By [Your Name] | August 2025

In a heartbreaking and deeply personal revelation, Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dolores Catania has confirmed she is battling a serious illness, sharing the news in an emotional interview that has sent waves across the reality TV world and beyond.

“I was in total shock when the doctor told me I had tested positive for the disease,” Dolores confessed, visibly shaken as she opened up for the first time about her private struggle. “You never think it’ll happen to you—until it does.”

While she has not revealed the exact name of the illness at this time, Dolores described it as “life-altering” and “something no one is ever prepared for,” hinting at both the physical and emotional toll it has taken on her in recent months.

From Strength to Silence: Why She Stayed Quiet

Known for her no-nonsense strength, loyalty to her friends, and fierce love for her family, Dolores has always been a rock on The Real Housewives of New Jersey. But behind the scenes, that strength was being tested in ways fans couldn’t imagine.

“At first, I didn’t want anyone to know,” she said. “Not even my closest friends. I was scared of being seen as weak, or worse—of worrying the people I love.”

Dolores admitted that she kept her condition a secret for several months, quietly undergoing tests, procedures, and multiple doctor visits while continuing to film the show and maintain public appearances.

“There were days I smiled on camera and cried in the car,” she shared. “You become really good at hiding pain when you have no choice.”

Symptoms, Fear, and a Long Road to Diagnosis

Dolores explained that her health issues began subtly: chronic fatigue, unexplained pain, and brain fog that she initially blamed on stress. But as symptoms worsened, she knew something wasn’t right.

“My body was screaming at me, and I kept ignoring it,” she said. “When I finally went in for tests, I never expected the results would change my entire life.”

Though she did not disclose the exact name of the illness, insiders close to the star say Dolores is facing a rare autoimmune condition that can affect multiple organs and requires long-term management and specialized treatment.

“It’s one of those diseases that doesn’t look dramatic on the outside but feels like hell on the inside,” a source close to Dolores revealed. “She’s been incredibly strong, but it’s been a brutal few months.”

 

Support from Family, Friends — and Fans

After keeping her battle private for so long, Dolores says she’s now ready to speak out — not just for herself, but for the millions of others who are silently facing similar struggles.

“There are so many people walking around every day dealing with chronic illness or scary diagnoses and feeling alone. I want them to know they’re not,” she said. “I’m with you.”

Dolores shared that her family has rallied around her since she revealed the diagnosis — including her two children, Gabrielle and Frankie, and even her ex-husband Frank, who she says has “been incredibly supportive.”

“Frank was one of the first people I told, and he showed up the next day with groceries, supplements, and a list of doctors. That’s the kind of guy he is,” she smiled.

Her RHONJ castmates, too, have begun to reach out with messages of love and encouragement. Although not all of them were aware at first, Dolores said the outpouring of support has been overwhelming.

“Melissa [Gorga] texted me the most beautiful message. Margaret [Josephs] offered to fly out and sit with me at my appointments. These women can drive me crazy sometimes — but when it counts, they show up.”

Treatment, Lifestyle Changes, and a New Perspective

Dolores is now beginning treatment, which she describes as “intensive but manageable.” She is undergoing a mix of medication, holistic therapies, and major lifestyle changes — including diet adjustments, stress reduction, and scaling back on her work schedule.

“I’ve had to slow down, which is hard for me,” she admitted. “I’m used to being the one who takes care of everyone. Now I have to learn how to accept help — and that’s been humbling.”

She has also become an advocate for early detection, urging fans and followers to listen to their bodies and not ignore persistent symptoms.

“Don’t put off those checkups. Don’t brush it off as ‘just stress’ or ‘just aging,’” she warned. “I almost waited too long.”

Life Beyond Reality TV

Dolores says that while Real Housewives has been a huge part of her life, her recent health scare has shifted her priorities.

“I don’t know what the future looks like for me on the show,” she said candidly. “Right now, my focus is on healing. And if I can use my platform to raise awareness, that’s what I’ll do.”

She’s also considering starting a podcast or writing a memoir to document her journey — not just as a reality star, but as a woman navigating illness, motherhood, relationships, and the pressure of always “keeping it together.”

“I’ve always believed in showing the real me. And this is part of that reality now.”

 

 

An Outpouring of Support Online

Since the news broke earlier this morning, fans have flooded Dolores’ social media with messages of love, strength, and solidarity. The hashtag #PrayersForDolores began trending within hours, with thousands of users sharing their own stories of illness and recovery.

“You’ve always been a warrior, Dolores. This is just another fight you’re going to win,” one fan tweeted.
“Thank you for speaking up. So many of us needed to hear this today,” another wrote.

Even fellow Real Housewives from other franchises — including New York, Beverly Hills, and Atlanta — have shown support. Bethenny Frankel posted on Instagram: “Sending love and healing energy to @DoloresCatania. Bravo family sticks together.”

A Message of Strength and Hope

Despite the emotional weight of her diagnosis, Dolores says she’s entering this new chapter with courage, grace — and her signature Jersey toughness.

“I’ve been through divorce, betrayal, heartbreak, and loss,” she said. “This is just another challenge. I’m not giving up — I’m just getting started.”

As fans wait to see what the next season of RHONJ brings, one thing is certain: Dolores Catania will be facing it all with honesty, grit, and an unwavering sense of purpose.

“If I can help even one person by sharing my story,” she said, “then all of this pain means something.”