Dolores Catania is finally addressing the question fans have been asking.
After appearing on “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” as a “friend of,” the “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star confirmed she was not invited to the reunion — and new details are shedding light on why.
During a recent appearance on “Two Ts in a Pod” with Teddi Mellencamp, Catania revealed she would not be attending the RHORI reunion, sparking curiosity among viewers about what happened behind the scenes.
According to reporting from Reality Blurb, there were several factors that likely played into the decision.
Dolores Catania Explains RHORI Reunion Absence
One of the biggest issues appears to be timing.
Catania is about to start filming “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” which will make it difficult to participate in the Rhode Island reunion taping.
There is also the nature of her role on RHORI. As a “friend of” rather than a full-time cast member, Catania was not as deeply embedded in the central storylines that typically drive reunion participation.
The outlet also noted that her involvement in the season was more limited compared to the core cast, making her absence less surprising from a production standpoint.
Her Role on RHORI Was More Limited Than Expected
Catania has been candid about her experience filming the show, suggesting she was not as involved as she initially expected.
“I was bitter because when I got there, they didn’t let me film as much,” she said on the podcast. “They kept me on the bench. I was the wellness team. I got every phone call, every scene.”
While she remained connected to the group, her role ultimately leaned more supportive than central — something that likely factored into her absence from the reunion.
She’s Still Open to Returning — Even Across Both Shows
Despite not attending the reunion, Catania is not closing the door on RHORI.
In fact, her recent comments suggest she would consider returning — even while continuing her role on “The Real Housewives of New Jersey.”
“They wanted me a part of it,” she said of RHORI. “Which I now agree with and I think next season, hopefully, if I come back it would be different.”
That aligns with her earlier comments about being open to appearing on both franchises — a rare move within the Bravo universe.
Could RHONJ and RHORI Overlap?
The biggest question moving forward is whether that kind of crossover is even possible.
On the podcast, Tamra Judge pointed out how unusual it would be for a Housewife to appear on two shows at once.
Catania didn’t dismiss the idea.
“So what’s wrong with it?” she responded.
At least for now, scheduling may actually make it possible.
RHORI filmed its first season in summer 2025, while RHONJ is expected to film its next season in summer 2026. If those timelines remain staggered, the overlap may not be as complicated as it sounds.
What This Means for Dolores Catania’s Future
For now, Catania’s absence from the RHORI reunion appears to come down to logistics and role — not conflict.
But with RHONJ moving forward and RHORI still finding its footing, she could remain a unique bridge between the two franchises.
And if timing lines up, the idea of “double dipping” may not be off the table after all.
