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- Dolores’s place on RHORI: a seasoned friend in a new scene
- Cast members praise her support and guidance
- How Dolores was invited: Liz McGraw’s persistence
- Staying true to New Jersey while embracing Rhode Island
- Preparation and behind-the-scenes conversations
- Reception and expectations from fans
- When to watch and where to stream
Dolores Catania has quickly become a central figure in the new season of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island, offering support and experience to a fresh cast. Her presence is already being described as nurturing and steady, and viewers can expect to see her blend New Jersey roots with newfound Rhode Island ties.
Dolores’s place on RHORI: a seasoned friend in a new scene
Dolores appears on RHORI as a “friend of” the cast, a role that lets her mentor without being a full-time housewife. Producers leaned on her experience from The Real Housewives of New Jersey to help shape the debut season.
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She embraced the opportunity during a RHONJ break and enjoyed the lighter, advisory position. Dolores told reporters she felt the part suited her well and allowed her to cheer the new women on.
Cast members praise her support and guidance
Several castmates credited Dolores with helping them navigate filming and social dynamics.
- Jo-Ellen Tiberi likened Dolores to a protective presence who stepped in whenever help was needed.
- Kelsey Swanson and Alicia Carmody viewed her as a mentor during the show’s launch.
- Rulla Pontarelli said Dolores brought honesty and real-life perspective to conversations.
Many of the women said Dolores felt like family almost immediately. That warmth helped the group settle into filming faster.
How Dolores was invited: Liz McGraw’s persistence
The invitation to join the Rhode Island cast came through longtime friend Liz McGraw. Dolores confirmed Liz had encouraged her for years to spend time in Rhode Island.
With filming schedules aligning last summer, Dolores accepted the offer to appear. She stressed it was a temporary chapter, not a permanent relocation.
Staying true to New Jersey while embracing Rhode Island
Although she connected deeply with the cast, Dolores made clear her home remains in New Jersey.
- She plans to continue spending summers in Rhode Island.
- She said Rhode Island’s culture felt familiar enough to fit in quickly.
Dolores described the state as a seasonal second home. That balance lets her keep her roots while supporting the RHORI women.
Preparation and behind-the-scenes conversations
Dolores sought advice from former Housewives to navigate the friend role well. She reached out to Cynthia Bailey for her perspective.
Cynthia encouraged Dolores to enjoy the role and watch the cast shine. Dolores later agreed that the advice was spot on.
What Dolores admired about the new cast
- Authenticity: she praised the women for being themselves on camera.
- Work ethic: she noticed how much time they invested in filming.
- Vulnerability: she appreciated that they put personal moments on screen.
Reception and expectations from fans
Early reactions from cast interviews paint Dolores as an asset who elevated the debut season. Her mix of blunt honesty and compassion helped temper tensions.
Viewers familiar with RHONJ can expect similar energy, now adapted to Rhode Island personalities and storylines.
When to watch and where to stream
The Real Housewives of Rhode Island launches on Bravo on Thursday, April 2. A second episode follows on Sunday, April 5.
New episodes air Sundays and become available on Peacock the next day.
