Dorinda Medley, an American socialite, author, and reality TV personality, is estimated to have a net worth of $10 million. She gained widespread fame through her appearances on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York City from 2015 to 2020. Medley is also recognized for her philanthropic efforts and business ventures, including owning the London-based company DCL Cashmere and publishing the memoir Make It Nice in 2021.
Who is Dorinda Medley?
Dorinda Medley is an American socialite, entrepreneur, and television personality best known for her role on the reality TV series The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY). Born Dorinda Cinkala on December 13, 1964, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, she gained fame through her candid and dynamic presence on the show, joining the cast in 2015. Beyond her television career, Medley is a successful businesswoman, having founded the luxury cashmere brand DCL Cashmere, which catered to high-profile clients like Princess Diana and Joan Collins. She is also the author of the memoir Make It Nice, published in 2021. Throughout her life, Dorinda has balanced her business ventures with a focus on philanthropy, making her a well-known figure in both the fashion industry and the reality television world.
Wiki of Dorinda Medley
Attribute | Details |
Full Name | Dorinda Cinkala Medley |
Born | December 13, 1964 |
Birthplace | Great Barrington, Massachusetts, USA |
Education | Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania (Graduated in 1986) |
Career | Socialite, Reality TV Personality, Entrepreneur, Author |
Notable Show | The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY) |
Business Ventures | Founder of DCL Cashmere, luxury brand catering to high-profile clients |
Book | Make It Nice (Published in 2021) |
Personal Life | Daughter: Hannah Lynch, First Husband: Ralph Lynch, Second Husband: Richard Medley (deceased) |
Property | Owner of Bluestone Manor in Great Barrington, Massachusetts |
Net Worth | $10 million |
Spouse(s) | Ralph Lynch (divorced), Richard Medley (married in 2005, passed away in 2011) |
Significant Dates | Joined RHONY: 2015, Left RHONY: 2020, Published book: 2021 |
Other Appearances | The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip (2021), Guest appearances on RHONJ (2016, 2023) |
Early Life
Dorinda Medley, born Dorinda Cinkala on December 13, 1964, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, is the daughter of Diane and John Cinkala. Raised in a close-knit family, she grew up with a strong sense of ambition and an appreciation for both fashion and the finer things in life. Dorinda attended Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where she graduated in 1986. After completing her education, she moved to New York City to begin her career in the fashion industry. She secured a position at Liz Claiborne, a renowned American fashion brand, where she honed her skills in the competitive world of fashion design and marketing.
DCL Cashmere
After gaining valuable experience at Liz Claiborne, Dorinda made a bold decision to relocate to London, where she launched her own luxury brand, DCL Cashmere. The brand quickly gained recognition for its high-quality, sophisticated cashmere products, attracting a clientele of influential figures and celebrities. Among her most notable clients were Princess Diana, who was known for her impeccable fashion sense, and Joan Collins, a well-established actress and socialite. Over the course of a decade, Dorinda’s business flourished, and she became a prominent figure in the London fashion scene. However, after achieving great success, Dorinda chose to return to New York City, where she continued to build on her brand and expand her career further.
Real Housewives Journey
Dorinda’s entrance into the world of reality television began in 2010, when she made her first appearance on The Real Housewives of New York City as a friend of main cast members LuAnn de Lesseps and Ramona Singer. Her charisma and unique perspective quickly made her a fan favorite, and in 2015, she was promoted to a full-time cast member during season seven of the show. Over the course of her time on RHONY, Dorinda became known for her candidness, wit, and occasional outbursts, which kept audiences both entertained and intrigued. Her journey on the show wasn’t without its challenges, and in August 2020, she announced her departure from the series. Later, Dorinda revealed that her exit was due to being let go by the producers. During an interview on the Just B with Bethenny Frankel podcast, Dorinda opened up about the personal difficulties she was facing at the time, including a difficult breakup, which made her final season on RHONY particularly challenging. Despite leaving the show, Dorinda’s love for reality TV didn’t end. In 2021, she joined the cast of The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip, a spin-off series featuring former Real Housewives stars. Additionally, she made guest appearances on The Real Housewives of New Jersey in both 2016 and 2023, further cementing her place in the Housewives universe.
