As the latest addition to the network’s popular ‘Real Housewives’ franchise, ‘RHONJ’ star Dolores Catania will join the series as a friend-of.
Ashley Iaconetti
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for iHeartRadio
Bravo has unveiled the official cast for The Real Housewives of Rhode Island, the latest addition to the network’s sprawling Real Housewives franchise.
The news was revealed by Andy Cohen at BravoCon, where a first look trailer at season one was additionally shown, teasing a plethora of drama to come. The Real Housewives of Rhode Island will debut in 2026, though no official release date has been released.
Seven new Housewives make up the cast, who are joined by The Real Housewives of New Jersey‘s Dolores Catania as a friend-of (which merely means she is not considered a full-time castmember). The cast announcement came amid quite a busy weekend for the network, as the fourth BravoCon was held in Las Vegas over Nov. 14-16.
RHORI is the latest addition to Bravo’s Real Housewives world since the now “paused” Real Housewives of Dubai premiered in 2021 and breakout series Real Housewives of Salt Lake City debuted in November 2019.
Read Bravo’s official bios for the women of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island below.
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Alicia Carmody
“Rhode Island to the core, Alicia isn’t shy about her roots — just wait until you hear her say ‘cracker.‘ After eight years of engagement to fiancé Billy Kitsilis, this ‘Runaway Bride’ still isn’t ready to take the plunge — even for their daughter, Celina. When she’s not dodging wedding bells, Alicia helps Billy run his restaurant, Pizza Mamma, proving she can handle the heat both in and out of the kitchen.”
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Rosie DiMare
“A former local television news anchor, Rosie now shines as the host of her own lifestyle program and as a sought-after DJ. Recently celebrating her first wedding anniversary with husband Rich DiMare, a well-known Frank Sinatra style singer — Rosie calls North Kingstown home, where the couple lives with their dog, Clementine.”
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Ashley Iaconetti
Image Credit: Arturo Holmes/Getty Images “After finding love with her now-husband — and Warwick, Rhode Island native — Jared Haibon on Bachelor in Paradise, Ashley has traded rose ceremonies for real life as a proud mom to two boys, Dawson and Hayden. While Jared manages their beloved coffee shop, Ashley has built a thriving career as a social media powerhouse, all while acclimating her new life in her husband’s home state.”
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Liz McGraw
“Liz is Rhode Island royalty — the woman everyone wants to know, and the state’s very own Cannabis Queen. Alongside her husband, Gerry, she owns and operates The Slater Center, the largest and most successful cannabis dispensary in Rhode Island. But Liz isn’t just a business powerhouse — she’s also a devoted stepmom to Miranda, Briana, and Skyla, balancing family, entrepreneurship, and her signature flair for style.”
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Rulla Nehme Pontarelli
“Rulla helms a financial empire as a Certified Financial Planner and Wealth Manager to some of the East Coast’s most distinguished families. Rulla is married to prominent Rhode Island podiatrist, Brian, and together they juggle life with their two young children, Luca and Laila.”
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Kelsey Swanson
“Former Miss Rhode Island, Kelsey, keeps a full plate as one of the state’s top makeup artists. Kelsey has been in a 10-year relationship with one of Rhode Island’s most notable figures, enjoying the lap of luxury while keeping her social calendar full.”
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Jo-Ellen Tiberi
“Self-proclaimed town gossip
,Jo-Ellen,knows everyone and everything worth knowing in Cranston. As one of the top aesthetic practice development managers in the country, she juggles a busy career with family life alongside her high school sweetheart and husband, Gary, and their three kids — Gian, Jolie, and Gia.” -
Dolores Catania
Image Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images “Rhode Island captured Dolores’s heart years ago, and she’s longed to return ever since. With her dear friend Liz McGraw living there – and a shared business project on the horizon – a sun-soaked, beach-filled summer is a natural fit for this Jersey girl.”
