Dolores Catania Reveals How Living with Paulie Changed Her (VIDEO)

The Real Housewives of New Jersey‘s Dolores Catania has picked up a new habit while living with her boyfriend Paul “Paulie” Connell. 

In the video above, Dolores and Paulie gave a tour their stunning home, which was once deemed Paulie’s “sexy house.” During the tour, the pair showed off their beautiful kitchen, complete with marble countertops and an impressive wine wall. 

While in the kitchen, the Garden State couple stopped to pour a drink — but their liquor choice may surprise you. “By the way, this is Gentleman Jack, in case you wanted to know,” Dolores said, as she filled two glasses with the Tennessee whiskey. “Yes, I’m a whiskey drinker now.”

The distilled beverage is a far cry from her ex-husband’s cocktail of choice, an apple martini with extra pucker.  One can only assume that Paulie is responsible for her new drink of choice, given his Irish roots. The entrepreneur was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, before permanently moving to the United States and settling in New Jersey. 

Dolores Catania’s thoughtful gift for Paulie Connell at home

Dolores moved into Paulie’s home in 2023 and helped turn the sleek bachelor pad into a home fit for a new couple. According to the video, Dolores teamed up with Paulie’s favorite artist to transform her boyfriend’s cigar room.

“It was our first Christmas together,” Dolores said, while showing off the room. “I got in touch with [the artist] because I wanted it to be very special for Paul. And I said to the artist ‘I want something for my boyfriend, but I want it to reflect his life.'”

Ultimately, she decided to pay homage to Paulie’s home country: “I got a picture of where [Paul] grew up, and [the artist] put it together, and I named the picture “All Roads Lead Back to Ireland.”

Inside Dolores Catania and Paulie Connell’s blended family

Dolores and Paulie met in 2021, and have built a beautiful, blended family. 

Dolores showed off the family’s bond in a recent Father’s Day post dedicated to her Irishman. The post included pictures of Paulie with his two sons from a previous marriage, as well as the Dolores’ children, Frankie and Gabby Catania. Some pictures even featured Frankie’s new fiancé, Nicole Perricho.

“Happy Father’s Day to the man who loves with his whole heart, leads with kindness, and gives family a love that’s steady, strong, and real!!” she captioned the post. “Watching how you always take care of everyone is a true example of a man that was meant to be a DAD. We love you more than words can say!”

Dolores spends lots of quality time with Paulie and his sons, and even celebrated Christmas with them. 

Inside Dolores Catania and Paulie Connell’s relationship

Married or not, the pair seems to be madly in love and very happy together. Paulie recently posted a super sentimental snap of a young Dolores on his Instagram Story with the sweetest message.

“This little girl? She grew into a woman who moves with grace, leads with heart, and never forgets where she came from,” he wrote on the post.

Dolores also doesn’t shy away from hyping up her partner online. On Valentine’s Day this year, the housewife posted an adorable message for Paulie on her Instagram.

“Today and every day is a reminder of how lucky I am to have so much love in my life,” she wrote in the caption. “You have [given] me a beautiful chapter in the best love story.”

Dolores Catania celebrates Paul “Paulie” Connell’s birthday

In June 2025, Dolores posted an emotional and lengthy tribute to her longtime boyfriend to celebrate his birthday and how important he is in her life.

“Happy birthday to an absolutely incredible man. My Irish love who somehow takes care of everyone around him with so much heart.  You’ve been my constant – especially this past year. From being by my side during my heart ablation to always showing up with strength, patience, and so much love, you’ve always remind[ed] me what true partnership looks like,” she wrote.

She continued: “You’re not just an amazing partner- you’re an extraordinary father and friend. Watching the way you love, support, and show up for everyone in your life, time after time, has been a true spectacle to watch. You lead with kindness, you teach with humor, and you love with your whole soul. It’s inspiring to see, and I feel so lucky to share life with someone who gives so much to the people they love.”

Dolores concluded her tribute to Paulie as such: “You’re smart, hilarious, strong, and successful – but most of all, you’re good through and through. I’m so grateful for you and everything you are. Here’s to more birthdays, more memories, and a lifetime of love together. Love you always.”

Learn more about Dolores’ family life!