“Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Dolores Catania is clearing up some confusion surrounding her son, Frankie Catania’s recent engagement to his now-fiancee, Nicole Perricho.
In the February 27 episode of Tamra Judge and Teddi Mellencamp‘s podcast, “Two Ts In A Pod,” Catania noted that some Bravo fans believed that her son, whom she shares with her ex-husband Frank Catania, got married because his engagement was held at New York City’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
“People think they got married,” said Catania during the podcast episode.
She then explained that her son decided to have a mass in celebration of his engagement to Perricho as a tribute to his grandmother. Catania said her mother, who is religious, would often look after Frankie Catania and his sister, Gabby Catania, during their childhood.
“I was a single mom, always. And Frankie was also raised by my parents. When I had to work, Frankie had the influence of my mother, who is very religious,” said Catania. “Very big devotion to the Blessed Mother. And rosaries and everything. He wanted [Perricho’s] family and my mom to know that he is going to carry on the faith. And have a mass for her and surprise her. To know what an important thing it was for him and his life. And to know, it will be apart of his family in the future.”
Dolores Catania Said That Nicole Perricho Had Some Suspicion that She Was Going to Get Engaged
While recording the “Two Ts In A Pod” episode, Catania said Perricho, who her son began dating a year ago, had a feeling she was going to get engaged. She said, however, that Frankie Catania surprised Perricho by inviting their families and her close friends to the celebration after the proposal.
Catania also said that her son and Perricho will not get married for a few more years. She said that Frankie Catania “wants to make a lot of money before they get married.” In addition, Catania said the wedding will likely be in Portugal, where Perricho’s family resides.
“She comes from the best family. We went to Portugal to meet them,” said Catania on the podcast.
Dolores Catania Discussed Her Relationship on ‘Watch What Happens Live’
Catania spoke about her son’s engagement during the February 26 episode of “Watch What Happens Live,” as reported by BravoTV.com. She said she was “so excited” that her youngest child was engaged.
Andy Cohen also inquired whether she and her boyfriend of three years, Paul “Paulie” Connell, would have a “double wedding” with her son and Perricho. Catania replied, “We’ll let them have their day.”
She also said she and Connell, who recently finalized his divorce from his first wife, are not eager to get married.
“It’s not the goal, but we’re not against it,” said Catania during the interview.
Catania made similar comments to Access Hollywood in August 2024.
“Happiness is my goal, peace in my life is my goal,” said Catania about her relationship with Connell.
She also said that she and Connell are “very happy” and “do great things together.”
