By Gladys Goldbach
Lana Del Rey has finally found her ‘Million Dollar Man.’
The songstress recently wed gator tour guide Jeremy Dufrene on September 26, 2024, in a picturesque ceremony set in the Louisiana Bayou. The couple had officially been dating for just one month before tying the knot, despite having met on an alligator boat tour back in 2019.
Lana looked radiant in a stunning white gown with a scalloped ruffle neckline, a fitted bodice, and a voluminous skirt. Designer Macye Wysner shared that the dress was a “custom CINQ gown made specifically for her.” Meanwhile, Jeremy complemented her look in a stylish dark blue suit.
The wedding ceremony and reception took place in the same bayou where Jeremy operates his swamp boat tours, marking the spot where they first met, as this location holds a special significance for them. The celebration was beautifully relaxed and family-focused, centering entirely on their love story.
‘The Honeymoon’
Perhaps Lana Del Rey had been crafting her own astral vision board taking her from “Summertime Sadness”, paving the way to wedded bliss. Bit by bit, she brought her fans along for the ride, dropping hints along the way. From naming her 2015 album Honeymoon to gracing magazine covers and performing on stage in what resembled a white wedding dress complete with a bridal veil at several of her concerts, as well as magazine covers, she created a beautiful narrative of love and longing that eventually led her to her man and marriage.
At Coachella 2024, Lana captivated the audience in a dazzling periwinkle "something" blue dress paired with cowboy boots. She opened her set with “Without You,” delivering the poignant lyrics, “everything I want I have. Money notoriety and Rivieras. I even think I found God.” In the chorus, she hauntingly sings, “I have nothing without you.” This moment felt like yet another hint, a synchronistic breadcrumb for her devoted fans, suggesting that something exciting may be on the horizon in the love and relationship category.
“It Was Like James Dean”
Lana and Jeremy first crossed paths in 2019 when she booked an alligator tour, and he was her guide. Jeremy Dufrene has that “je ne sais quoi” reminiscent of James Dean, which makes you wonder if he was the kind of man Lana had always been searching for—a true “Rebel Without a Cause.” One can only imagine if Lana’s “eyes started burning" when she first saw Jeremy Walk into the room or shall we say the alligator boat.
Lana draws much of her musical inspiration from old Americana and the spirit of James Dean. Her stage name, “Lana Del Rey,” may even pay homage to Nicholas Ray, the director of Dean’s iconic film Rebel Without a Cause. Like Lana, Ray changed his name from Raymond Nicholas Kienzel Jr. and became known as an iconoclastic auteur, often referred to by the Harvard Film Archive as “the last film romantic.” Interestingly, the Villa Royale Hotel in Palm Springs is where Irving Schulman penned Rebel Without a Cause. The hotel’s bar and restaurant, aptly named “The Del Rey,” serves as a classic tribute to the golden age of Hollywood.
Lana Del Rey's real name is Elizabeth Woodridge Grant. Both of her parents worked in global marketing and advertising, which may have influenced the creation of the Lana Del Rey persona. Much like the writer and director of Rebel Without a Cause, Elizabeth has crafted her own artistic identity, embodying the nostalgic qualities of old Americana in her songs, concerts, and music videos. This careful curation reflects her unique vision and deep connection to the cinematic themes that define her work.
“It’s Not A Fake Happy”
The nuptials came as a surprise to everyone, but perhaps the person who was the most dumfounded was Jeremy Dufrene’s ex girl friend of 12 years Kellie Welsh.
“I’m in shock because we were engaged for 12 years, and he got married just one month later,” the 45-year-old shared with The Daily Mail on September 28. Dufrene a 49 year divorced dad, first got together with Welsh as teenagers but eventually parted ways. Dufrene and Welsh later reconnected after he divorced his wife, Gina. “His ability to love and care and protect people makes him so attractive,” Welsh continued.
According to Welsh, Dufrene’s marriage to Lana is just what the Louisiana native Alligator hunter needed, as he’s someone who has become used to “bayou life and being out on the swamp.” Welsh also expressed that Dufrene and Del Rey’s love is real, even though the couple has only been together for a short while.
“It’s not a fake happy – he truly is in love with her,” she said.
The Daily Mail further reports “the former couple got engaged in 2012, a year after rekindling their relationship, but they ultimately ended things in October 2023. Welsh, who has a 20-year-old daughter from a previous relationship, praised Dufrene's character. “He is a very protective, hardworking, manly man,” she remarked. “He’s always been a giver, so he deserves someone who gives back. He’s a truly solid guy.”
SQUAD magazine extends its best wishes to Lana Del Rey and Jeremy Dufrene for a happy and blissful marriage. We're also excited to announce that Lana Del Rey will be returning to the desert to perform at the Stagecoach country music festival in Coachella, California, on April 25, 2025.
About the Author: Gladys Goldbach
Meet Gladys Goldbach, the funky grandma who brings her love for writing about pop culture to life while passionately playing bingo! With a colorful personality and a knack for spotting trends, she dives into everything from celebrity news to nostalgic moments. Gladys proves that staying stylish and in-the-know is ageless, all while shouting “Bingo!” with a smile!
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