A new report is shedding more light on exactly where Bethenny Frankel stood with Dennis Shields right before he sadly passed away from a suspected overdose, and what role his issues with prescription medication played in their relationship.
The Real Housewives of New York City star was reportedly considering taking the next step in her relationship with Dennis at the time he died. Sources reveal that Dennis proposed to Bethenny “many times” during their relationship before presenting her with a stunning diamond ring four months before his drug overdose.
“[Dennis] proposed to [Bethenny] many times,” a source revealed to Us Weekly magazine in their latest issue. “But never with a ring.”
Then, in April, Dennis attempted to make his relationship with the reality star official when he finally gave her a ring. And while Bethenny didn’t say “no,” she also didn’t say, “yes,” and instead informed him that they needed to first overcome “some issues.”
According to the report, Bethenny was well-aware of her boyfriend’s struggles with prescription medication and didn’t want to move forward with a marriage until those issues were addressed. In fact, the report reveals that Dennis had once been to rehab, although it doesn’t reveal when.
“Bethenny has a kid and she was not going to make that level of commitment given the situation,” the friend revealed. “Dennis needed to work on himself. She was being cautious.”
The report also addresses the recent claims made by the attorney of Bethenny’s ex-husband, Jason Hoppy, about concerns that Bethenny might have put her daughter Bryn in danger due to Dennis’ issues.
The insider insists that Bryn was very happy and safe with Dennis. “He loved her. They were very close,” revealed the source.
Although things between Bethenny and Dennis were a bit rocky after he proposed, she is said to be “absolutely devastated” by his passing. As a source explained, Dennis was her family, her partner, and her best friend.
“They were writing lists of what needed to change to improve their relationship,” a second insider explained. “Bethenny was hopeful. She was so in love with Dennis and wanted to be with him.”
Bethenny and Dennis began dating in 2016 after knowing one another for over two decades. At the time the romance began, the reality star gushed about the businessman during an interview with Us Weekly.
“He’s exceptionally brilliant and funny,” she said. “I’m so happy.”
And just yesterday, Bethenny opened up about Dennis’s death as she tweeted about how painful it was dealing with his sudden passing.
She wrote, “It’s hard to breathe & I appreciate you giving me the space & support to try to do so. It’s excruciating-sudden death is no closure & constant ?s & memories. Our relationship is current so it’s painfully raw. Trying to stay healthy & move through it w tears & close friends. Xo.”
It’s hard to breathe & I appreciate you giving me the space & support to try to do so. It’s excruciating-sudden death is no closure & constant ?s & memories. Our relationship is current so it’s painfully raw. Trying to stay healthy & move through it w tears & close friends. Xo
— Bethenny Frankel (@Bethenny) August 26, 2018
The Real Housewives of New York City season 10 airs on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on Bravo TV.
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