Adrienne Watkins is a South African businesswoman and the fiancée of the late radio personality Mark Pilgrim.
She is best known for her successful career in management consulting and her love affair with Mark, who died of lung cancer in 2023.
Early life
Adrienne was born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1985. She grew up in a middle-class family and attended the prestigious Herschel School for Girls.
She excelled in her studies and extracurricular activities, and developed a passion for economics and business.
She graduated from Stellenbosch University with a degree in economics in 2007.
Love this life
Adrienne met Mark Pilgrim, a famous radio and TV host, through mutual friends in 2019. They hit it off immediately and began dating.
Mark is 20 years older than Adrienne but shares many of the same interests and values. They also supported each other through difficult times, as Mark survived a heart attack in 2018 and Adrienne lost her father in 2019.
They got engaged on New Year’s Eve 2022 and plan to get married in 2023.
Children
Adrienne had no children but became stepmother to Mark’s two daughters from a previous marriage, Tayla-Jean and Alyssa.
She loved them like her own children and formed close relationships with them. She also helps Mark raise them with his ex-wife Nicole.
Career
Adrienne was a senior partner at Korn Ferry, a global management consulting firm.
She specializes in executive search and leadership development and works with clients from a variety of industries and sectors. She is highly regarded and admired for her professionalism, expertise and integrity.
She is also involved in several charitable and social causes, such as education, women’s empowerment and environmental sustainability.
Death
Adrienne’s romance with Mark came to a tragic end when he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in February 2023.
He had chest pain and difficulty breathing, and a CT scan showed a large tumor in his right lung. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation, but the cancer was too aggressive and spread to his other organs.
He died on March 15, 2023 at the age of 52, surrounded by loved ones.
Adrienne gave a heartfelt speech at his memorial service, describing their romance as one “Fairy tales.” She also revealed that Mark’s last unfulfilled wish was to take her to Paris.
She says she will always love him and cherish their memories.
Net value
Adrienne Watkins has amassed an estimated net worth of around $1 million.