Personal Life
Dorinda’s personal life has been just as eventful as her career. She has one daughter, Hannah, from her first marriage to Ralph Lynch. After their divorce, Dorinda married Richard Medley, a hedge fund advisor and former chief economist for the U.S. House Banking Committee, on July 27, 2005. The couple’s marriage was filled with love and support until Richard tragically passed away in November 2011. Dorinda, deeply affected by his loss, has frequently paid tribute to him over the years, especially on the anniversary of his death. In 2021, she commemorated ten years since his passing on social media, sharing memories and reflecting on their time together. In a 2019 interview with Saratoga Living, it was revealed that Dorinda had been in a relationship with John Mahdessian, the owner of Madame Paulette, a luxury couture cleaning business. Their relationship ended before her departure from RHONY, but Dorinda remains open about her experiences and the personal growth that came from them.
Real Estate
Dorinda Medley has made savvy real estate investments over the years, with one of her most notable properties being a New York City apartment. In 2006, she purchased a 1,200-square-foot apartment in Manhattan for $1.2 million. The apartment, which featured two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a chef’s kitchen, provided Dorinda with a cozy urban retreat. In 2022, after several years of ownership, she listed the property for sale at $2.495 million and ultimately sold it for $2.5 million, making a considerable profit on her investment. In addition to her New York City apartment, Dorinda also owns Bluestone Manor, a property with much deeper sentimental value.
Bluestone Manor
Bluestone Manor, located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, is an estate that holds profound emotional significance for Dorinda. The mansion, a stunning 7-bedroom, 7-bathroom property, was purchased by her late husband, Richard Medley, as a surprise gift for Dorinda in May 2005. The house, originally priced at $2.115 million, is named after its distinctive bluestone foundation, which was noticed and named by Dorinda’s RHONY co-star Carole Radziwill. Over the years, Bluestone Manor became a central part of Dorinda’s life, offering a serene retreat away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. After Richard’s passing, Dorinda listed the estate for $4.9 million, but ultimately took it off the market, choosing instead to hold on to the property. Today, Bluestone Manor is valued between $5 and $6 million, further solidifying Dorinda’s position in the luxury real estate market.
Dorinda Medley Net Worth
As of 2025, Dorinda Medley’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. Her wealth stems from a combination of successful television appearances, business ventures like DCL Cashmere, and smart real estate investments. Dorinda’s multi-faceted career has allowed her to build an empire that continues to grow, with her legacy as a reality television star, entrepreneur, and philanthropist firmly established.
Conclusion
Dorinda Medley is an American socialite, television personality, entrepreneur, and author best known for her time on The Real Housewives of New York City. Born in 1964 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Dorinda’s career began in the fashion industry with Liz Claiborne, followed by the founding of her own luxury cashmere brand, DCL Cashmere. She gained fame as a main cast member on RHONY from 2015 to 2020 and has since appeared on spinoffs such as The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip. In addition to her career in television, Dorinda has made notable contributions in business, real estate, and philanthropy. She is also an author, with her memoir Make It Nice being published in 2021. Dorinda’s estimated net worth stands at $10 million, a testament to her diverse career, investments, and entrepreneurial spirit.
FAQs About Dorinda Medley Net Worth
Q: What is Dorinda Medley’s net worth?
A: As of 2025, Dorinda Medley’s estimated net worth is $10 million, accumulated through her work in television, business ventures like DCL Cashmere, and real estate investments.
Q: What is Dorinda Medley known for?
A: Dorinda Medley is best known for her role as a main cast member on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY), her luxury cashmere brand DCL Cashmere, and her philanthropic efforts. She is also an author, having published her memoir Make It Nice in 2021.
Q: What is DCL Cashmere?
A: DCL Cashmere is a luxury brand founded by Dorinda Medley that gained prominence by providing high-quality cashmere products to high-profile clients, including Princess Diana and Joan Collins.
Q: Who was Dorinda Medley married to?
A: Dorinda Medley was married twice. Her first marriage was to Ralph Lynch, with whom she has a daughter named Hannah. She later married Richard Medley, a hedge fund advisor, in 2005. Richard passed away in 2011.
Q: Does Dorinda Medley still appear on RHONY?
A: Dorinda Medley was a main cast member on RHONY from 2015 to 2020. She was let go by the producers after season 12. Dorinda later appeared in The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip (2021) and made guest appearances on The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
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