Rachael Ray Originally Questioned Her Husband John Cusimano's Sexuality

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Rachael Ray wasn't immediately smitten with her now-husband, John Cusimano, when they first met. In fact, she mistakenly assumed he was gay.

In a sneak peek of the I've Never Said This Before with Tommy DiDario podcast that was obtained by Us Weekly on Monday, January 6, the 56-year-old TV personality revealed that she actually tried to set up Cusimano with a male friend of hers after their initial encounter. However, to her surprise, Cusimano responded, "But I am not gay."

John Cusimano and Rachael Ray visit Staple Gin booth during the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One - Grand Tasting featuring Culinary Demonstrations at Pier 76 on October... John Lamparski/Getty Images for NYCWFF

Ray admitted in the podcast that she was relieved to hear the truth about his sexual orientation. "I was like, 'Check, please,' and I couldn't wait to get him in the sack," she confessed, adding that it turned out to be quite a memorable evening.

She further joked about how "blessed" Cusimano is, highlighting specific physical attributes with a playful comment about their wedding suits. "I had to buy two different-sized suits for our wedding from Prada because his jacket was one size and his trousers were another," she quipped. "I certainly am — I am a very lucky lady."

The couple first met in 2001 at a mutual friend's party. Ray recalled that they immediately connected despite being some of the shortest people at the event. Cusimano humorously added, "We saw each other among a sea of knees." From that night on, they continued to talk every day, eventually leading to their 2005 wedding at a Tuscan castle in Italy.

Rachael Ray and John M. Cusimano are seen during the 2024 South Beach Wine and Food Festival on February 24, 2024 in Miami Beach, Florida. Ray just made quite the admission about her husband on... Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images

Ray also shared insights on her marriage in her own podcast, I'll Sleep When I'm Dead. The chef mentioned how she and Cusimano maintain a happy marriage by giving each other space. "I am wildly, wildly lucky that I have my husband... He understands I need my space. He needs his space. John and I largely stay in separate corners." She also admitted back in October that while their relationship isn't without its arguments, they don't shy away from confrontation. "John and I don't calm it down ever. We have huge screaming matches all the time, but I think that's healthy," she added.