The private life of American-Italian businessman and former amateur boxer Dino Guilmette was thrust into the spotlight following his relationship with Shayanna Jenkins, the former fiancée of late NFL star Aaron Hernandez. This connection transformed the Rhode Island native from a low-profile figure into a subject of public fascination and scrutiny.
Early Life and Rhode Island Roots
Dino Guilmette was born on 11 August 1978 in Cranston, Rhode Island, to parents William and Donna Guilmette. As of January 2026, he is 47 years old. He has maintained strong ties to his home state, where he continues to reside. Guilmette attended the University of Rhode Island, where he earned a Master's of Business Administration in Finance in 2000.
A Multifaceted Career: Boxing, Business, and Beyond
Guilmette's professional journey is diverse. He trained as an amateur boxer at the Providence Balletto Gym and participated in local events, earning the nickname 'The Ghost'. Although he signed for a small 'Brawl for All' bout, he never turned professional.
Beyond the ring, he explored other ventures. He is listed on One Model Place as a model for editorial, sport, and swimwear work. Guilmette also acted in independent film and theatre projects in the early 2000s and has owned and operated bars in Providence, solidifying his role as an entrepreneur.
Connection to Aaron Hernandez and Shayanna Jenkins
The link to the Aaron Hernandez narrative is twofold. Reports indicate Guilmette played football at the University of Florida, the same school Hernandez attended. However, the more significant connection emerged after Hernandez's death in 2017.
Guilmette began dating Hernandez's former fiancée, Shayanna Jenkins, that same year after they met through mutual friends. Their relationship quickly became serious. In May 2018, Jenkins announced she was expecting Guilmette's child. Their daughter, Giselle, was born on 16 June 2018 in Rhode Island.
In a past interview, Guilmette expressed his excitement about fatherhood, stating he was 'happy' and 'excited' about the new addition to their blended family.
Current Status and Legal Challenges
Today, Dino Guilmette lives in Rhode Island, focusing on family life with Shayanna Jenkins and their children. Jenkins has prioritized providing stability and privacy for her daughters while honouring Hernandez's memory.
However, Guilmette's life has not been without controversy. He faces public scrutiny and legal issues. As of 2025, he is contending with felony charges, including allegations of conspiracy to violate Rhode Island's Uniform Controlled Substances Act related to the delivery of Lorazepam. These charges stem from a 2022 state police investigation and remain pending in court.
Despite the challenges, Dino Guilmette's story remains one of a man navigating complex personal ties, public attention, and his own entrepreneurial and athletic past, all while building a new chapter in his long-time home of Rhode Island.
