Lana Del Rey Speaks on Life, Love, and Alligators in Louisiana
Pop superstar Lana Del Rey, known for her cinematic songwriting and insanely beautiful voice, has opened up for the first time about her life in Louisiana. In a recent W Magazine interview, the singer revealed intimate details about her marriage to Louisiana native Jeremy Dufrene and how their quiet life in the South has already shaped her personally and creatively in just a short time.
Del Rey, who married Dufrene in September 2024, spends most of her time in Louisiana, away from the constant buzz of Los Angeles.
Dufrene, an airboat tour guide from Des Allemands, first met the singer in 2019 when she took one of his swamp tours. Years later, they reconnected, and Del Rey says she knew quickly that she loved him.
Swimming in the Bayou and Loving Louisiana Skies
One of the biggest surprises from the interview was Del Rey admitting that she swims in the Louisiana bayou, even with alligators nearby. “I was nervous at first, but Louisiana has nicer alligators than Florida,” she said, adding that her husband often swims with them.
The singer also spoke about her love for Louisiana’s natural beauty, particularly the skies. “If I could transport the Louisiana sky to Los Angeles, I’d be in heaven,” she said, calling the scenery one of her greatest sources of peace and inspiration.
A Different Kind of Fame in the South
Del Rey acknowledged that adjusting to life in Louisiana wasn’t easy at first, especially when paparazzi drones followed her and Dufrene. But she credits her husband’s calm, grounded nature for keeping her steady. “Jeremy said, ‘I work with alligators—I have tough skin,’” she explained.
She also revealed one of their quirkiest habits: what they call “parking lot time.” The couple spends quiet evenings talking, reading, and simply enjoying each other’s company in empty parking lots, something Del Rey says makes her feel more connected than ever.
Music Inspired by Love
While Del Rey has long been influenced by Los Angeles and New York in her music, her new life in Louisiana is already shaping her art. She revealed that she wrote “Stars Fell on Alabama” for Dufrene, calling him “the most impactful person” in her life.
As she transitions into a new country-inspired sound, her Louisiana experiences seem to be paying off as far as the direction of her musiic and art goes.
Read more about Lana Del Rey’s new album in her full interview with W Magazine.
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Gallery Credit: RACHEL CAVANAUGH