A heart shaped lock drawn in pink and purple lines

Bravo Insider Exclusive

To read this article, you must have a Bravo subscription.

The Daily Dish The Real Housewives of New Jersey

Caroline Manzo's Friendship with Dolores Catania Goes Way Back

"She's crazy as crazy gets, but she's good as good gets too, so she's fun," the #RHONJ alum says.

By Laura Rosenfeld
You Know You're From New Jersey When...

Dolores Catania may be one of two new cast members on The Real Housewives of New Jersey this season, but she seems to have jumped right into all of the Garden State-sized drama. Maybe that's because she has been rolling in this social circle long before she appeared on RHONJ — and even before it became a series. 

How to Watch

Watch The Real Housewives of New Jersey on Peacock and the Bravo app.  

Original RHONJ cast member Caroline Manzo told The Daily Dish that when she does catch the show this season, she loves seeing Dolores, her good friend of more than 20 years who she first met through her husband Al Manzo. "She's a phenomenal human being," Caroline gushed. "She's crazy as crazy gets, but she's good as good gets too, so she's fun."

This made me feel old #tbt @frank.catania

A photo posted by @albiemanzo on

 

In fact, Caroline said she has long wanted Dolores, who has made cameos on past seasons of RHONJ, to be a part of the show. "I'm thrilled for her. I was her champion from day one," she said. "I wanted her to be a part of it. I kept throwing her name into the ring, filmed with her as much as I could, because I knew she'd be an awesome fit into the group." 

In addition to Caroline, Dolores counts fellow Paterson, New Jersey native Teresa Giudice, who she's known for at least two decades, and Jacqueline Laurita as besties. "She knows everybody. She's got history with everybody, so it's good," Caroline said of Dolores, who also makes an appearance in this season's Manzo'd with Children supertease, joining the RHONJ cast. "I think it's a perfect match." 

Below, Dolores describes just how long she's known Teresa Giudice. 

How Close Are Teresa Giudice and Dolores Catania?
Want the latest Bravo updates? Text us for breaking news and more!