Metallica rocker, 62, proposes to girlfriend, 46, while swimming with sharks

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Metallica frontman James Hetfield got engaged to Adriana Gillett.

His girlfriend shared photos on Instagram of his romantic proposal, which happened while they were scuba diving with whale sharks. They’ve been dating for over two years.

A photo taken underwater shows the 62-year-old musician holding a handwritten note with his fiancée, displaying the ring box.

The fashion designer, a former journalist 16 years younger than him, shared that the trip was ‘the BEST birthday surprise’ he’d ever received.

This news follows the recent announcement that James Hetfield and his band, Metallica – featuring Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo – will be performing a series of shows at the Sphere in Las Vegas.

She described getting proposed to while swimming with whale sharks on Friday the 13th, calling it a uniquely romantic moment – perfect for a Pisces.

I loved how she decorated her post! She used so many perfect emojis – a sparkling diamond ring, a beautiful aqua blue heart, and even a whale and a shark! It really matched the vibe of what she was sharing.

‘In a sea full of fish, we caught each other,’ she added. ‘Thank you God for putting us together.’

Although James Hetfield doesn’t use Instagram himself, the official Metallica account posted the happy announcement with the same picture and a simple message: ‘She said yes!’

Lee Jeffries, a photographer who has frequently worked with the band on portraits and tour images, commented on Gillett’s post to offer his congratulations to the couple.

I was so thrilled to read his message! He perfectly captured what I’ve always seen between them – a genuinely beautiful connection. It’s not just surface-level; it feels deep, built on real understanding and all the rich life experiences they’ve both had. It’s truly something special to witness.

He went on, suggesting that everything leading up to this moment made what you were about to share even more impactful.

Jeffries also commented on their connection, saying, ‘You two have a truly special bond!’ He then exclaimed, ‘That was an amazing proposal!’

Hetfield was previously married to Francesca Hetfield, née Tomasi, from 1997 to 2022. 

The Grammy-winning artist and their costume designer partner have three grown children: daughters Cali, age 27, and Marcella, 24, and a son, Castor, who is 25.

Hetfield and Francesca met in 1992 and got married five years later.

I’ve always been struck by how openly he talked about his struggles and how much he appreciated his wife’s support during those tough times. He really emphasized how she helped him get sober and learn to manage his anger – it was something he often spoke about, as I recall from reports like the ones in TMZ.

Honestly, it just broke my heart when Francesca finally talked about how she was feeling after the split from her husband. They were together for so long, you know? It was devastating to hear her open up about it all.

She told TMZ she was heartbroken that her marriage of 30 years was ending, despite many happy times and a lot of love.

Hetfield met the London-born Gillett shortly after their divorce. 

Gillett regularly posts on social media about their luxurious vacations and keeps fans updated on their relationship.

Besides getting married, James Hetfield and his band Metallica are starting the European part of their M72 World Tour on May 9th in Athens, Greece.

The heavy metal band is starting a long-term performance series in Las Vegas at the Sphere this fall, and it will continue into next year.

Their sold-out residency will start on October 1 later this year and continue until March 13, 2027. 

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2026-03-17 00:04