Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dolores Catania is ‘happy there is closure’ after boyfriend Paul ‘Paulie’ Connell officially finalized his divorce this week.
The Bravo star’s longtime love had endured an amicable split from ex-wife Joanne, with whom he shares sons Brooklyn and Kameron from the union of over a decade.
Joanne officially filed for divorce in February 4, 2020, despite the pair being separated for over 14 years, but it was finally settled at a court in New York this week – five years later.
Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com following the official ruling, Dolores said: ‘I’m happy there’s closure. It doesn’t really change the dynamics of our relationship. I just feel like it’s a relief that it’s finally done.’
The mother-of-two noted that she and Paul will not be running down the aisle in response to his relationship status change as she added: ‘No, absolutely not [rushing to marriage]. I’m not rushing into anything.
‘I’m not saying, “Oh now I want to get engaged.” I’m just happy the way things are, I’m happy there’s closure on Paul’s end.’
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Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dolores Catania is ‘happy there is closure’ after her boyfriend Paul ‘Paulie’ Connell officially finalized his divorce this week
Paul added: ‘I feel relieved. That’s being honest. I really do…
‘I’m very glad that she stood by me. I will forever be grateful for that because that meant a lot to me. I’m really happy that she stood by me and this lets me know that I’m with somebody that really cares for me.’
He had nothing but praise for Dolores and their relationship as he continued: ‘She’s a great partner, a great friend, a great role model. She’s a great stepmom. She brings value to the table. She has a beautiful family, and anybody would be an idiot to not want that in their life.’
Though Dolores has no plans for a wedding anytime soon, Paul admitted that he’s already taken important steps in order to ask for her hand in marriage.
‘Now I have the ring. I have it in my possession,’ he admitted. ‘I’ve always had the stone. I got the ring made. It is absolutely stunning. So I can go at any time.’
He continued: ‘There’s nothing that’s going to push or prevent me from doing it now because I have free stage. But the emphasis of surprise is always the best thing.’
When explaining the reason behind the unusual delay in finalizing their split, Paul stated in 2023 that the pair never saw a ‘need’ to divorce on paper.
Dolores and Paul began dating in 2021 and fans have been getting to know him through his appearances on the Bravo show with her.
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Dolores and Paul began dating in 2021 and fans have been getting to know him through his appearances on the Bravo show with her
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As for whether, Dolores and Paul might now decide to tie the knot, the reality star told DailyMail.com: ‘Absolutely not [rushing to marriage]. I’m not rushing into anything’
Dolores previously gushed about her partner in an interview with Hello!, telling the publication that ‘compromise’ was the secret to their relationship’s success.
‘I would say compromise is the most important thing for a successful relationship,’ she noted.
‘I always said that it should be give and give equally and I think sometimes you have to give in and the other person does too, it shouldn’t just be on one person.’
Dolores then told the publication that marriage isn’t a major goal in for her future as she stated: ‘It’s so funny because a lot of people are always talking about marriage. They want to see you get married. But that’s not my goal.
‘My goal is to be in a relationship that’s peaceful and loving and where you grow together and then maybe marriage comes along further down the road.
‘I’ve been divorced for 26 years… I’m not against marriage, especially for younger women, but I’m older now and our lives are so easy the way things are going.’
She added: ‘It’s a harmonious relationship. We get along, we’re happy.
‘And as I say, if marriage comes along down the road then that’s fine and I’m sure I’ll be happy, but I’m okay with the way things are now too.’
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Dolores and her ex-husband Frank have been divorced since 1998 and share two grown children, Gabrielle and Frank Jr (Frankie)
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The former couple have remained close over the years as co-parents, and Dolores was even in attendance at the bridal shower of Frank’s new wife Brittany Mattessich
Dolores and ex-husband Frank have been divorced since 1998 and share two grown children, Gabrielle, a veterinarian, and Frank Jr (Frankie), an asset manager.
The former couple have remained close over the years as co-parents, creating a friendly family dynamic as they raised their children together.
The reality star was even in attendance at the bridal shower of Frank’s new wife Brittany Mattessich.
Posting about the event on Instagram, Dolores wrote, ‘Had so much fun showering the beautiful bride-to-be. So excited for these two [Frank] and [Brittany].’