Dolores Catania Declares Frank Catania's Fiancée, Brittany Mattessich, “Family”
The RHONJ cast member shared the sweet family update as Brittany prepares to marry Dolores' ex-husband.
Dolores Catania has done what so many others have considered impossible: She befriended her ex-husband’s new partner.
On Thursday, May 23, The Real Housewives of New Jersey mom posted a sweet moment between her and Frank Catania’s soon-to-be wife, Brittany Mattessich. The photo showed the Jersey ladies at the Capital Grille steakhouse in Paramus, where they enjoyed an intimate dinner with Dolores and Frank’s veterinarian daughter, Gabby Catania. Dolores was seen embracing her firstborn as they both leaned into Brittany who was smiling from ear-to-ear.
The image underscored Dolores’ unlikely bond with Frank's fiancée, who she now considers a part of the Catania clan.
“Family over everything…" the Jersey ’Wife captioned the post, followed by the "familia" hashtag.
Frank Catania proposes to Brittany Mattessich
Frank reportedly met Brittany in 2012, roughly 14 years after he divorced Dolores. The RHONJ dad had worked as Brittany’s fitness trainer and developed an on-again, off-again relationship in the following years. Fast-forward to May 2022, when they confirmed their exclusivity on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.
“Wow, Frank brought his girlfriend tonight,” host Andy Cohen said during the episode. “Very exciting, Frank Catania.”
“You know it’s serious then,” Frank replied.
Here's What You May Have Missed on Bravo:
Dolores Shares Why She Had "Compassion" for Frank Catania Getting Disbarred
Where to Watch The Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 14
Teresa Giudice Opens Up on What Really Led to Her and Joe Giudice’s Divorce
The couple confirmed their engagement in October 2023, when Brittany shared several photos of Frank’s romantic proposal.
“We’re Engaged!!!!” she captioned the Instagram, in which she showed off a massive diamond ring. “I’m so excited to start this next chapter with you along with all [of] the other good things we have going on… Thank you for being you [and] making me the happiest girl in the world. I wouldn’t want to do this life with anyone else other [than] [Frank]. love you so much my fiancé.”
Dolores Catiana reacts to her ex-husband Frank's engagement
Dolores reshared the announcement on Instagram along with some supportive words for the happy couple.
“All u need is love and that ring ‘wow,’’” she wrote. “I couldn’t be happier for these two lovebirds. Congrats on the engagement! [Brittany] It’s so nice to officially welcome you to the family. Wishing u a lifetime of love, health and happiness [Frank] happy wife happy life.”
Dolores attends Brittany's bridal shower: "So excited for these two..."
But the support didn’t stop there. In April 2024, Dolores attended Brittany’s stunning bridal shower alongside Gabby as well as RHONJ’s Melissa Gorga and Rachel Fuda. Dolores shared several photos from the event, which included gold-and-white decor, mouth-watering desserts, a DJ, and a smoke machine.
“Had so much fun showering the beautiful bride-to-be,” the Jersey mom captioned the Instagram. “So excited for these two...”
According to their online registry, Frank and Brittany are expected to tie the knot in November.
