Gemi Lynn Bordelon is a Louisiana native best known for her viral White House dance video in 2020. Married to Ben Bordelon, former LSU football player and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, she is a devoted wife, mother of three, and active community member.
Despite her brief internet fame, Gemi values privacy and family life in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, where she continues to support local causes and LSU traditions.
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Gemi Lynn Bordelon |
Date of Birth | February 1, 1975 |
Age | 50 years old (as of 2025) |
Birthplace | Louisiana, United States |
Nationality | American |
Marital Status | Married to Ben Bordelon |
Children | Three (including Brooke and Brett “Bo” Bordelon) |
Known For | Viral White House dance video (2020) |
Residence | Lafourche Parish, Louisiana |
Gemi Bordelon is a Louisiana native who gained national attention in January 2020 after appearing in a viral dance video at the White House. She is married to Ben Bordelon, former LSU Tigers offensive lineman and current CEO of Bollinger Shipyards.
While the viral moment brought her unexpected fame, Gemi is primarily known in Louisiana as a supportive wife, mother of three, and active community member who values family and privacy.
Born on February 1, 1975, Gemi grew up in Louisiana, where Southern culture and family values shaped her upbringing. She has maintained a private personal life, with few details publicly available about her childhood or education.
Friends and acquaintances describe her as warm, grounded, and proud of her Louisiana roots. Unlike her husband, who had a public athletic career at LSU and briefly in the NFL, Gemi stayed out of the spotlight until 2020.
She built her life around family, community, and supporting her husband’s career in Louisiana’s shipbuilding industry.
In January 2020, the LSU Tigers football team visited the White House to celebrate their national championship victory over Clemson. During the visit, players filmed a TikTok-style video dancing to “Get the Gat,” a popular song among LSU fans.
In the video, a well-dressed woman confidently joined the players, executing the dance moves with surprising skill. The clip quickly went viral across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, racking up millions of views. Internet users immediately wanted to know: who was she?
Her daughter, Brooke Bordelon, later confirmed her mother’s identity on social media. The internet loved Gemi’s authenticity and confidence. She became an instant cultural icon in Louisiana, representing Southern charm and spontaneous joy.
Gemi attended the White House event because of her family’s connections to the Louisiana congressional delegation and LSU community. She and Ben have long been supporters of LSU athletics, particularly football.
Gemi is married to Benjamin G. Bordelon, known as Ben. He played offensive tackle and guard for the LSU Tigers from 1993 to 1996, earning second-team All-SEC honors in 1996. After college, he briefly played for the San Diego Chargers in the NFL before returning to Louisiana.
Ben joined his family’s business, Bollinger Shipyards, in 2000. He worked his way up from project manager to his current role as President and CEO. Bollinger Shipyards, founded by his grandfather Donald Bollinger in 1946, is one of the largest shipbuilding companies in the United States. The company builds vessels for the U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, and commercial clients.
Ben now leads the company through major growth and modernization efforts. He serves on multiple boards, including the Shipbuilders Council of America, Tiger Athletic Foundation, and recently joined the Ochsner Health Board of Directors in January 2025.
Gemi plays a supportive role in Ben’s high-profile career. She manages their household, raises their children, and represents the family at community and business functions. Those who know the couple describe their partnership as strong and complementary.
Gemi and Ben have three children together. Their family lives in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, near Lockport, where Bollinger Shipyards is headquartered.
Their daughter, Brooke Bordelon, has a social media presence and was the one who publicly identified her mother in the viral video. Their son, Brett “Bo” Bordelon, plays as an offensive lineman for the LSU Tigers, continuing the family’s football tradition. Details about their third child remain private.
The Bordelon family is deeply connected to LSU. They regularly attend games, support the athletic program, and participate in university events. This connection runs through multiple generations, from Ben’s playing days to Bo’s current time on the team.
Family values are central to their lives. They maintain close ties to Louisiana’s culture, traditions, and community. Despite their prominence in business and sports circles, they keep much of their family life private.
Gemi continues to live in Lafourche Parish, maintaining a relatively private lifestyle. She supports her husband’s leadership at Bollinger Shipyards and participates in community activities, though she avoids public attention.
She is occasionally seen at LSU football games, charity events, and business functions alongside Ben. Friends describe her as the anchor of their family, balancing the demands of raising children while supporting a CEO spouse.
Unlike many who experience viral fame, Gemi did not pursue social media stardom or public speaking. She returned to her private life, focusing on family and community rather than capitalizing on her internet popularity.
Her influence in Louisiana’s social circles remains strong but quiet. She contributes to philanthropic efforts, supports local causes, and maintains relationships within the state’s business and university networks.
No. This is a common misconception found in some online sources. Ben Bordelon is the President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, not Gemi. She does not hold an executive position at the company.
The confusion likely stems from articles incorrectly stating that Gemi serves as chairperson or CEO. These claims are inaccurate. Ben leads the company, while Gemi focuses on family and community involvement.
No. Gemi was never a student-athlete, coach, or faculty member at LSU. She attended the White House event as a guest because of her family’s ties to LSU athletics and Louisiana’s political delegation.
Gemi Bordelon may have gained unexpected fame from a viral dance video, but her life is defined far more by her devotion to family, community, and Louisiana roots. As the wife of Ben Bordelon and mother to three children, she has built a strong family foundation while supporting LSU traditions and local causes.
Grounded, private, and deeply connected to her community, Gemi remains a reminder that authenticity and family values often shine brighter than fleeting internet fame.