Paul "DJ Pauly D" DelVecchio, the charismatic reality television personality and world-renowned DJ, has captivated audiences not only with his infectious energy behind the turntables but also with his evolving romantic life. While often portrayed as a perpetual bachelor during his early reality TV days, Pauly D's journey through love has seen significant relationships, public scrutiny, and ultimately, a long-term partnership that has surprised many. His romantic history showcases a progression from private early relationships to high-profile celebrity romances and, finally, a more settled and committed partnership.
One of Pauly D's earliest known relationships, predating his rise to fame on Jersey Shore, was with Angel Splendorio. The two dated from October 1996 to February 1999, a significant two-year period in his younger life. This relationship offers a glimpse into Pauly D's romantic experiences before he became a household name, suggesting a foundation for longer-term commitments even in his pre-celebrity years.
In 2013, Pauly D's life took a significant turn with the birth of his daughter, Amabella Sophia Markert, with Amanda Markert. It's important to clarify that Pauly D and Amanda Markert were never in a romantic relationship; their connection stemmed from a one-night stand. Despite initial custody disputes, they eventually established a co-parenting arrangement for Amabella. Pauly D has since embraced fatherhood, and his daughter has even met his current girlfriend, Nikki Hall, marking a significant milestone in his family life.
Following his initial Jersey Shore fame, Pauly D had several brief flings and on-screen flirtations that garnered public attention. These included brief encounters with Jersey Shore castmates Jenni "JWoww" Farley and Angelina Pivarnick in 2009, as well as Rocio Olea in 2010 and Deena Nicole Cortese in 2011. These were largely fleeting and often played out for reality television, not developing into long-term committed relationships.
One of Pauly D's most public and tumultuous relationships was with singer Aubrey O'Day. The couple met in 2015 while filming the E! reality show Famously Single and dated on and off until July 2017. Their relationship was highly publicized, marked by intense highs and lows, and often played out in the media and on subsequent reality shows like Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars. Aubrey O'Day later described the relationship as "torture" and "toxic," indicating the significant emotional toll it took on her. Despite the drama, their two-year on-again, off-again romance was a defining chapter in Pauly D's public dating history, showcasing a different side of his personality than his usual carefree persona.
Pauly D's search for love eventually led him to Double Shot at Love with DJ Pauly D and Vinny, a reality dating show that premiered in 2019. It was here that he first met Nikki Hall. While Nikki was a finalist in the first season, Pauly D ultimately chose not to pursue a relationship with anyone at the season's end, leaving both single. However, their undeniable chemistry lingered.
The connection between Pauly D and Nikki Hall was rekindled during the second season of Double Shot at Love in 2020. This time, their relationship began to blossom more genuinely. They decided to quarantine together during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period Pauly D credited for strengthening their bond. "Through this pandemic, I'm full of surprises — I grew myself, I grew a beard and I got a girlfriend," he stated in a confessional. This period allowed them to build a deeper connection away from the pressures of reality television dating.
Since 2020, Pauly D and Nikki Hall have been in a committed relationship, marking his longest public romance to date. They reside together in Las Vegas, and Nikki has become an integral part of his life, often traveling with him for his DJ engagements. She has also appeared on Jersey Shore: Family Vacation, integrating into the cast's dynamic and meeting Pauly D's daughter, Amabella. Their relationship, while still in the public eye, has become more private, with Nikki stepping back from consistent filming for Jersey Shore in 2022.
Despite their strong bond, Pauly D has expressed a preference for enjoying the moment rather than rushing into traditional milestones like marriage or more children. In an August 2023 episode of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation, when asked about marriage, he responded, "It does seem like so much pressure. We're just enjoying the moment, and going through that. And whatever happens happens I feel. I hate the labels and all that. It's weird." This sentiment reflects his consistent approach to relationships, prioritizing genuine connection over societal expectations.
Pauly D's romantic journey has been a public spectacle, evolving from early, private relationships to high-profile, dramatic romances, and finally settling into a stable, long-term partnership. His relationship with Nikki Hall signifies a significant shift in his personal life, demonstrating his capacity for deep commitment and a more mature approach to love. While he remains a beloved figure known for his "GTL" lifestyle, his enduring relationship with Nikki Hall showcases a man who has found a profound connection beyond the party scene.