Who is Paul's ex-wife Joanne Connell? 'RHONJ' pair's classy split after 16-year marriage
NEW JERSEY: Before sparking a romance with 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey' star Dolores Catania, Paul Connell was married to a lady named Joanne Connell. According to a report from The US Sun, Joanne, a 49-year-old resident of Rockland County, is Paul's ex-wife, although she has a minimal presence on social media platforms.
Paul and Joanne's marriage lasted for more than 16 years, during which they welcomed two children into their lives. The former couple shares two sons. Every now, and then, Paul shares pictures of his two sons on social media as well.
While having a chat with the media outlet in February 2022, Paul said, "There's been no really need for me to be divorced, like, it's not like I was getting married or I go around marrying people for the fun of it. So, it never really happened to that point for her or for me. We're quite comfortable. Obviously when me and Dolores got more serious, now the conversation's like, ‘Okay, now it's time to close that chapter,’ and that's it. There's really nothing else."
"I'm very happily separated and very soon to be happily divorced. It's a very simple understanding. We are not divorced, we are getting divorced. We never had a big misunderstanding to the point where 'I hate you, you hate me.' It was never like that, never being like that," he added.
Paul mentioned that he and his ex still share a very good understanding. He went on to say, "We've just parted ways. We're still very amicable."
"She's done a great job raising my children with me, and since we've separated, she's done a phenomenal job doing what she's done. But she's a very private lady and she's always been like that from the day I met her," he concluded.
When did 'RHONJ' star Paul Connell's ex-wife Joanne file for divorce?
On February 4, 2020, Paul's former partner, Joanne Connell, initiated divorce proceedings just days before Valentine's Day. The timing of the filing added an extra layer of heartbreak to an already difficult situation for Paul.
The divorce filing submission was made in October 2020, which was a request for judicial intervention (RJI). This indicates that the filing is still pending assignment to a judge. Since divorces in New York are sealed, there is a lack of information regarding the specific details and events that occurred during the proceedings.
Paul Connell's ex Joanne is very supportive of him and his girlfriend Dolores Catania
Similar to how Dolores' former partner Frank Catania expressed happiness for the couple, Paul's ex Joanne is also thrilled for them. Dolores, on her end, has been legally separated from her ex-husband Frank for close to a quarter of a century, spanning a significant period of time.
Together, they have fulfilled the roles of devoted parents to their two children, Gabby, who has reached the age of 27, and Frankie, who is currently 24 years old.
"[Joanne] is also very happy for myself and Dolores and she thinks it's a wonderful thing that I found happiness and whatever comes with it," Paul said.
He went on to say, "Her and Dolores have a very good mutual understanding."
"She respects our relationship, respects our boundaries, she respects our decisions and she respects Dolores as a mom, and that's why she has no problem with Dolores and my children and all of us being happy families."
How did 'RHONJ' pair Paul Connell and Dolores Catania meet?
Paul and Dolores had a fateful encounter that brought them together. While making an appearance on 'Watch What Happens Live,' Dolores revealed that she and Connell were introduced on a blind date by a common friend shortly after her separation from David Principe.
“She was like, ‘Oh, you should meet my friend, he’s a cool dude.' I go, ‘But I’m not that cool,' ” Dolores said.
Regarding Connell, he revealed in an Instagram post shared in November 2022 that their initial encounter took place at an Apple Store.
“I met this amazing woman in this photograph over a year ago, we met at an Apple store, no cameras no fans no crowds no make up just two people waiting online [sic] to get their phones fixed,” he wrote.
Paul further added, "When I met this beautiful woman I didn’t know about reality TV celebrity status or any of the above, oh boy but I do now lol.”
'RHONJ' Season 14 premieres May 5, 2024, at 8 pm ET only on Bravo.