Dijon Duenas, the Baltimore-born alternative R&B sensation known simply as Dijon, has audiences not only with his ethereal soundscapes and vulnerable lyricism but also with his deeply personal approach to love and relationships. The 33-year-old musician, who has collaborated with artists like Brockhampton and Charli XCX, found his greatest inspiration in his relationship with fashion stylist Joanie Del Santo, whom he married in an intimate ceremony on June 25, 2022.
The couple’s love story has become intertwined with Dijon’s musical evolution, serving as the foundation for some of his most acclaimed work. From his 2020 EP “How Do You Feel About Getting Married?” to his debut album “Absolutely” (2021), Dijon’s relationship with Joanie has provided the emotional core that transforms his music from mere songs into profound explorations of modern love, vulnerability, and commitment.
Their relationship represents more than just a romantic partnership; it embodies the artistic collaboration and emotional openness that defines Dijon’s approach to both music and life. As fans celebrated their union through social media posts and wedding congratulations, it became clear that Dijon and Joanie’s relationship had resonated far beyond their personal circle, inspiring listeners who found solace and recognition in Dijon’s honest portrayals of love’s complexities.
The Woman Behind the Music: Joanie Del Santo
Dijon Duenas (Image via Getty)
Joanie Del Santo has emerged as both Dijon’s life partner and creative collaborator, working as a fashion stylist while maintaining a relatively private presence compared to her musician husband. Her influence on Dijon’s work extends far beyond romantic inspiration, as she has contributed to the visual and aesthetic elements of his artistic presentation.
The couple’s relationship began during a period of significant artistic growth for Dijon, coinciding with his transition from the duo Abhi//Dijon to his solo career. Their connection developed as Dijon was exploring themes of intimacy, commitment, and emotional vulnerability that would later define his most successful releases.
Del Santo’s background in fashion styling has complemented Dijon’s artistic vision, contributing to the cohesive aesthetic that surrounds his music releases and public appearances. Her understanding of visual storytelling has helped shape the presentation of Dijon’s work, from album artwork to performance styling.
Musical Love Letters: How Joanie Inspired Dijon’s Greatest Work
Dijon’s relationship with Joanie has served as the primary inspiration for his most critically acclaimed music, transforming personal experiences into universal expressions of love and longing. His 2020 EP “How Do You Feel About Getting Married?” directly addressed the couple’s evolving relationship, with the title itself serving as both a question and a declaration of intent.
The EP’s six tracks explore themes of commitment, uncertainty, and the beautiful complexity of long-term relationships. Songs like “hunni” showcase Dijon’s ability to translate intimate moments into breathtaking musical experiences, with his breathy vocals and tender production creating an atmosphere of profound intimacy.
His debut album “Absolutely” (2021) further developed these themes, with tracks like “Big Mike’s” offering detailed portraits of everyday love. The song opens with the line “I like how you look when you’re not listening,” capturing the mundane yet magical moments that define lasting relationships. Throughout the album, Dijon demonstrates his ability to find beauty in the ordinary aspects of love, from quiet mornings to shared silences.
The track “End Of Record” serves as a particularly poignant tribute to Joanie, described as “a slow-burning and sweet tribute to Dijon’s fiancée.” The song features slide guitar, clarinet, drums, and organ arrangements that create a hypnotic backdrop for Dijon’s vulnerable vocals.
The Wedding: A Celebration of Intimate Love
Dijon Duenas (Image via Getty)
On June 25, 2022, Dijon and Joanie exchanged vows in what fans described as having “small intimate wedding vibes.” The ceremony reflected the couple’s preference for authenticity over spectacle, aligning with the honest, unpolished aesthetic that defines Dijon’s musical approach.
Their wedding registry revealed the couple’s practical approach to their new life together. Instead of traditional gifts, they requested contributions toward their honeymoon and house fund, writing: “In lieu of gifts we would so appreciate the ability to travel this summer and to fix up our new home.”
