If you think TikTok is just for the young crowd, you clearly haven’t stumbled upon the page of Dolores Paolino. This South Philly grandma is far from your typical grandmother stereotype. She’s bold, outspoken, and confidently flaunts her sexy side in short sequined dresses. With over 2 million followers hanging onto her every video, it’s no surprise that she has become a sensation on the platform.
What makes Dolores, also known as Dolly Broadway, even more impressive is the fact that she doesn’t even own a cellphone. Yet, that hasn’t stopped her from capturing the attention of millions with a delightful mix of humor, sass, and genuine moments thanks to her grandson, Julian Giacobbo who manages the platform.
From dishing out celebrity gossip to showcasing her beautiful family and lifestyle, she has clearly found her niche on TikTok.
Dolores Paolino Biography and Career Before Fame on TikTok
Dolores Paolino was born on May 11, 1933, and she’s 91 years old at the moment. She was raised in South Philadelphia and grew up in a close-knit Italian-American family.
Her childhood in this vibrant neighborhood shaped her into the spirited woman she is today. She fondly reminisces about her youthful days, when she would spend every night out of town, and even says she was a party animal. The TikToker also expressed that it’s a shame that kids don’t know that kind of fun today.
Growing up in South Philly, Dolores worked as a tailor and later as a hotdog wrapper at Phillies and Eagles games. She later got employed as an Avon lady, a job she has held for 47 years, and only retired in 2020.
Despite her social media success, she still values her family and traditions of enjoying red gravy three times a week.
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The South Philadelphia Native Joined TikTok in 2019 with the Help of Her Grandson
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Dolores’ social media journey began when her then-17-year-old grandson, Julian Giacobbo, started posting videos of her dancing and doing crazy things on Instagram. However, it was not until they created a TikTok account for her sometime in November 2019 that her popularity skyrocketed. Their first video received 30,000 views overnight, and now her videos average around 300,000 views, with some reaching up to 11 million.
Many of Doleres’ videos revolve around her love for White Claw hard seltzers, which she considers “a real woman’s drink.” In these videos, she often portrays a character named Bethann, who is always trying to steal her White Claws. Her videos are known for their explicit language and alcohol-infused content, making them unsuitable for children or those easily offended. However, she believes that especially now, laughter is essential.
Most of the Skit ideas come from her grandson, Giacobbo. He also hinted that filming can take up to an hour for a 15- to 60-second video. Most of the skits are scripted in advance and often involve costumes and dances. Aside from Bethann, she has portrayed various characters, including Shrek, Minnie Mouse, Anna and Elsa from Frozen, Dora the Explorer, Santa Claus, Pennywise the Clown, Snow White, and many more.
Giacobbo, who plays a significant role in creating their viral videos, believes that making memories together is the primary reason they do this. His grandmother Dolores sometimes tears up during filming due to the overwhelming joy of being with her grandkids and the realization that she won’t be around them forever.
While most responses to their videos are positive, with people expressing gratitude for the laughter they provide during difficult times, some have expressed concern about Paolino’s drinking. However, she reassures her audience that it’s all part of the act and claims she has never been “drunk, drunk” or hungover.
Dolores Paolino Lost her Husband in 2016 Following Alzheimer’s Disease
Louis Paolino was Dolores’ husband for many years. While the exact time of their marriage is not known, we can assert that their love story began long before the rise of social media and the fame that would come later. Together, they built a life that saw the birth of 3 children. However, as the years passed, Louis began to show signs of Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior.
Throughout Louis’ battle with Alzheimer’s, Dolores became his primary caregiver, ensuring he received the love and care he deserved. Sadly, Louis Paolino passed away after his long battle with Alzheimer’s on October 11, 2016. He was 83 years old at the time.
Through her social media platforms, she has shared her journey of grief and healing. In her candid and heartfelt posts, she reminds her audience that grief is a universal experience and that it is okay to mourn and find strength in the memories of those we have lost.
She’s a Mother of 3 Children and a Grandmother of 5
As hinted, Dolores Paolino is a mother of three children; Valerie (Joseph) Barretta, Louis Jr., and Stephanie (David) Giacobbo. Her commitment to her family is evident in the strong bond she shares with each of her children through their videos.
Her love for her children extends to her role as a grandmother, which she embraces with open arms and a heart full of joy. Dolores’s five grandchildren hold a special place in her heart, and she relishes every moment spent with them. Whether it’s sharing meals, playing games, or simply spending quality time together, Dolores cherishes the opportunity to create lasting memories with her grandchildren.
Sunday dinners are a cherished tradition in Dolores’s household. The entire family gathers around the table to enjoy dinner. her role as a mother and grandmother has also extended to her online presence. Her TikTok and Instagram videos often feature her grandchildren, showcasing the love and joy that permeate her family dynamic.
She is one of the Top-earning Older TikTok Influencers
Dolores as hinted already is one of the Tiktok grannies that have proven that age is no barrier when it comes to success on social media. With her infectious energy, humor, and dance videos, she has amassed a following of over 2 million on TikTok, making her one of the most popular Influencers on the platform.
But what sets her apart from other TikTok influencers is her ability to monetize her content and earn a significant income from her posts. By analyzing her following and average engagement rate, we can estimate her potential earnings per post. Her engaging personality and entertaining videos likely contribute to a high engagement rate, meaning that her followers actively like, comment, and share her posts.
With over 2 million followers, the 91 year-old grandma has a substantial reach on TikTok. This means that each post she shares has the potential to be seen by millions of users, increasing her chances of attracting brand collaborations and sponsorships, which are handled by her grandson.
Based on these factors, Dolores estimated post value is £1,557.55 ($1890.45). This figure represents the potential earnings she could make from a single sponsored post or brand collaboration.
Beyond the financial aspect, Paolino’s success on TikTok has also earned her influence in her city, with some even approaching her car at red lights. She revealed that she can’t go anywhere without someone spotting her and requesting a photo with her.
