Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez—best known as the ex-fiancée of late New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez—and her partner Dino Guilmette continue to navigate life together amid public scrutiny, legal battles, and personal challenges. As of January 2025, the couple remains committed to their blended family, evidenced by Shayanna’s pinned Instagram post showcasing Guilmette and their daughters in a unified family portrait 1. Their relationship, which began in 2017 after meeting through mutual friends, has endured six years of intense media attention, Guilmette’s criminal allegations, and Shayanna’s efforts to preserve Aaron Hernandez’s legacy for their eldest daughter, Avielle 1810.
Current Relationship Status: A Private but Persistent Bond
Despite swirling rumors about their engagement status and Guilmette’s legal woes, multiple sources confirm the couple is still together. Shayanna’s social media offers glimpses into their private world, including a January 2025 photo with Guilmette, their daughter Giselle (born June 2018), and Avielle (her child with Hernandez). Though neither has publicly discussed marriage since their engagement, Guilmette’s father, Bill, expressed hope they would wed, telling media in 2018: “I’ve married all of my kids off so far, except Dino. So hopefully that’s next” 810. Their low-key approach contrasts sharply with Shayanna’s highly publicized past with Hernandez, suggesting a conscious effort to shield their children from spotlight 110.
Origins of Their Relationship: From Mutual Grief to New Beginnings
Shayanna and Guilmette connected through mutual friends approximately a year after Hernandez’s 2017 suicide. Intriguingly, Guilmette shared a link to Hernandez’s past—both played football at the University of Florida, though not concurrently 8. Their bond strengthened quickly, with Shayanna becoming pregnant just months into their relationship. Guilmette publicly defended her against speculation that Hernandez fathered Giselle, stating: “There are a lot of ugly comments… I tune them out” 8. This period marked Shayanna’s transition from grieving fiancée to a mother rebuilding her family in Rhode Island, where Guilmette owned a bar and worked as a part-time actor 110.
Family Life: Blending Past and Present
- Children: Shayanna prioritizes her daughters above all. Avielle (born 2012) actively participates in dance competitions, a passion Shayanna documents proudly on Instagram. Giselle (born 2018) recently started first grade, with both girls attending Catholic school events like baptisms and communions 10.
- Co-Parenting: Guilmette, a father from a previous relationship, reportedly embraces his role in the blended family. Shayanna’s social media highlights beach trips, Disney vacations, and holidays, portraying stability despite external chaos 10.
- Aaron’s Legacy: Shayanna consistently honors Hernandez’s memory, posting annual tributes on the anniversary of his death. She fiercely protects Avielle’s perception of her father, recently condemning jokes about Hernandez’s suicide during Netflix’s Tom Brady Roast as “cruel” 1011.
Timeline of Key Family Events
| Year | Event | Significance | |
| 2012 | Avielle Janelle Hernandez born | Shayanna & Aaron’s daughter | |
| 2017 | Aaron Hernandez dies by suicide | Shayanna moves to Rhode Island | |
| 2018 | Giselle born (June 16) | Shayanna & Dino’s daughter | |
| 2023 | Trust fund lawsuit filed | Shayanna accused of misspending Avielle’s funds | |
| 2025 | Family photo posted (January) | Confirms ongoing relationship | 110 |
Dino Guilmette’s Controversies: Legal Battles and Reputational Challenges
Guilmette’s past casts a long shadow over their relationship:
- Criminal Charges: Since 2020, Guilmette has faced seven felony charges, including intent to distribute cocaine, perjury, and obtaining property under false pretenses. Federal investigators allege ties to Matthew Guglielmetti—a suspected leader in a New England crime family 7.
- Financial Struggles: Public records reveal at least two bankruptcy filings and a reputation in Providence as a “bully” 17.
- Ongoing Case: His legal troubles resurfaced in 2025 when Real Housewives of Rhode Island cast member Elizabeth McGraw was linked to him through 400 phone calls in one month. Guilmette’s next court hearing is imminent 7.
Shayanna’s Career and Challenges: Building Independence Amid Scrutiny
Shayanna balances motherhood with a career as a licensed insurance broker for Symmetry Financial Group, supplemented by event planning through her business, Mommy and Me 410. Her path hasn’t been smooth:
- Trust Fund Lawsuit: In 2023, trustee David Schwartz accused her of misusing $113,574 from Avielle’s trust (including $36,858 on clothing and $11,792 for “self-care”). Shayanna defended the spending as necessary for her children’s stability 49.
- Identity and Advocacy: She legally changed her surname to Jenkins-Hernandez in 2015 and advocates for CTE awareness, suing the NFL in 2017 over Hernandez’s brain injuries 110.
Privacy and Public Perception: Guarding Their Sanctuary
The couple meticulously shields their romance from media dissection. Unlike Shayanna’s vocal support of Hernandez during his trials, she rarely mentions Guilmette publicly. This discretion intensified after his 2020 arrest, with Shayanna focusing social media on her children’s milestones rather than her partner 110. Their approach reflects a shared understanding: their family’s peace hinges on limiting exposure to gossip and legal drama.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Dino Guilmette and Shayanna Jenkins still together in 2025?
Yes. Shayanna’s January 2025 Instagram post confirms their continued relationship 1.
2. Did Shayanna Jenkins and Dino Guilmette marry?
No. They remain engaged but unmarried years after Guilmette’s father expressed hope for a wedding 18.
3. How many children does Shayanna have?
Two daughters: Avielle (with Aaron Hernandez) and Giselle (with Guilmette) 110.
4. What connects Dino Guilmette to Aaron Hernandez?
Both attended the University of Florida and played football, though not simultaneously 8.
5. What are the allegations against Dino Guilmette?
He faces felony drug and fraud charges, alongside alleged ties to organized crime 7.
Conclusion: Resilience Defined by Quiet Commitment
Against a backdrop of inherited trauma and fresh scandals, Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez and Dino Guilmette have forged an enduring partnership centered on their children. Their story is one of quiet resilience: Shayanna champions her daughters’ normalcy while preserving Hernandez’s complex legacy, and Guilmette, despite legal peril, remains a constant figure in their family life. As Shayanna navigates motherhood, career, and public scrutiny, her choice to stand by Guilmette underscores a determination to define her own narrative—one where loyalty and privacy triumph over public opinion 110.
