Dolores Catania, a prominent star of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, is engaged to her boyfriend Paulie Connell after nearly five years together. The engagement comes as a joyous surprise to the reality television personality.
Catania, 54, expressed her overwhelming happiness, telling People magazine she feels "ecstatic." She added, "I’m so lucky I almost feel guilty! Like I don’t deserve to be loved like this."
Connell, 51, believes Catania deserves "much more" than she realizes. He described her as "an incredible woman" and said he articulated his deep admiration during the proposal.
The intimate moment occurred on Monday, November 10, at an Apple Store in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. This location holds special significance as it marks where their relationship began.
Connell explained his choice, stating he desired a proposal that was "real, natural, and organic." He specifically aimed for the element of surprise, which he confirmed was achieved.
Catania confirmed she had "no idea" the proposal was coming. She even joked about Connell’s visible nervousness, mistaking his flushed face and sweating for a medical emergency.
Fans of the Bravo show have long speculated about the couple taking the next step. Us Weekly first reported their relationship in 2021.
Catania emphasized the importance of their shared patience. She told People that their natural progression as a couple makes this engagement deeply meaningful.
The reality star was previously married to Frank Catania, with whom she shares daughter Gabby and son Frankie. Her prior relationship with David Principe was a storyline on RHONJ from 2017 to 2021.
This marks a period of engagements for the Catania family. Dolores’ son, Frankie, 26, proposed to his girlfriend Nicole Perricho in February.
Dolores shared her excitement for her son’s news on Instagram. She posted, "My little Frankie, with a heart full of love and a lifetime of memories ahead, proposed to his wonderful girlfriend Nicole and we couldn’t be happier."
As news of Dolores’ engagement spread, fellow Housewives extended their congratulations. Danielle Cabral commented, "Yesssssss! Our Dolo is getting married!" Real Housewives of Orange County star Tamra Judge also shared her happiness, writing, "So happy for you both! ❤️."