Golden Girls, but you understand what I mean. Think of it as a timeless portrayal of women from your childhood years. Although we might not be in New York anymore, our lives could still be part of the story, but this time in Florida.

After Morgan’s exit from Bravo last year, the network has faced growing criticism for supposedly creating harmful or toxic work environments within its entertainment division.

In the heat of certain situations, I find myself convinced that even the most steadfast among us might momentarily lose their composure and have outbursts that don’t align with our usual selves.

She explained to Daily Mail that the criticism faced by the network is justified because it’s primarily entertainment, not a reflection of real-life interactions. She added that people who have experienced living together during COVID-19 lockdown can understand how conflicts may arise from being in close proximity, and this analogy applies today as well. So, essentially, she’s comparing the reality TV drama to the stresses of living with others during a pandemic.

You could plan a girls’ trip with ten of your closest girlfriends, and while it’s exciting, there might be some hiccups due to travel, jet lag, and changes in routine that could affect regularity for some people (including me).

‘I get anxious about using public restrooms when I travel because it feels unfamiliar. And that’s similar to how many people feel during the pandemic, with different rules and routines to follow. So yes, some might argue that an event or situation can create a harmful atmosphere.’

If not handled correctly, any environment can become harmful for everyone involved. Keeping that in mind, when you’re working for twenty hours straight each day, it’s quite challenging to handle everything effectively.

Morgan’s awareness of this may be the reason she continues to look as good as she does.

At 61 years old, this Bravo personality certainly turns heads – and she attributes some of her radiance to maintaining strong, top-tier relationships.

In the show,” she asserted, “there were certainly a lot of dramatic moments. But I believe if you genuinely lead an honest life, go to bed knowing you’ve done what’s right, and enjoy peaceful slumber, such virtues will naturally shine through.

‘Growing up, I modeled in Europe, specifically in Italy and France. There, I discovered that being open and honest, and then quickly moving forward is highly valued. As she put it, “Just let it all out and keep things moving.”‘

The most recent scientific research indicates that individuals who tend to live the longest typically enjoy strong and plentiful connections with others. However, it’s not just about quantity, but also about maintaining high-quality relationships.

As an ardent admirer, let me shed light on how it unfolds behind the scenes. When you catch glimpses of me enjoying vacations with the ladies or brunching in town, remember, off-camera, I’m prioritizing self-care. I’m ensuring a good rest and plenty of sleep, and I don’t forget about nourishment – I strive to eat right at all times.

She mentioned that she adheres to the Mediterranean diet, and then she acknowledged the MIND diet as well. Every now and then, she also includes some red meat in her meals.

According to the most recent scientific findings, consuming red meat on a monthly basis, or even weekly, is recommended. Specifically, eating red meat weekly seems to be the suggested frequency. She expressed this along with her fondness for red meat and potatoes by stating, ‘Once a week, I enjoy red meat and potatoes, and I love it!’

She mentioned another important factor that contributes to lowering both cortisol levels and stress – it’s essential to ensure you get enough rest and relaxation time for yourself, in addition to having a good night’s sleep.

Off screen, Morgan’s life has continued to contain plotlines straight out of TV.

At the start of the year, there was a commotion surrounding her due to being barred from the New York City eatery Tucci following an unpaid $1000 tab.

Reports claim that Morgan thought her meal would be complimentary. When informed it wouldn’t be, she reportedly became upset.

While chatting with Daily Mail, Morgan explained that there was a disagreement, as she had been invited for a complimentary meal but encountered problems with her payment card at the restaurant.

Morgan shared that she had been invited to a restaurant competition, an event she’s often attended before.

Previous reports from Page Six mentioned that at first, Morgan had booked a table for three. However, upon arrival, they were accompanied by four additional individuals. It was later noted that within just two days following the meal, Morgan paid the bill and even left a gratuity.

In reaction to the incident, Max Tucci, the proprietor of Tucci, expressed that Morgan was exploiting the restaurant.

Instead of saying “Took advantage of what?”, a more natural and easy-to-read way could be: “Morgan referred to Tucci’s comment, stating that he used his American Express Platinum card.

She explained that since she was going out with her friends, she didn’t have her card on hand and added that there seemed to be an issue with her Chase account, as a result, she needed to pay for the expense herself.

‘I wasn’t able to settle the payment at that moment. I promised to pay you the next day. However, when I reached out to them later, I didn’t receive a response until Monday, and by then, they had already printed the materials. It’s common knowledge that I usually tip.’

She emphasized that she indeed left a tip for the bartender. Initially, she couldn’t tip him through Venmo, but she assures you that there’s a text conversation showing she made the payment later on.

Inquired about Morgan’s statements, owner Max informed Daily Mail: ‘My response concerning the situation has been stated multiple times with accuracy. The facts are evident – there was no arranged dinner for Sonja complimentary. Her belief otherwise suggests questionable judgment, which aligns with her past behavior of neglecting to tip our staff. She was aware, the team was aware, and I even texted it to her personally.’

Another saga making headlines was the sale of Morgan’s Upper East Side townhouse. 

The celebrity shared that the property had frequently been taken off and put back up for sale over the years, as she was regularly offered substantial leasing fees – which proved too tempting to turn down.

Since it officially left Morgan’s hands, it’s been turned into a sober living facility.  

Discussing the present usage of the house, Morgan mentioned that she was contacted by a sober living facility regarding renting the property before selling it. However, she declined their offer due to worries about how it might affect her nearby neighbors.

She stated that a sober living facility approached her right before she was about to sell and lease for two years, but she declined because she did not want to impose such arrangements on her neighbors, as she is well acquainted with them all in the Upper East Side community.

She explained that the traffic would consist of visitors who tend to be temporary and do not stay long-term. Essentially, it would mean new people every few weeks or even a month. She further mentioned that such a situation wouldn’t sit well with her neighborhood.

The Daily Mail attempted to contact Release Recovery, the rehabilitation center currently residing in Morgan’s old house, for a comment but have not received a response as of yet.

Currently, you’re likely to catch Morgan performing her improv act across the nation. During these shows, she temporarily leaves behind her usual persona for some playful on-stage antics.

She shares with the Daily Mail that her past relationships include dating members of royalty and rock stars, and she married into a prominent American family regarded as royalty. Now that she’s no longer bound by those ties, she can choose to entertain on tour by performing chair dances, making people laugh, and discussing topics like sexuality if she wishes.

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2025-09-11 19:37