At Variety’s eighth-annual Hitmakers event, Lana Del Rey delivered a heartfelt speech while presenting the Producer of the Decade award to long-time collaborator Jack Antonoff. During the speech, she gave fans a rare glimpse into her personal life, sharing how Antonoff’s relationship with actress Margaret Qualley inspired her decision to marry her husband, Jeremy Dufrene.
The Role of Love and Inspiration
“I saw the way he looked at her when he met her,” Del Rey said, praising Antonoff and Qualley’s bond. “He’s a big reason why I waited so long to get married and why I met my amazing husband.”
Del Rey and Dufrene’s whirlwind romance culminated in a private ceremony this past September. The couple obtained their marriage license and tied the knot the same day, just weeks after making their debut at Karen Elson and Lee Foster’s wedding in New York.
Finding Love Outside the Spotlight
Dufrene, a 49-year-old Louisiana boat captain, leads airboat tours outside of New Orleans. His unique path stands in contrast to Del Rey’s high-profile music career, something she sees as an asset:
“I feel like there’s a singers’ curse around meeting an honest partner who has no skin in the game, no dog in the race,” she said.
Del Rey reflected on how challenging it can be to maintain values and optimism in the entertainment industry, but credited Dufrene with being a grounded and authentic presence in her life.
Who Is Jeremy Dufrene?
According to his company bio, Dufrene left a grueling job at a chemical plant to pursue his passion for wildlife and customer interaction, running alligator boat tours near New Orleans. His work aligns with his love for nature and adventure, which resonated with Del Rey’s poetic and reflective outlook on life.
A Rare Look at Lana Del Rey’s Personal World
Known for her introspective music and low-key personal life, Del Rey’s comments offered fans a rare peek into the relationship that has brought her happiness. Her gratitude toward Antonoff, both as a collaborator and as a source of inspiration, underscores the meaningful connections behind her creative and personal journey.
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