Kim Richards Is 'Taking Care of' Ex Monty During Cancer Battle, Brandi Glanville Says

Brandi Glanville says Monty Brinson now has an inoperable tumor in his brain

Photo: Courtesy Kim Richards

Kim Richards is trying to stay strong for ex-husband Monty Brinson as he fights for his life.

“His lung cancer now developed into a tumor in his brain. They can’t operate on it, so they’re going to do some radiation and steroid treatment to try to shrink it,” Richards’ close friend and former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills costar Brandi Glanville told PEOPLE at the Rhonda’s Kiss All-Star benefit concert to raise funds for cancer care in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

“He is the sweetest soul,” added Glanville, 42. “You can’t help but love Monty. He’s always kind to everyone across the board. He’s a good solid guy.”

Richards, 51, and Brinson, were married from 1985-88. They remained close friends after the split and share a daughter, Brooke, 29.

Meanwhile, Richards is recovering after last spring’s drinking relapse. The former child actress says she is sober again after going to rehab following two arrests. (She was recently sentenced to community service, probation and Alcoholics Anonymous in both cases).

Glanville said Richards is “doing great” and is sleeping at the hospital by Brinson’s bedside.

“She’s ride or die. She’s right next to him. And she’s taking care of him,” the ex-model said, adding that Real Housewife Yolanda Foster and her record producer husband David also visited. “We’re really friends, the three of us.”