RHONJ: How Frank Catania Really Feels About Dolores' New Boyfriend Paulie
Frank Catania has an unusual relationship with "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Dolores Catania, but somehow, it works. The two divorced over 20 years ago due to Frank's infidelity, but they have managed to remain friends. Frank and Dolores were so close, it seemed as if they were still married at times. He would often be her date during "RHONJ" outings and eventually, became a fan-favorite "husband."
When Dolores started dating David Principe in 2017, many wondered how that would affect Dolores and Frank's relationship. However, the two men became best buds and David even took care of Frank when he hurt his legs. After Dolores and David broke up in 2021, she moved on with her Irish hunk Paul "Paulie" Connell. Unfortunately, he didn't become as close with Frank from the get-go. "We're not on the best of terms because Paul is not used to the dynamic between Dolores and me," Frank told Us Weekly in 2022. Now that some time has passed, it appears that Connell has since warmed up to Dolores' ex-husband.
Frank Catania compared Paulie to Buzz Lightyear
It appears that Frank Catania wasn't initially a big fan of Paul Connell. During the "RHONJ" Season 12 reunion, host Andy Cohen asked what he thought of Dolores Catania's new boyfriend and Frank commented that he looked like Buzz Lightyear. Dolores immediately took umbrage at the comparison and looked ready to blast him to infinity and beyond. Connell lightheartedly retaliated with his own dig by sharing an Instagram Story with Frank as Mr. Potato Head.
Following the reunion, Frank told Andy Cohen on "Watch What Happens Live" that he and Connell are on better terms. "Paulie and I have spoken. Paulie and I have joked around a little bit, and hopefully, he's opening up more and I'm accepting him more," he shared. He also called Connell a "good-looking guy" and claimed that the Buzz Lightyear comment wasn't a diss. Since then, the "Toy Story" comparisons seem to be a running joke between Frank and Connell.
Frank made Paulie a Buzz Lightyear blanket for Christmas
"The Real Housewives of New Jersey" fans know that anyone who dates Dolores Catania has to be on board with her close relationship with Frank Catania. Although it took her new boyfriend Paul Connell time to warm up to her ex-husband, it looks like they're on better terms. During an appearance on "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen," a fan asked Dolores how Connell reacted to the Buzz Lightyear comment. "He laughed. He was like, 'That's pretty funny.' He took it like a man. He took it well," she stated. Dolores added that Frank had a blanket made for Connell with his face on Buzz Lightyear for Christmas. However, Connell, who was sitting in the audience, revealed that Frank still hasn't given him the blanket.
Although Connell and Frank seem fine now, Dolores' new boyfriend may have some words to say about her ex-husband after watching the "RHONJ" Season 13 trailer. Frank is seen telling Dolores, as well as the other husbands, that he misses their relationship. He also tells Dolores that he feels like she's "off limits" and starts choking up when talking about their family. However, she revealed that there has been talk of marriage with Connell, so it looks like he's here to stay. Hopefully, they can all be one big happy family.