Dolores Catania of RHONJ is engaged to Paulie Connell

Reality personality Dolores Catania of The Real Housewives of New Jersey has accepted a marriage proposal from her partner, Paulie Connell, following almost five years of their relationship.

"I'm overjoyed!" shared Catania, 54, with People in an interview released on Wednesday, November 12. "That profound sense of joy you feel deep inside? That's the source of this exhilaration for me. I feel incredibly fortunate, almost to the point of undeservedness! As if I'm not worthy of receiving such affection."

Connell, conversely, stated that Catania merits "far more" than she perceives. "She is an extraordinary individual," he elaborated. "And during my proposal, I conveyed to her all that I admire about her essence, her actions, and the positive influence she has on everyone in her orbit. She is truly unique."

On Monday, November 10, the 51-year-old knelt to propose at the Apple Store in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, a location significant as the origin of their romance.

The Relationship Chronicle of RHONJ's Dolores Catania and Paulie Connell

"I wished to avoid anything extravagant or theatrical since we are a modest pair," Connell clarified. "My desire was for it to be authentic, spontaneous, and unforced. Furthermore, I aimed for an unexpected moment. And certainly, I achieved that element of surprise."

Catania verified that she "had no inkling" a proposal was imminent. "Actually, I believed I might need to summon paramedics for him!" she joked. "He was perspiring profusely, his shirt was drenched, and his face was crimson. And you know how individuals utter strange phrases when experiencing a medical emergency? He began to articulate these lovely, heartfelt sentiments unexpectedly, and I inquired, 'Paul, are you feeling alright?'"

Viewers of Bravo have for some time pondered when the pair would advance their relationship, particularly since Us Weekly first reported their romance in 2021. Catania states that the moment is impeccably chosen.

"I have never felt such certainty about anything," she informed People. "You see, perseverance is crucial for us. … Our journey as a couple allowed for organic growth. Therefore, this commitment holds greater significance for us than if it were merely an action undertaken for its own sake."

The television personality was previously wed to her former spouse, Frank Catania, and they are parents to a daughter, Gabby, and a son, Frankie. Her romantic involvement with ex-partner David Principe was extensively featured on RHONJ from 2017 to 2021 before she commenced her relationship with Connell.

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Dolores is not the sole family member anticipating marriage; her son Frankie, 26, proposed to his girlfriend, Nicole Perricho, earlier in February.

"Words cannot express the immense happiness we have all experienced since yesterday," Dolores effused on Instagram, accompanying her post with images from the tender event. "My dear Frankie, with a heart overflowing with affection and a future brimming with experiences, asked his wonderful girlfriend Nicole to marry him, and our delight is boundless!! … To an eternity together, Frankie and Nicole!"

When the announcement of Dolores's engagement surfaced on Wednesday, numerous fellow cast members from the Housewives franchise conveyed their felicitations to the joyous pair on Instagram.

RHONJ's Danielle Cabral remarked, "Yes! Our Dolo is tying the knot!" concurrently, Real Housewives of Orange County personality Tamra Judge appended, "Truly delighted for you two!."