Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey Engaged

It was announced on Friday that Pop Princess, Jessica Simpson, and her beau of three-plus years, 98 Degrees singer Nick Lachey, are engaged. The couple met during a tour in 1999. Lachey, now 28, and Simpson, now 21, appeared in a joint interview on CBS’ Early Show two years ago and their love was evident then. During the interview Lachey said, "The first time I ever heard her sing, I got chills. And I told the guys, ‘I’m going to marry that girl one day.’"

The two had a duet, "Where You Are", which was on Simpson’s 1999 album, Sweet Kisses, and Simpson told Billboard, "Nick and I are going to be the next Sonny and Cher. Only, I expect we are going to last a lot longer." Apparently they have lasted, but it hasn’t been an easy ride. The couple were seen all over the place, cozy as can be, and Nick vowed to stand by Jessica’s decision to remain a virgin until married. Simpson was seen last February sporting a gold and diamond ring that she said was "more than a friendship ring." That caused a riot of rumors that she and Lachey were engaged, but things cooled considerably last spring when Simpson announced that she and Lachey were no longer an item. Frequent separation due to touring and other commitments were cited as the reason behind the break-up. At the time, she told Twist magazine, "Right now, my main focus is my career. I pray that each of you support this decision and trust us in God’s hands."

Her prayers were answered shortly thereafter and she and Lachey rekindled their romance and bought separate condos in Los Angeles. Lachey penned a couple of songs for Simpson’s Sweet Kisses follow-up album, Irresistible. Lachey formed the band 98 Degrees with his brother, Drew, Jeff Timmons and Justin Jeffre. They had a top 20 hit in 1997 with "Invisible Man" off their self-titled album. Their second album, 98 Degrees and Rising, was released in 1998. The band, according to the official 98 Degrees web site is "on an extended break [and] have no immediate plans to record or tour. Their future is unclear at this point." At least Lachey is clear on one thing – Jessica. No wedding date has been set.