The wedding date itself holds special significance, occurring exactly three years to the day before the current date in 2025, marking their third wedding anniversary. Fans and fellow musicians celebrated the union, recognizing how Joanie’s presence had positively influenced Dijon’s music and personal growth.
Collaborative Spirit: How Love Changed Dijon’s Creative Process
Dijon’s relationship with Joanie coincided with a significant shift in his creative approach, moving from a solitary artistic process to one embracing collaboration and vulnerability. This change is evident in his work with producer Mk.gee (Mike Gordon), who became a key collaborator on “Absolutely.”
The musician has spoken openly about how his relationship taught him to accept help and input from others, both personally and professionally. “I used to want to do everything by myself,” Dijon explained. “I was pretty insecure for a while, but over the course of the pandemic, I accepted that there are limitations. It opened up this idea that other people can provide pieces of your world.”
This collaborative spirit extends beyond music production to encompass the emotional and creative support Joanie provides. Her presence has allowed Dijon to explore more vulnerable territories in his songwriting, resulting in music that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Current Relationship Status and Future Prospects
Dijon Duenas (Image via Getty)
As of 2025, Dijon and Joanie continue their marriage, having celebrated their third wedding anniversary in June. Their relationship remains a source of creative inspiration for Dijon, who continues to explore themes of love, commitment, and partnership in his ongoing musical projects.
The couple’s approach to their public relationship reflects their shared values of authenticity and privacy. While Dijon’s music offers intimate glimpses into their life together, both maintain boundaries around their personal space, sharing enough to connect with fans while preserving the sacred aspects of their partnership.
Their relationship serves as a testament to the power of love to transform not only personal lives but artistic expression. Through Joanie’s influence, Dijon has evolved from a guarded solo artist into someone capable of profound vulnerability and collaborative creativity, resulting in music that resonates with audiences seeking authentic expressions of modern love.
McKenna Grace, the talented 18-year-old actress who has audiences with her performances in “Gifted,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” has recently found herself in the spotlight for reasons beyond her acting prowess. The young Hollywood star’s romantic life has become a topic of intense fascination among fans and media outlets alike, particularly following her rumored relationship with fellow actor Mason Thames.
Born on June 25, 2006, in Grapevine, Texas, Grace has been acting professionally since the age of six, quickly establishing herself as one of Hollywood’s most promising young talents. Her journey from child star to accomplished actress has been remarkable, with notable roles spanning television series like “Designated Survivor” and blockbuster films that have showcased her versatility and maturity beyond her years.
While Grace has traditionally maintained a private approach to her personal life, focusing primarily on her burgeoning career and professional growth, recent developments have thrust her romantic relationships into the public eye. The speculation surrounding her love life reached new heights in 2025, when her on-screen chemistry with co-star Mason Thames in the upcoming film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s “Regretting You” began translating into real-world romance rumors.
The intersection of Grace’s professional success and personal life has created a compelling narrative that resonates with fans who have watched her grow up on screen. As she navigates the complexities of young adulthood in the public eye, her approach to relationships and personal privacy offers insight into how the next generation of Hollywood stars manages fame and romance.
Current Relationship Status with Mason Thames
McKenna Grace and Mason Thames (Image via Getty)
The relationship between McKenna Grace and Mason Thames has become one of Hollywood’s most talked-about young romances. The 18-year-old Grace and 17-year-old Thames first sparked dating rumors while working together on “Regretting You,” where they portray love interests. Their on-screen chemistry quickly translated into off-camera speculation when fans began noticing their interactions during promotional events and social media posts.
The romance rumors gained significant traction in April 2025 when Grace shared a TikTok video featuring herself and Thames lip-syncing to audio from “500 Days of Summer,” which concluded with the pair leaning in for a kiss before falling out of frame. This playful video went viral and had fans immediately questioning whether it was a soft launch of their real-life relationship or simply promotional content for their upcoming film.
The most significant confirmation of their relationship came on June 14, 2025, when the pair were photographed walking hand-in-hand through Soho in New York City. This public display of affection provided the clearest indication yet that their relationship had moved beyond friendship, though neither actor has made an official statement confirming their romantic status.
