Metallica’s James Hetfield Announces Engagement to Adriana Gillett with Unique Underwater Proposal
By Website Content Manager
While scuba diving together, the musician proposed to his partner.
Metallica frontman James Hetfield proposed to his girlfriend, Adriana Gillett, in a truly unforgettable way—underwater.
The band shared the exciting news on its official Instagram account on Sunday, March 15, posting a photo of the proposal. In the image, James, 62, and Adriana are seen in scuba gear, with James holding a sign that read, “Adriana Gillett, will you marry me?” Adriana, holding a ring box, gave a thumbs-up to the camera, confirming her enthusiastic “yes.”
“She said yes!” Metallica wrote in the post’s caption.
Adriana also shared the news on her Instagram, posting the same underwater photo along with a close-up of a whale shark. She described the proposal as a birthday surprise, writing, “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 🐋🦈.”
Photographer Lee Jeffries, known for his work with Metallica, commented on Adriana’s post, praising the couple’s connection. “I’ve witnessed the beautiful connection you share, and it’s something truly real… built on depth, understanding, and the experiences of lives already richly lived,” he wrote. “The way you connect with each other is genuinely special. What a way to propose!”
Adriana often shares glimpses of their life together on Instagram, including travel adventures, family time, and concert outings. For Valentine’s Day last year, she posted photos with James, calling him “my love” and writing, “When you truly see all of each other and only love them more—you know you have your person!! Thank God ❤️.”
In an October 2024 post about their visit to Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Colorado, Adriana described James as “the joy of my life,” adding, “He makes me the happiest gal alive!” She also highlighted his 61st birthday celebrations, sharing, “Happiest birthday to this amazing man!!! So grateful for him and all the joy he brings ❤️ enjoying it with family, friends, gigs, and Boston!!!”
James Hetfield was previously married to Francesca Hatfield. They wed in 1997 and announced their divorce in 2022. Together, they share three children: daughters Cali, 27, and Marcella, 24, and son Castor, 25.