CeeLo Green Reveals He Has Been Engaged to Shani James For a Year: “It’s Not Something We Wanted to Promote”

It looks like CeeLo Green is officially a fool for his longtime girlfriend Shani James, as the couple announced Thursday that they are engaged.

The 41-year-old “Forget You” crooner revealed new details about how he popped the question to his steady sweetheart a year ago. Surprise, surprise—music was involved. 

“It was just a typical night at the studio, but then again, not so typical cause I did something extra special, out of the ordinary,” Green told People. “I went and purchased a ring that we had seen together, maybe four or five months or so prior. I went back and purchased the ring and I just kind of had it stashed away in some old equipment. And I said, ‘Will you reach in there and grab something for me?'”

According to the latest photos of James’ left hand on the red carpet, Green picked out quite the sparkler. 

“It was the most beautiful diamond ring I had ever seen in my life. It was lit up by a light,” James said. “I said, ‘Babe, I can’t believe it.’ He said, ‘You’ve been such a good woman. You’re such and amazing person. You’re my life partner. You’re my best friend. I want to share the rest of my life with you.'”

Green, who was previously married to Christina Johnson until their divorce in 2005, admitted they purposefully kept their engagement under wraps until they were truly ready to go public. 

“Truth be told, it’s not something we wanted to promote,” the former The Voice coach said. “We’re a collective power together because our private life is sacred. But you know what though, maybe it’s time. Maybe it is time for the world to know that I have a very secure situation and a loving woman supporting me the entire way.”

The multi-Grammy winner, who is also set to release his fifth studio album Heart Blanche on Nov. 6, described his future wife poetically as he ensured their bond is lasting. 

“I appreciate her openness and willingness to love unconditionally,” Green said. “She’s been so sweet to me through a number of different trials that come to test the resilience of a union to deem whether it’s worthy or not, whether it’s durable or strong enough. “

For the songwriter, words usually pour out for Green—unless they’re about his fiancé. 

“I think now that I’m describing it as she’s standing here, it’s kind of, surreal because it’s not exaggerated. It’s absolutely true. It’s absolutely our private life,” he said. “This is my first time putting it into words.”

Keep those words coming, CeeLo. Congratulations to the happy couple!