Jeremy Dufrene’s ex-fiancée, Kelli Welsh, was shocked to learn about his wedding to Lana Del Rey just one month after they went public with their romance. Welsh and Dufrene had been engaged for 12 years before splitting in October 2023. Dufrene, a gator guide, married the singer-songwriter in an intimate ceremony in Louisiana. Welsh, who still cares deeply for Dufrene, believes he deserves to find happiness and is happy for him despite being blindsided by the wedding announcement.
Welsh and Dufrene began dating as teenagers, but broke up after a year. Dufrene went on to marry his first wife, Gina, with whom he shares three children. After his marriage ended, he rekindled a relationship with Welsh in 2011 and proposed in 2012. The couple never married, and eventually split last October. Dufrene also raised Welsh’s daughter as his own, while Welsh now resides in Texas. Welsh believes Dufrene truly looks happy with Del Rey and wishes him well in his new marriage.
Del Rey and Dufrene went public with their relationship when they were spotted holding hands in London in August. The couple attended Karen Elson’s wedding alongside other celebrities earlier in the month. They obtained a marriage license and tied the knot in a bayou ceremony in Louisiana. Del Rey looked radiant in a white wedding gown, while Dufrene opted for a black suit. The couple first met when Del Rey performed at a music festival in Louisiana in 2019.
Del Rey reportedly did not immediately reveal her identity to Dufrene when they first met, finding it refreshing that he had no idea who she was. They reconnected and started dating while both were single in May. Despite initial concerns from friends about their relationship, it soon became clear that Dufrene treats Del Rey well and gives her what she needs from a partner. Del Rey previously dated Sean Larkin and Clayton Johnson before getting engaged and eventually breaking it off. She had rumored flings with other musicians before finding happiness with Dufrene.
Despite the unexpected nature of Dufrene and Del Rey’s whirlwind romance and marriage, Welsh is supportive of Dufrene’s decision to marry the singer. She believes that Dufrene is a deserving and caring person who has always put others before himself, and she is glad to see him finding happiness with Del Rey. While the suddenness of their marriage may have been a shock to Welsh, she still holds deep affection for Dufrene as a friend and wishes him well in his new life with his new wife. Ultimately, Welsh is happy that Dufrene has found someone who truly makes him happy and cares for him.
