Dolores Catania Opens Up About Her Relationship Fears with Paul Connell on RHONJ

Love blossomed for the New Jersey native! Dolores Catania and Paul “Paulie” Connell were deeply involved prior to the thirteenth season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey — however, she still had reservations about showcasing her romance on the Bravo program.

“I have no desire to feature him. Definitely not. Yet, I understand the commitment I made, and given his significant role in my existence — he wasn't just an occasional dinner companion. He isn't merely an acquaintance. He is now integral to my life,” Catania shared exclusively with Us Weekly before the February 2023 debut. “I feel apprehensive on his behalf because this holds considerable weight for the public. As you know, Paul is a highly accomplished electrical contractor within the metropolitan area. He founded a company named Eco Electric, and he's achieved remarkable success, having arrived in this nation by himself [from Ireland] in his twenties. And he just, sort of, conquered so much, and then I think, ‘You may have accomplished all that, you may have left your entire family in another country and arrived here to become this immense success in one of the planet's most prominent locations, but I must inform you, I'm not sure you're ready for this.’”

Audiences of RHONJ have observed the former corrections officer managing her dynamic with her ex-spouse, Frank Catania, ever since her inclusion on the program in season 7 during 2016. The separated pair are parents to adult offspring Gabby and Frankie. Although Frank maintained a good rapport with Dolores’ previous partner David Principe, relations haven't been entirely harmonious between her current significant other and her ex-husband.

“Our relationship isn't ideal because Paul isn't accustomed to the interplay between Dolores and myself,” Frank informed Us in October 2022. “Should you spend more moments with Dolores and me, you'd realize there's no cause for concern, correct? I cherish her. I will forever cherish her. I consistently look out for her. … He has improved, and we have spent considerably more time together, and I believe he has grown much more at ease.”

He further stated: “Any previous strain, I sense it has dissipated. … Currently, when I encounter him, we embrace.”

Despite some admirers clinging to the possibility of Frank and Dolores’ eventual reunion, she mentioned to Us that this doesn't trouble Paulie.

“I consistently endeavor to understand his perspective. … I am highly considerate of him, his emotions, and the circumstances,” Dolores conveyed to Us in February 2023. “Therefore, I aimed to make him — and I believe everyone tried to make him — as relaxed as possible. … I think Frank genuinely desired to be like, ‘Hey pal, we're buddies.’ And Paul thought, ‘I’m just beginning a relationship with her. I’ll get acquainted with you, but I don’t wish for a relationship with both you and Dolores.’ I attempted to clarify [to] Frank that I am currently building my own life. The nature of our interactions has shifted somewhat because I wished for this particular relationship to diverge from my previous ones.”

Browse below for a chronological overview of Dolores and Connell’s relationship: