Dolores Catania, the beloved star of The Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHONJ), is opening up about her health journey and delivering a passionate call to save the iconic Bravo show. In candid interviews with E! News and OK!, the reality TV veteran shared shocking details about her recent heart procedure, her experience with weight loss drugs like Mounjaro, and her unwavering hope for RHONJ’s return despite its current hiatus.
A Heart Scare and a Health Wake-Up Call
Dolores recently faced a serious health scare that landed her in the hospital. “I had a condition called AFib where I was feeling my heart beat out of my chest,” she revealed to E! News. “If you ever feel a flutter in your chest, you need to get that checked. That’s not something to ignore. Sometimes people think it’s anxiety, but go to a cardiologist and get a checkup.”
The procedure was a success, offering an “immediate fix,” but it forced Dolores to pause her use of Mounjaro, a GLP-1 drug similar to Ozempic, which she had been using to manage her weight. The break had immediate consequences. “I gained probably 15 pounds in over a month,” she admitted. Now back on the medication, Dolores is feeling healthier and has already shed 10 pounds. “I’m healthy and I feel much better,” she shared.
However, her journey with Mounjaro wasn’t without challenges. “When you start the GLP-1s, one of the side effects is nausea,” Dolores explained. She found relief with Advanced Herbals® ginger chews from the makers of Dramamine®. “These amazing chews help you with the nausea. I wish I had them when I was pregnant 30 years ago because they would have been my best friend. They definitely helped me get over the hump.”
Dolores didn’t hold back when addressing critics of weight loss drugs. “Why would you care what someone you don’t even know has to say?” she fired back. “If people aren’t going to be supportive on your journey with the GLP-1s, be like, ‘It’s none of your business.’ Don’t not do it because you’re afraid of what somebody else thinks.” Her bold stance is a rallying cry for anyone facing judgment over their health choices.
A Defiant Return to Health
Despite her doctor’s orders to take it easy post-procedure, Dolores admitted to bending the rules. “Don’t tell my doctor that I was on a plane a week later,” she said with a laugh. “Probably shouldn’t have done that, but I think it was the best thing I ever did.” Her resilience and determination to reclaim her health shine through, as does her gratitude for her medical team and her ability to resume Mounjaro. “I love my doctors, and I was able to get back to my GLP-1, which I missed terribly,” she added.
The RHONJ Hiatus: A House Divided
The future of The Real Housewives of New Jersey remains uncertain after Bravo put the show on pause following a tumultuous season marked by a deep divide among the cast. At the center of the drama were Teresa Giudice and her sister-in-law Melissa Gorga, whose ongoing feud split the group. Dolores, however, refused to take sides. “I was disappointed [by how it ended],” she told OK!. “I really wanted a resolution. We didn’t have that, and I think NBC’s hands were tied on what to do with us.”
Despite the hiatus, Dolores remains optimistic about the show’s return. “I miss it! It’s like being a fish out of water,” she confessed. “I think that the New Jersey Housewives are the most relatable … I’d love to see us all back together as a full cast.” Quoting Frank Sinatra, she added, “Was too hot not to cool down. Now that we’ve cooled down, bring us back!”
Dolores revealed that the cast is still in touch, with frequent calls and connections that go beyond the screen. “I just missed a call from Margaret Josephs!” she shared. “We can’t see a life without New Jersey Housewives — ever.” Her deep ties to the cast, including her lifelong friendship with Teresa, underscore the unique bond that makes RHONJ so special. “I grew up with Teresa, and I’ve known everyone for 20 to 30 years,” she said.
Casting Rumors and a Stand Against a Reboot
Rumors of a potential RHONJ reboot have swirled, but Dolores isn’t a fan of a complete overhaul. “I don’t mind a shake-up, but a full cast overhaul, I don’t think it works,” she stated firmly. “I’ve heard they are casting for RHONJ — but we hear that every year! It’s hard to cast for New Jersey because it’s such a tight-knit show. Even though we fight like h—, we really are friends.”
As fans anxiously await news of RHONJ’s fate, Dolores’s heartfelt plea for its comeback resonates. “It’s been two years. It’s the second summer we’re not filming,” she noted. Her determination to see the show return, combined with her candid health revelations, cements her status as a fan favorite who’s unafraid to speak her truth.
Dolores Catania’s journey — from overcoming a serious health scare to standing firm in the face of reality TV drama — is a testament to her strength and authenticity. Whether she’s battling nausea with ginger chews or fighting for RHONJ’s future, Dolores is proving she’s a force to be reckoned with, on and off the screen.