Dorinda Medley Replaces Jill Zarin on E!'s 'RHONY' Reboot

Medley will join the previously announced cast of Kelly Bensimon, Countess Luann de Lesseps, Sonja Morgan and Ramona Singer.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Dorinda Medley has been tapped to join the Real Housewives of New York reboot on E! titled 'The Golden Life' after Jill Zarin was fired from the show following controversial comments she made about Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show performance. Medley, who starred on RHONY for six seasons, will be reuniting with her longtime 'sisters' for the new 10-episode series set in Palm Beach, Florida.

Why it matters

The RHONY franchise has been a staple of Bravo's reality TV lineup for years, and the decision to move the reboot to E! marks a significant shift for the series. Medley's return to the show will likely be welcomed by longtime fans, while Zarin's exit due to her polarizing comments highlights the need for reality stars to be mindful of their public statements.

The details

E! had announced earlier this month they were bringing back the OG New York Housewives for The Golden Life, a 10-episode series set in Palm Beach, Florida, with filming set to begin this spring. However, one week after the new show was announced, Zarin was fired following comments she shared about Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show, in which she criticized his performance and the lack of 'white people' featured.

  • On February 17, 2026, Dorinda Medley was announced as a new castmember on The Golden Life.
  • In early February 2026, E! announced the RHONY reboot titled The Golden Life.

The players

Dorinda Medley

A former cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City who will be joining the reboot series The Golden Life on E!.

Jill Zarin

A former cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City who was fired from the E! reboot series The Golden Life following controversial comments she made about Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show performance.

Kelly Bensimon

A former cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City who will be part of the reboot series The Golden Life on E!.

Countess Luann de Lesseps

A former cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City who will be part of the reboot series The Golden Life on E!.

Sonja Morgan

A former cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City who will be part of the reboot series The Golden Life on E!.

Ramona Singer

A former cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City who will be part of the reboot series The Golden Life on E!.

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What they’re saying

“Well, the rumors are true! I will be joining the women on The Golden Life in Palm Beach. After decades of friendship, and navigating life's ups and downs together, it will be nice to reconnect with my 'sisters.' I am so excited to celebrate and share the next chapter of our lives!”

— Dorinda Medley (Instagram)

“I disagree with absolutely everything she said. I don't think you can walk away from what we had the luxury of witnessing.”

— Dorinda Medley (Reality Checked podcast)

What’s next

Filming for The Golden Life is set to begin this spring in Palm Beach, Florida.

The takeaway

The decision to replace Jill Zarin with Dorinda Medley on the RHONY reboot highlights the need for reality stars to be mindful of their public statements, as controversial comments can have serious consequences for their careers. Meanwhile, the move of the franchise to E! marks a significant shift that will be closely watched by fans.