More Heartbreak For 'RHONJ' Star Teresa Giudice: Her Father's Losing His Battle To Emphysema
Feb. 26 2014, Published 6:54 a.m. ET
As if the prospect of 50 years in jail isn't enough, Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice's father's health is failing as he battles emphysema.
A new report from Star magazine says Giudice's father, Giacinto Gorga, was hospitalized on Feb. 16 for complications from his lung disease.
He is also father to Teresa's brother who famously feuds with his sister on RHONJ, Joe Gorga.
"Teresa was right there by his side," a friend told the magazine.
"She's very close to her father, and it was devastating to see him lying in a hospital bed — she's already so stressed, and this just broke her heart. She's going through an extremely difficult time."
As RadarOnline.com has previously reported, Teresa and her husband Joe are currently under indictment for 41-counts of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, bank fraud, making false statements on loan applications and bankruptcy fraud.
GALLERY: The Giudice’s 30 Most Shocking Quotes About Fraud & Finances
According to the magazine, it's not the first time Teresa's father has been hospitalized.
"The strain of Teresa's legal struggles has taken a toll her dad," the insider revealed.
"Knowing that the trial is fast approaching is tough for him to absorb. It's hard to see his little girl in such a serious situation."
Sadly, RHONJ castmate Melissa Gorga just lost her aunt to cancer last week.