Dolores Catania The Real Housewives of New Jersey star is officially engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Paulie Connell, after five years of dating.

The 54-year-old reality TV personality shared her excitement in a new interview with People, revealing that Connell, 51, recently popped the question. “I’m ecstatic,” Catania said. “You know when you feel that happiness deep in your gut? That’s where this excitement stems from for me.”

Beaming with joy, the Bravo star said the proposal left her feeling overwhelmed in the best way. “I feel so blessed, I almost feel guilty. Like I don’t deserve to be loved this way,” she said, gushing about her future husband.

Connell expressed similar affection for Catania, praising her strength and kindness. “I keep telling Dolores she deserves that and so much more. She’s an incredible woman,” he said. “When I was proposing to her, I was able to tell her everything I see that she is, everything she does, and the impact she has on everyone around her. She’s one in a million.”

Catania and Connell first met in 2019 and have kept their relationship relatively private compared to some of their Bravo peers. Over the years, viewers of The Real Housewives of New Jersey have seen glimpses of their growing connection, as well as Catania’s journey toward finding happiness after heartbreak.

The engagement marks a new chapter for the beloved reality star, who has often been open about her past relationships and the challenges of balancing love, family, and fame.

Fans and fellow RHONJ cast members have already begun sending their congratulations, celebrating the couple’s milestone moment. For Catania, the engagement is not just a romantic milestone but a reflection of personal growth and the joy of finding true partnership.

“I just feel so lucky,” she said. “This is exactly where I’m meant to be.”