Bethenny Frankel, the sharp-witted entrepreneur, reality television star, and founder of the Skinnygirl brand, has navigated a public and often tumultuous romantic journey throughout her rise to fame. Her love life, frequently a central theme on "The Real Housewives of New York City" and its spin-offs, has seen her through two marriages, several high-profile relationships, and a persistent quest for lasting partnership, all under the intense glare of the public eye.
Frankel's first marriage was to Peter Sussman, a film producer. The couple reportedly met in the late 1990s and tied the knot in 1996. Their union was relatively short-lived and predated her widespread public recognition. Details about their relationship and subsequent divorce are scarce, as it occurred before she became a household name, but it marked her initial foray into marital commitment.
Following her divorce from Sussman, Frankel had several relationships that were less publicized. One notable, albeit brief, relationship was with Matt Dillon, the acclaimed actor. Their casual dating occurred around the early 2000s, though it was never a long-term or highly public affair. This period saw Frankel focusing on building her career in the culinary and entertainment industries, with her romantic life often taking a backseat to her professional ambitions.
As her star began to rise with "The Real Housewives of New York City," Frankel's relationships became more scrutinized. She briefly dated Jason Kaplan, a real estate executive, during the early seasons of the show. Their relationship was featured on the series, showcasing some of the challenges of dating in the public eye. The couple ultimately parted ways, with Frankel expressing a desire for a deeper connection.
Her most high-profile and tumultuous relationship began with Jason Hoppy, a pharmaceutical sales executive. They met in 2008, and their whirlwind romance quickly escalated, leading to their engagement and a highly anticipated wedding. The couple tied the knot on March 28, 2010, in a lavish ceremony that was documented on their Bravo spin-off, "Bethenny Ever After." Their daughter, Bryn Casey Hoppy, was born in May 2010, just two months after their wedding, further cementing their family unit.
Their marriage, however, was plagued by public arguments and growing incompatibility, which played out extensively on television. Despite efforts to make it work, Frankel announced their separation in December 2012. What followed was a protracted and highly contentious divorce battle that lasted for years, marked by bitter custody disputes over their daughter. The divorce was officially finalized in July 2016, though financial aspects continued to be litigated for some time. The intense public scrutiny of her divorce from Hoppy deeply impacted Frankel, leading her to often express a desire for more privacy in her future relationships.
After her divorce from Hoppy, Frankel entered a relationship with Dennis Shields, a successful businessman and banker. Their on-again, off-again romance began around 2016, and Shields was a significant presence in her life, often appearing on "The Real Housewives of New York City." Their relationship was complex, characterized by deep affection but also considerable challenges. Sadly, Shields passed away unexpectedly in August 2018 from an accidental overdose, a tragedy that profoundly affected Frankel. She openly grieved his loss, sharing her pain and the complexities of their bond with her fans.
In the wake of Shields' passing, Frankel found love again with Paul Bernon, a film producer and real estate developer. They began dating in late 2018, and their relationship quickly became serious. Bernon, known for his calm demeanor and supportive nature, offered Frankel a sense of stability and peace. Their romance was initially more private, but they eventually became more public, attending events together and sharing glimpses of their life on social media. Frankel often spoke about Bernon's kindness and how he brought a different dynamic to her life compared to past relationships.
Frankel and Bernon announced their engagement in March 2021, signaling a new chapter in her romantic life. While they have kept details of their wedding plans private, their relationship appears to be strong and grounded. Frankel has expressed a desire for a more low-key and private approach to this chapter of her life, a marked contrast to her previous highly publicized relationships. Their partnership represents a mature and stable phase in Bethenny Frankel's ongoing journey to find enduring love and happiness.