Metallica frontman James Hetfield recently got engaged to his girlfriend Adriana Gillett in an underwater proposal during a shark dive for her birthday. The band announced this on Instagram.
The announcement included a photo showing Hetfield holding up a sign with his proposal message. It confirmed the happy news with their response.
“She said yes!” Metallica’s announcement read.
The unique proposal took place during what was meant to be a birthday celebration for Gillett. Hetfield chose the dramatic underwater setting to pop the question. In the photo shared by the band’s official account, Hetfield can be seen holding up a sign that reads “Adriana Gillett, will you marry me?”
This romantic milestone marks a new chapter for the Metallica frontman. He has found love again after his previous marriage ended.
The Music reported that Hetfield was previously married to Francesca Tomasi from 1997 until their 2022 divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The former couple, who met in 1992, share three children together.
The 63-year-old metal icon began his relationship with Gillett in 2023. Louder Sound noted that Gillett is a former journalist who transitioned into fashion design. She brings a creative background that complements Hetfield’s artistic world.
Gillett herself shared her excitement about the proposal on social media. She captured the magical moment with heartfelt words. “The *best* birthday trip surprise. Swimming with whale sharks on Friday the 13th with the most unique, special, and romantic proposal a Pisces could ever imagine. In a sea full of fish, we caught each other. Thank you, God, for putting us together,” she wrote on Instagram.
The proposal’s timing on Friday the 13th adds an element of rock and roll superstition to the romantic gesture. This perfectly fits for the heavy metal legend who has spent decades defying conventional expectations both on and off stage.
