While Karen Huger refers to herself as the “Grand Dame” of Potomac, she also has an affectionate nickname for her husband, businessman Ray Huger.
“When I first started dating Ray, I helped him organize his office and I ran across a memo where he had written a speech to introduce Bill Gates to a conference of, I think, 800 people,” Karen recalled to Bravo’s The Daily Dish in 2016. “I was just blown away that this man that I’m dating actually introduced Bill Gates at a conference. And I said, ‘You’re my little Black Bill Gates.’”
The nickname and the couple’s playful dynamic would be captured by Bravo cameras when The Real Housewives of Potomac premiered in 2016.
“I didn’t even see Raymond physically. I just felt him spiritually,” Karen recalled of meeting her husband for the first time in 1994. “He’s my best friend.”
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For the past nine years, the couple has documented their life for reality TV. Most recently, however, Karen found herself in a legal situation after she was found guilty of DUI.
Before being sentenced, Karen — as well as Ray — testified in front of a judge and were the only people who did so on her behalf. A judge officially sentenced her to two years in jail with one year suspended, meaning she will be behind bars for one year.
Keep reading to learn more about Karen and Ray’s bond on and off camera:
1994
Karen vividly remembers the first time she met Ray during the Black Caucus near Washington D.C.
“We were at a formal event, and he asked me to dance,” she recalled to Bravo’s The Daily Dish. “And he took me in his arms, and I swear to God, he was making this noise in my ear, but when he took me in his arms I knew. The way he held me, I knew that was gonna be my husband.”
1996
After nearly two days of dating, Karen and Ray officially became husband and wife after getting married in a private ceremony.
2021
In honor of the couple’s 25-year wedding anniversary, Karen and Ray — who are parents to Rayvin and Brandon — decided to renew their vows at Virginia’s Platinum Wedding Event and Decor.
“We’re on a different level now,” Karen told Bravo in April 2022. “We are at a totally different level after the vow renewal. … We’re still married. Our life, Lord Jesus, when does it stop? That’s what I’m wondering. And it’s funny. And it keeps us so closely bound to one another. He is my best friend. He’s my rock. And he is my inspiration too.”
2022
In an August 2022 episode of the “Daily Dish” podcast, Karen admitted that her relationship with Ray had some moments of marital strife in recent years, as seen on the show.
But through any ups and downs, Karen said the couple’s kids remained very supportive.
“They were so cool with us, and they said, ‘Look, you guys have been great parents, but what we don’t want is you to stay together because of us,” she said. “They were like, rooting for us, but they were like, ‘Look! I want you to be happy!’ That’s when you raise your children right. And they love you and respect you enough to say, ‘Look, don’t do it for me. Do it for you all. You guys deserve the best.’ I’m so lucky to have them as kids. They are so freaking cool.”
2025
When Karen was sentenced to one year in jail following a DUI charge, Ray remained supportive of his wife by testifying on her behalf and showing up to court alongside her.
“You know he truly loves you when he insist on taking you to your wellness appointment. ❤️🎀,” Karen wrote via Instagram in 2024 after her legal saga began. “#hubby #rideordie #friendsforlife #mammogram #rhop.”
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