Ever since joining The Real Housewives of New Jersey in season 7, Dolores Catania has captivated fans with her unwavering loyalty and authentic personality. As season 14 wrapped up, Catania opened up about the explosive finale and the unprecedented decision to split the reunion into two parts.
Catania detailed the drama surrounding a funeral arrangement sent to Teresa Giudice, a moment that epitomized the ongoing tension within the group. “We were sitting there, and Teresa had been hinting at something big. Suddenly, Gia noticed a strange man at the door with flowers. It turned out to be a funeral arrangement, and Teresa was furious. It was an iconic yet stressful moment,” Catania recalled, emphasizing how social media exacerbated the conflicts.
One of Catania’s standout qualities on the show is her ability to remain neutral, even as the feud between Giudice and her sister-in-law, Melissa Gorga, escalated. “I’m shocked at how deeply the feud has affected everyone,” she said. “I wished they would keep the fights for the cameras, but it spilled over into our lives off-screen.”
The decision to forego a traditional reunion in favor of a “cast rewatch” was surprising to many fans. Catania clarified that it wasn’t due to the cast’s unwillingness to participate. “They were excited for the reunion; it was going to be like World War III. However, the different rooms helped reduce the stress,” she explained, highlighting how the separation somewhat diffused the tension.
Catania also spoke about the annual “Battle for Brooklyn” charity baseball game, a staple event on RHONJ that raised $200,000 last year. Despite the show’s break, the game continues. “You can get tickets at BattleForBrooklyn.com. It’s become a beloved event where fans and Bravo stars come together,” she shared.
As RHONJ navigates its future, fans eagerly await more from Catania, hoping she’ll continue to bring her unique blend of honesty and neutrality to the screen.