Timeline of Their Relationship Development
The relationship between Grace and Thames has unfolded publicly over several months, with key moments marking their journey from co-stars to potential romantic partners. Their first public appearance together occurred at Netflix’s Incoming House Party event, coinciding with the announcement of their casting in “Regretting You.”
April 2025 marked a turning point when Grace posted the now-famous TikTok video on April 7, followed by their joint appearance at a Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks NBA game on April 18. These public outings suggested their relationship was developing beyond their professional collaboration.
May 2025 saw Grace sharing an Instagram carousel on May 5 that included a photo of herself and Thames, captioned “This is my jam!!🍓🎶🦈💕🎬.” This social media post further fueled speculation about their relationship status, as fans analyzed every detail for clues about their romantic involvement.
The June 2025 developments proved most significant, with Thames giving revealing interviews about their relationship dynamic. He spoke glowingly about Grace’s character and work ethic, telling Seventeen: “She is one of the most driven people I’ve ever met in my life. Every day I’m on set with her, I just want to be as good as McKenna.” He also shared intimate details about their time together, including visits to aquariums where Grace would share her aquarium playlist through split AirPods.
Grace’s Approach to Privacy and Public Relationships
McKenna Grace (Image via Getty)
Throughout her career, McKenna Grace has maintained a notably private approach to her personal life, choosing to focus public attention on her professional achievements rather than romantic relationships. This discretion has been particularly evident in how she has handled the speculation surrounding her relationship with Thames.
Grace’s social media presence reflects this balanced approach, highlighting her work, family interactions, and friendships while offering only subtle glimpses into her romantic life. Her Instagram posts and public appearances have been carefully curated to maintain professional boundaries while still engaging with her fanbase.
The actress has spoken about prioritizing her career and personal growth over romantic involvement, a stance that has resonated with fans who appreciate her dedication to her craft. This focus on professional development has allowed her to build an impressive resume while still experiencing the typical experiences of teenage life.
Her handling of the Thames relationship rumors demonstrates a mature approach to public scrutiny, neither confirming nor denying the speculation while allowing their natural chemistry and public appearances to speak for themselves. This strategy has maintained fan interest while preserving their privacy as young adults in the entertainment industry.
Past Relationships and Dating History
Prior to her rumored relationship with Mason Thames, McKenna Grace’s dating history remained largely private and unconfirmed. Various sources have suggested potential past relationships, though none have been officially verified by the actress herself.
Some reports have mentioned connections to fellow young actors, including rumors about relationships with Emmett Dorfman and Jacob Tremblay. However, these claims lack substantial evidence and appear to be largely speculative, reflecting the intense interest in Grace’s personal life rather than confirmed romantic involvement.
Grace’s young age and career focus have naturally limited her public dating history. At 18, she has spent most of her teenage years building her acting career, which may have influenced her approach to relationships and public disclosure of personal information.
The actress has consistently maintained that her current life stage prioritizes career development and personal growth over romantic relationships, though her recent connection with Thames suggests this perspective may be evolving as she enters adulthood.
Professional Impact and Future Prospects
McKenna Grace (Image via Getty)
The relationship between Grace and Thames has generated significant media attention that extends beyond typical celebrity gossip, potentially impacting their professional trajectories. Their collaboration on “Regretting You” has benefited from the romantic speculation, creating additional buzz around the Colleen Hoover adaptation.
Thames has expressed admiration for Grace’s professional dedication, noting how her drive motivates him to improve his own performance. This mutual respect and professional support suggest that their relationship, whether romantic or platonic, enhances their collaborative work.
As both actors continue to build their careers, their relationship dynamic will likely influence future project selections and public appearances. The entertainment industry’s interest in young Hollywood couples could create opportunities for joint ventures while also intensifying scrutiny of their personal lives.
The success of their partnership, both professionally and personally, may serve as a model for other young actors in similar situations in the public eye. Their approach to balancing privacy with public engagement offers insights into how the next generation of Hollywood stars manages fame and relationships.
