Dennis Shields Proposed to Bethenny Frankel Before His Death, but 'There Were Some Hurdles'

Photo: BravoDespite their complicated relationship status,Bethenny FrankelandDennis Shieldsconsidered marriage in recent months — and he even gave her an engagement ring.A friend of theReal Housewives of New York Citystar tells PEOPLE that the couple were discussing the possibility of marriage this past spring.“He proposed to her with a ring in April. She didn’t wear the ring because they had some things to work out first,” the friend says. “There were some hurdles to overcome before she could make that level of a commitment.

Dennis Shields' Estranged Wife Says He 'Remained My Best Friend' After Split: 'We Spoke Every Day'

Photo: Alessio Botticelli/GCThoughDennis Shieldshad anon-off again romancewithBethenny Frankel, he and estrangedwife Jillremained close.The late banker’s wife of 26 years mourned his death onInstagramSaturday, posting throwback photos of their children and an emotional message about their relationship. Dennis was found dead of a suspected overdose in his Trump Tower apartment on Friday, according to theNew York PostandTMZ. He was 51.“To the love of my life -Dennis- I will miss you every day.

Dennis Shields' Wife Speaks Out About His Sudden Death: He 'Will Always Be the Love of My Life'

Photo: Alessio Botticelli/GC ImagesLate bankerDennis Shields’wife has spoken out about histragic death.In a statement to PEOPLE, Jill Shields called Dennis the love her life.“We are all heartbroken. Dennis was, and will always be, the love of my life. His spirit lives on in our children. Please respect our family’s privacy at this time,” she said.Dennis and Jill Shields were married for 26 years before separating in 2016, when he began his on-off relationship withReal Housewives of New York CitystarBethenny Frankel.

Dennis Van's Red 'Dead' Velvet Cake

Photo: Victor ProtasioThe pastry chef of District Kitchen and Cocktails Restaurant in Austin, Texas shares a spooky, sweet dessert.Red ‘Dead’ Velvet CakeCooking spray2 cups all-purpose flour2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa1 tsp. baking powder1 tsp. baking soda1 tsp. kosher salt1 cup whole buttermilk½ cup brewed coffee1 tsp. vanilla extract1 tsp. white vinegar1¾ cups granulated sugar1 cup canola oil2 large eggsRed food-coloring gel1 (16-oz.) container cream-cheese frosting¼ cup heavy cream1 (4-oz.) white chocolate baking bar, finely chopped1.

Dennis Quaid Says Wife Laura Is 'the Love of My Life': 'We Have the Most Incredible Relationship'

Dennis Quaidis looking forward to a little rest and relaxation over the holidays after once he’s wrapped his latest filmAmerican Underdog.“I love the week after Christmas. There’s nothing going on and you are just allowed to be mindless in the dead of winter,” says Quaid in this week’s issue of PEOPLE.But what he cherishes most is time with his family including wife Laura Savoie, 28, whom hemarried in 2020.“Laura is the love of my life.