Pop singer Taylor Swift and NFL footballer Travis Kelce are engaged.
The pair announced the news in a joint Instagram post this morning, the fairytale culmination of a courtship that for two years has thrilled and fascinated millions around the world, but especially Swifties, the pop star’s enormous and ardent fan base.
“Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” Swift, 35, captioned the carousel of five photographs showing the moment Kelce, 35, got down on one knee.
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The photographs include a close-up of Kelce holding Swift’s left hand and showing off the large engagement ring.
The proposal took place in a lavish garden, although the exact location is not known. A representative for Swift did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ request for comment.
The Shake It Off singer and Kansas City Chiefs footballer began dating in July 2023.
Kelce was a famous football player when they met — a star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs and a Super Bowl champion — but Swift’s unique level of fame catapulted him into a different orbit entirely. Their relationship was documented in countless shots of Swift celebrating at Chiefs games and fan videos of Kelce dancing along at Swift’s Eras concert tour as it traveled the globe.
There were those who speculated, with no evidence, that the relationship was not genuine but a cynical ploy for more fame, while some even theorised it was a plot to influence the US elections. In the end, those voices were quieted by a happy couple who simply looked in love — now with an engagement ring rivaling the size of Kelce’s three Super Bowl rings.
Their engagement comes at a busy time for Swift, who earlier this month announced her 12th studio album.
The Grammy-winner’s latest offering, The Life of a Showgirl, is released on October 3, two days before her fiance’s birthday.
She revealed the upcoming project on Kelce’s podcast, New Heights, which he hosts with his brother Jason.
The engagement news broke in the middle of the Kansas City Chiefs’ media availability, though after head coach Andy Reid had departed. That left Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna to field questions about his teammate’s engagement.
“Man, it’s incredible. I was caught off guard but you know, great for them,” Danna said, a few minutes after the news raced across social media. “But you know, great for them. That’s a blessing. Any time you find that type of joy, blessing, love — that’s a beautiful thing.”
Like many of the Chiefs, Danna has hung out with Swift and Kelce at a New Year’s party and after most of their home games.
“I’ll think of a good little engagement gift,” Danna said. “Maybe some Pop-Tarts back to her. It won’t be homemade.”
The NFL, which has gained millions of fans since the relationship became public, posted the news on X with their congratulations — then quickly deleted it and reposted it when they realised they tagged the wrong Swift account.
Both Swift and Kelce turn 36 later this year.
– Reported with Associated Press
