Inside James Hetfield's Private Family: Meet His Three Rocker Kids as He Remarries at 62
In August 2022, entertainment sources confirmed that James Hetfield had quietly filed for divorce from Francesca in Colorado earlier that year. The split shocked longtime followers of the band. For 25 years, Francesca had stood as Hetfield's rock, steering him away from toxic habits and anchoring his sobriety. The dissolution of their marriage remained polite, amicable, and devoid of public mudslinging, focusing on protecting their three adult children's privacy.
After navigating the emotional transition, Hetfield began dating Adriana Gillett. By mid-March 2026, the couple cemented their commitment in singular fashion. During an adventurous scuba diving trip, Hetfield brought along an underwater slate, flashing a written marriage proposal alongside an engagement ring encased safely for the depths. Gillett signaled an enthusiastic thumbs-up beneath the surface before celebrating on the dive boat.
The engagement marks a milestone for Hetfield at 62. He embarks on his second marriage with his sobriety intact, his children grown into independent adults, and his multi-decade run as metal's preeminent front figure continuing to fill stadiums worldwide.