Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez is a name that entered the public spotlight through tragedy, loyalty, and perseverance. Known widely for her relationship with the late NFL star Aaron Hernandez, Shayanna has remained an emblem of strength amid intense public scrutiny. Over the years, she has continued to rebuild her life, now as a mother of two, an entrepreneur, and a woman determined to move forward from a past marred by controversy. This article offers a detailed look into Shayanna Jenkins’s life—her background, relationships, net worth, legal struggles, and more—highlighting how she’s emerged resilient in the face of adversity.
Who Is Shayanna Jenkins?
Born on May 29, 1989, in Bristol, Connecticut, Shayanna Jenkins grew up in a modest environment alongside her sister Shaneah Jenkins. She attended the same high school as Aaron Hernandez, where their romantic journey began. While they went separate ways for a time, they rekindled their relationship after Aaron joined the New England Patriots in the NFL.
Despite not being legally married, Shayanna adopted Aaron’s surname, often referring to herself as Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez. She stood by Aaron through his legal troubles, including his arrest and conviction for the murder of Odin Lloyd—a case that shook the nation and cast a shadow over the football world.
Shayanna Jenkins and Aaron Hernandez: A Tragic Love Story
Shayanna and Aaron’s relationship was intense and emotional. They became engaged in 2012, the same year their daughter Avielle Janelle Hernandez was born. However, their lives took a drastic turn in 2013, when Aaron was arrested for the murder of Odin Lloyd, the boyfriend of Shayanna’s sister Shaneah.
The trial placed Shayanna in an incredibly difficult position, torn between her loyalty to Aaron and the pain of her sister’s loss. She stood by Aaron throughout the trial, often attending court hearings and offering public support. Despite Aaron being convicted in 2015, Shayanna remained a devoted partner until his suicide in prison on April 19, 2017.
Is Shayanna Jenkins with Someone Now?
Yes. After the death of Aaron Hernandez, Shayanna eventually found love again with Dino Guilmette, a former amateur boxer and businessman from Rhode Island. The couple reportedly met through mutual friends and began dating sometime around 2017.
They welcomed a daughter, Giselle Guilmette, in June 2018. Though not legally married, Shayanna and Dino live together and raise both daughters in a private, family-oriented lifestyle.
Dino Guilmette and Shayanna Jenkins: Still Together?
As of 2025, Shayanna Jenkins and Dino Guilmette are still together. They keep their relationship relatively private, occasionally sharing family photos on Shayanna’s social media. Though the pair has faced rumors and media speculation, there have been no public reports of a breakup. Their focus seems to remain on co-parenting and building a stable life for their daughters.
Relationship with Her Sister: Where Do They Stand?
The relationship between Shayanna Jenkins and her sister Shaneah Jenkins became strained following Aaron Hernandez’s trial. Shaneah, who was dating Odin Lloyd—the murder victim—found herself on the opposite side of the courtroom from her sister. Shayanna’s loyalty to Aaron created a deep emotional divide between the two women.
Reports from various media outlets over the years suggest that the sisters have remained estranged. Though no direct public confrontation has occurred, they have not been seen together in public or shared any reconnection stories. Shayanna has also avoided discussing Shaneah in interviews, suggesting a painful and unresolved rift.
Shayanna Jenkins’s Career and Public Life
In the years since Hernandez’s death, Shayanna has worked to build a new identity beyond her late fiancé’s shadow. She became a licensed insurance broker and is affiliated with Symmetry Financial Group. She also launched her own business, “Mommy and Me,” an event-planning and lifestyle brand focused on motherhood and family-friendly gatherings.
Her social media presence, especially on Instagram, reflects a curated image of motherhood, positivity, and resilience. Shayanna has also been featured in documentaries and interviews discussing her life with Aaron Hernandez, particularly in the Netflix docuseries “Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez.”
Shayanna Jenkins Net Worth
As of 2025, Shayanna Jenkins’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million. Her income sources include:
- Trust fund benefits for her daughter from Aaron Hernandez’s NFL earnings and pension.
- Earnings from her insurance business.
- Sponsorships and brand partnerships via social media.
- Revenue from documentaries and media appearances.
It’s important to note that Shayanna has faced legal challenges over the trust fund set up for her daughter Avielle. In 2023, a trustee accused her of spending funds on herself rather than her daughter, citing charges like $10,000 for dance classes and $12,000 at HomeGoods. Shayanna defended her actions, stating that all expenditures were meant to support her daughter’s well-being.
Did Shayanna Jenkins Get Any Money After Aaron’s Death?
Following Aaron Hernandez’s suicide, Shayanna retained control over a trust fund and Social Security benefits left for their daughter. She receives around $150,000 annually, according to court records. These funds were intended to support Avielle, but as mentioned earlier, there have been disputes regarding how they were used.
While Shayanna hasn’t inherited personal wealth from Aaron’s estate—since many of his assets were lost during legal battles—she does benefit from the structured payments related to her daughter’s care.
Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez: Navigating Public Scrutiny
Shayanna’s life has been the subject of intense public interest. She has been praised for her strength and criticized for her decisions—particularly during and after Hernandez’s trial. Despite everything, she has largely kept her focus on raising her daughters and building a quiet life.
In interviews, Shayanna has consistently defended Aaron Hernandez, expressing doubt about his guilt and maintaining that he was a loving father and partner. Her loyalty has drawn both admiration and controversy, making her one of the most talked-about figures in the saga of Aaron Hernandez.
Personal Life and Privacy
Despite the public nature of her past, Shayanna Jenkins now maintains a low-profile personal life. She shares curated snippets of her daughters’ lives and her professional journey but avoids media sensationalism. Her online presence reflects a dedication to motherhood, spirituality, and self-growth.
She has also been cautious about allowing her children into the spotlight, choosing to shield them from unnecessary attention.
Conclusion
Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez’s story is one of love, heartbreak, and resilience. From her early days as Aaron Hernandez’s fiancée to becoming a mother of two and a budding entrepreneur, she has continued to redefine herself in the face of adversity. Her loyalty to Aaron, her quiet strength through public trials, and her current life with Dino Guilmette paint a complex portrait of a woman determined to find peace and purpose. As Shayanna continues her journey, she serves as a poignant reminder of how personal strength can transcend tragedy.