Bravo announced in March 2026 that “The Real Housewives of New Jersey“ would soon enter production with Teresa Giudice, Melissa Gorga, and Dolores Catania set to return. Now, Catania, who will also be featured on the upcoming “Real Housewives of Rhode Island,” is opening up about RHONJ’s lengthy pause and giving an update about her eventual wedding to Paul “Paulie” Connell.
Dolores Catania Was Ready For ‘RHONJ’ To Return
Catania was interviewed by US Weekly in March 2026, before the confirmation that she would be on “RHONJ” season 15. She said, “After a while of being off, you look around, and you’re like, ‘wow, Salt Lake City has gained such headway.’”
The “Real Housewives of Rhode Island” “friend of” continued, “We were a number one show. We had amazing feuds, and it was so good. You know, you look around, and you’re like, all these shows are… Life’s going on without us is what I wanna say.”
The “RHONJ” star then said, “I want to get back into the game as soon as possible.”
The ‘RHORI’ ‘Friend Of’ Also Gave An Update On Her Wedding
Elsewhere in the interview, Catania was asked for an update on her wedding to Connell. Notably, they became engaged in November 2025 after beginning their relationship in 2021. She said of when it will happen, “The kids have to get married first. I couldn’t imagine getting married the same year my kids get married.”
Notably, her daughter Gabrielle Catania became engaged in March 2026. Catania continued, “Me and Paul often talk about celebrating a New Year’s wedding. Like him and I just having one big party. Nothing formal but a big, huge party somewhere in New York.”
Catania went on to say she’s “made so many friends through this life,” so she would like to invite several, including people from Bravo, to the party.
Fans Are Reacting To Catania’s Comments And ‘RHONJ’ Returning
“Real Housewives of New Jersey” fans have been waiting for casting news since 2024. Because of this, there is great excitement over the show. However, not everyone is pleased with the returners. One person said on Instagram, “If there’s a wedding, it will just be for ratings. I’m over RHONJ. Too much bitter aftertaste from the last few seasons. Bringing back Theresa is the final straw.”
Someone else said, “I’m not even trying to be funny, but Dolores getting married on TV is really not a big deal. I’m sorry, she’s really not that interesting. It could be shown on ‘New Jersey,’ but it wouldn’t bring in ratings for a special to watch.”
Regarding the show in general, one fan wrote, “Still confused about why you guys put them on pause if you’re planning on still keeping Teresa and Melissa.” Someone else said, “Thank you!!!!!!!!!,” about the cast. Finally, a different social media user said, “Bravo made the right call.”
The ‘RHONJ’ Star’s Daughter Recently Got Engaged
Catania has two children, Gabrielle and Frankie Catania, with the former recently getting engaged to boyfriend Mike Tallia while on a ski trip to the Alps. According to PEOPLE, the 31-year-old proposed to her with a 5.03-carat, oval-cut diamond ring. She told the outlet she had “zero clue” he planned to propose.
Catania also spoke to the outlet about the engagement. She said, “When your children are little, you think about so many things for their future. I never imagined both of my kids would be engaged at the same time.”
The “RHONJ” icon continued, “Family is everything to me, and I am happy they have found their forever.” The proud mom also commented on their social media engagement photos, saying, “Congratulations Gabby and Mike we are so happy for u god bless and love u always.”
Her son also became engaged to his girlfriend in February 2025.
The ‘Housewives’ Legend Was ‘Mama Bear’ To The ‘RHORI’ Cast
Bravo is set to premiere “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” on April 2 before the show moves to Sunday nights on the network. Recently, ahead of the show, some of the cast shared kind words about Catania.
According to US Weekly, “RHORI” star Jo-Ellen Tiberi said, “I think Dolores [is] like a mama bear. Truthfully, anything that we needed — even even to this day — she will help. She was just so kind and smart and caring. So it really was nice. It was a little cheat sheet to help us along the way.”
Rulla Pontarelli said of Catania, “When Dolores and I first met, we completely hit it off. We saw eye to eye. I felt her genuine vibe. I love Dolores. I really do. I feel as though she’s brought a lot to the table. She’s been very candid. She’s been very genuine, speaking from experience.”
Catania’s connection to the show is through cast member Liz McGraw. She said of joining, “Liz has been asking me for a few years to come to Rhode Island. My heart is [in New Jersey], but you can find me every summer in Rhode Island for the rest of my life.”
