Dorinda Medley Scores Spot on ‘Golden Life’ Following Jill Zarin Firing

Dorinda Medley is stepping back into the spotlight — and just in time.

The former “Real Housewives of New York City” star is set to join E!’s upcoming reboot project, “The Golden Life,” following Jill Zarin’s sudden exit from the cast.

The casting shake-up comes after Zarin was fired over controversial comments she made about Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance.

A Familiar Face Returns

The Real Housewives of New York City fans will remember Medley as the sharp-tongued but often sentimental “Lady of Bluestone Manor,” a nickname inspired by her Massachusetts estate. She appeared on six seasons of the Bravo hit and quickly became a fan favorite for her one-liners and emotional honesty.

Now, she’s joining E!’s new series, “The Golden Life,” which is set to reunite several original RHONY cast members for a fresh chapter.

Before the controversy erupted, the show was expected to feature:

• Jill Zarin

• Sonja Morgan

• Luann de Lesseps

• Ramona Singer

Sources say Medley had long been expected to join the show, but the network was planning to announce her involvement closer to the premiere to build anticipation. As it turns out, having her waiting in the wings proved useful.

Jill Zarin’s Exit

Zarin’s removal from the series followed comments she made about Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show.

In a video posted Sunday night, Zarin criticized the performance, calling it “the worst halftime show ever.” She questioned the decision to feature Spanish-language elements, saying, “It’s 250 years that we’re celebrating right now in the United States, and I just don’t think it was appropriate to have it in Spanish.”

She also claimed the show “looked like a political statement” and said there were “literally no white people” in the performance.

By Tuesday, the network had made its decision.

According to a statement reported by Variety, producers at Blink49 Studios confirmed Zarin would no longer be part of the project.

“In light of recent public comments made by Jill Zarin, Blink49 Studios has decided not to move forward with her involvement in ‘The Golden Life,’” the statement read. “We remain committed to delivering the series in line with our company standards and values.”

What’s Next for “The Golden Life”?

E!’s “The Golden Life” is being positioned as a reunion-style series that revisits the original RHONY stars as they navigate life, friendships, and new chapters.

With Medley officially on board, the show now has a familiar and dynamic personality to help anchor the cast.

For longtime fans of New York’s most glamorous (and dramatic) Housewives, it looks like the next era is already off to a headline-making start.