Sonja Morgan Was ‘Scared’ When Daughter Quincy Went Instagram Official but Is 'So Proud of Her' (Exclusive)

Ahead of the premiere of 'Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: RHONY Legacy', Morgan opens up to PEOPLE about her bond with her 23-year-old daughter

Sonja Morgan is used to having the spotlight on her, having been on reality TV for over 13 years now. But seeing her daughter Quincy Adams Morgan step into the public eye wasn't as easy.

"I was scared when she was going to go public because I’ve always just wanted to protect her," Sonja tells PEOPLE of her 23-year-old daughter, who made her private Instagram public back in March 2021. "Obviously we spoke about it before she did it, but I just didn't want her to get all the scrutiny that comes with being out there like that. This isn't for everyone!"

But Quincy has shined on social, Sonja notes. "The kids are all about the ‘Gram, and the content and how many followers they have," she says. "And Quincy, she's become an influencer in her own right. She had quite a few followers and has built a big following for herself. I mean, she does get paid now for appearances! So she's out there, doing it."

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The Real Housewives of New York City alumna's only daughter, whom she shares with 93-year-old American financer and J.P. Morgan heir John Adams Morgan, currently lives in Los Angeles after graduating summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania.

"I'm so proud of her," says Sonja. "She’s in Hollywood but working in finance in the entertainment business, so I’ve been spending more time out there now and then when I can book something. My other bestie is out there, Josh Flagg, so I get to see them both."

"She’s just a wonderful girl, so smart and so beautiful," continues Sonja. "And so funny. She did some memes recreating some of my moments [from RHONY] for Mother's Day a few years ago, and it was just hilarious. It was a wonderful gift. I just love her."

Related: Sonja Morgan Pens Sweet Tribute to Daughter Quincy After Her College Graduation: 'Proudest Day'

Asked if Sonja could see Quincy following her footsteps in front of the camera, the Sonja in Your City star shoots down the notion. "I’m working about myself right now!" she laughs. "One thing at a time!"

For her part, Quincy doesn't appear to be interested in becoming a reality star anytime soon. Discussing why she never appeared on RHONY during her mom's 11-season run on the Bravo series, Quincy told S’More Date in August 2022 that "It wasn't my thing."

"I knew I wanted a corporate career," she said. "I’m not a public speaker. I’m not somebody who likes attention, except in my personal life. I was a very nerdy kid. And I am a nerdy kid, still. And that was always going to be first."

Sonja, who was married to Quincy's dad from 1998 to 2006, was always supportive of that choice, Quincy said. "Everything she does, she does with me in mind," the influencer said. "She’s a very protective woman, and she always made the choice to keep me private."

In turn, Quincy stood by her mom's decision to share her life on reality TV. "I was like, ‘Do what you wanna do,' " Quincy noted. "I’m always proud of her, always."

Related: Sonja Morgan's Viking Boyfriend Is Her Best-Kept 'Secret' — but She Assures 'He's a Real Manly Man' (Exclusive)

Sonja will be back on TV this week, on Peacock's Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: RHONY Legacy, which sees her and her Crappie Lake costar Luann de Lesseps reunite with former costars Dorinda Medley, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Ramona Singer and Kristen Taekman for a trip to St. Barth's.

"We have a lot of fun," Sonja tells PEOPLE of the getaway. "It was just so nice to be back together with my girls, and Kristen, who I don't see nearly enough. It's a good chance for all of us to just let loose and have some fun. And there may be a pirate or two, I'm just saying!"

The first three episodes of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: RHONY Legacy drop Thursday on Peacock.

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