Bethenny Frankel Opens Up About On-And-Off Boyfriend Dennis Shields' Death

Getty Images

By Dianne Gebauer/Updated: Aug. 27, 2018 9:10 am EST

The Real Housewives of New York City star Bethenny Frankel is taking time to grieve.

On Sunday morning, Aug. 26, 2018, the reality TV star took to Twitter to share an update with her fans on how she's been coping with the recent loss of her late on-and-off boyfriend, Dennis Shields.

"It's hard to breathe & I appreciate you giving me the space & support to try to do so," she wrote to her 1.58 million followers. "It's excruciating — sudden death is no closure & constant ?s & memories. Our relationship is current so it's painfully raw. Trying to stay healthy & move through it w tears & close friends. Xo."

As Nicki Swift previously reported, Shields, 51, was found dead of a suspected oxycodone overdose in his Trump Tower apartment in New York City on Aug. 10, 2018. At the time of this writing, his official cause of death has yet to be revealed.

While Frankel, 47, and Shields had known one another for nearly 30 years, they only first began their on-again, off-again romance in 2016. The businessman had reportedly proposed to Frankel earlier his year. After attending the late LawCash CEO's funeral on Long Island, N.Y. on Aug. 13, Frankel broke her silence on his sudden passing with a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. "Rest In Peace my sweet babies who gave me endless unconditional love," the Skinnygirl mogul wrote in the caption of a snapshot featuring Shields with her late dog, Cookie. She added the hashtag, "#nowandforever."

In the two weeks since Shields' untimely death, Frankel, who shares 8-year-old daughter Bryn with ex-husband Jason Hoppy, has understandably kept a relatively low profile on social media as she continues to mourn. However, the television personality took time this weekend to express her condolences to The View co-host Meghan McCain shortly after the recent passing of her father, Senator John McCain, was announced. "I am truly sorry for your loss @MeghanMcCain," she tweeted. Sen. McCain had died on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 25, following a battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Our thoughts remain with Shields' loved ones during this difficult time.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration's 24/7 National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.