Deena Cortese is convinced that Snooki will "love her little meatball" to pieces.

Earlier this week Jersey Shore star Snooki real name Nicole Polizzi confirmed that she was 15 months pregnant with her and fianc Jionni LaValle's first child.

Her castmate Deena, who partied hard with the reality star on several episodes, is elated about the news.

She believes kind-hearted Nicole will prove to be an excellent mother.

"[She'll be] great," Deena shared on Ryan Seacrest's On Air radio show. "She's a very genuine, nice person, and her heart is always in the right place. She always puts people before her. She's going to love that little meatball!"

Although Deena and Snooki are close, she wasn't privy to Snooki's pregnancy any earlier than the rest of the world was.

"I actually just found out when everybody else did," Deena explained. "That's when she decided to tell everyone. I think she was waiting because it's bad luck."

Deena is rooting for Snooki as her buddy embraces motherhood for the very first time.

"I think this has been her dream: getting married and having kids," Deena gushed. "She's really happy and I'm happy for her. I'm going to miss my little partner in crime, but I'm happy for her!"

Snooki and Jionni have been dating for a year and a half.

The couple will welcome their baby later this year.