Navigating life under intense public scrutiny isn't easy, especially when your name is tied to one of the most sensationalized criminal trials in recent sports history. Shayanna Jenkins, the former fiancée of late NFL player Aaron Hernandez, found herself back in media headlines when she started a relationship with amateur boxer and businessman Dino Guilmette. Ever since they welcomed their daughter Giselle in 2018, public curiosity hasn't slowed down. People frequently search to find out if they're still together despite the relentless media pressure.
Yes, Dino Guilmette and Shayanna Jenkins have maintained their relationship through years of public attention, building a blended family out of the spotlight. While Shayanna chooses to keep her personal life largely private—infrequently sharing family updates on social media—indicators like family posts point to a continuing partnership. They've navigated intense media speculation, internet rumors, and legal headlines by prioritizing their children and keeping their day-to-day lives away from reporters.
How Dino Guilmette and Shayanna Jenkins Met
The path that brought Dino and Shayanna together began in 2017, a turbulent period marked by immense grief and media chaos for Shayanna following the death of Aaron Hernandez. Mutual friends introduced Dino and Shayanna in Rhode Island, and the connection was immediate.
Dino, a former amateur boxer and local business owner from the Providence area, wasn't looking for national fame, but his connection to Shayanna instantly thrust him into celebrity gossip columns. Despite the immediate wave of outside noise and online judgment, the pair hit it off right away. They quickly realized they shared similar values regarding family and resilience, laying a stable foundation for what would turn into a long-term relationship.
Welcoming Daughter Giselle and Building a Blended Family
In May 2018, Shayanna announced she was expecting her second child. The announcement sparked a flurry of bizarre tabloid rumors and intense speculation. To clear the air, Dino stepped forward to confirm his paternity, expressing pure excitement about fatherhood.
On June 16, 2018, they welcomed their daughter, Giselle Guilmette, in Rhode Island. This birth created a bustling blended household:
- Avielle Janelle Hernandez: Shayanna's first daughter, born in November 2012 to her and Aaron Hernandez.
- Dino's Daughter: Dino's child from a previous relationship.
- Giselle Guilmette: The youngest daughter shared by Dino and Shayanna.
Dino embraced his role as a father and stepfather, frequently emphasizing in early interviews that he was ready to manage a full house and block out the external noise.
Managing Public Scrutiny and Choosing Privacy
Living under a microscope takes a heavy toll. Because Shayanna was permanently linked to the Aaron Hernandez legacy—including high-profile legal battles over estate funds and television interviews like her Dr. Phil special—any move she or Dino made was heavily dissected.
Rather than leaning into the fame or courting paparazzi, the couple chose the opposite route. They stepped back. Dino noted early on that he simply tunes out online negativity, and Shayanna shifted her focus entirely toward raising her daughters, working in insurance, and managing event planning ventures. By retreating from regular press appearances, they insulated their children from the digital noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dino Guilmette and Shayanna Jenkins married?
No, the couple is not legally married. While family members have occasionally voiced hope for wedding bells, Dino and Shayanna remain partners and parents without having walked down the aisle.
What does Dino Guilmette do for a living?
Dino is a former amateur boxer and businessman from Rhode Island who has managed local business ventures and bars over the years.
How many children do they have together?
They share one biological daughter together, Giselle, born in June 2018. They also co-parent their children from previous relationships in a blended family setup.
Where do Shayanna Jenkins and Dino Guilmette live?
The family has primarily maintained their life and routines in the New England area, specifically around Rhode Island and Massachusetts, where they can stay close to family support systems.