Robert Herjavec has made no secret of his desire to marry his Dancing With the Stars professional partner Kym Johnson. The couple, who were long coy about their relationship, especially while competing on the program one year ago, eventually revealed their DWTS romance was more than just a behind-the-scenes fling.
Last month, Herjavec joked to People that Johnson was welcome to offer him a ring anytime. He noted that in leap years, it is the tradition that women ask. Now, as February has come to a close, Herjavec and Johnson have announced they are indeed engaged. Both Robert and Kym took to Twitter to reveal who asked who.
I asked…. @kym_johnson https://t.co/hPryjAiUeG
— Robert Herjavec (@robertherjavec) February 28, 2016
I said yes @robertherjavec https://t.co/n8iM09hU6Z
— Kym Johnson (@kym_johnson) February 28, 2016
People confirmed the news with details of the after-proposal party and the engagement ring — 6.5 carats worth. Herjavec gushed over Johnson and his life after Dancing With the Stars .
“I still can’t believe that a year after walking into a dance studio of all places, my life has changed this much. Kym is an incredible woman and I’m just so excited for what the future brings for us.”
Apparently the couple’s friends and family had a heads up about the big news, or Herjavec had enough confidence that Kym would say “yes” that he didn’t shy away from inviting a few dozen people to an after-proposal party. Dancing With the Stars notables were there, along with former contestant Carson Kressley. Kym had one special guest in particular: her mother, who came across the globe for the event.
“To celebrate tonight with our family and friends, and my mom who flew in from Australia, wow – I’m just overwhelmed and so happy. He’s a wonderful man and I’m so lucky.”
Even though the chemistry between Herjavec and Johnson was immediately obvious to Dancing With the Stars viewers, the couple did not become romantic right away. Herjavec said their friendship eventually turned into a relationship, and they share mutual respect.
Johnson was spotted on the Shark Tank set last year , and Herjavec appeared at one of his fiancée’s book signings. After spending several seasons as a pro on the U.S. version of DWTS and a judge for the Australian version, Kym has launched a new wellness initiative, 5678 Fitness .
#TBT to one of @kym_johnson ‘s #5678Diet signings w/ @robertherjavec (looking at her like )! Do you have your copy? pic.twitter.com/hCqWMkH3r8
— Abby (@KymRobertLove) February 19, 2016
Robert even mentioned his time on Dancing With the Stars during Friday’s episode of Shark Tank , when he revealed that the show’s dancers use cryotherapy while in training. He did not invest in the pitching company, but he did get into the cryotherapy tank on-set.
Robert’s takes a moment to chill out in the tank tonight! #SharkTank is all-new at 9|8c on ABC. https://t.co/W3AXYtzqhf
— Shark Tank (@ABCSharkTank) February 26, 2016
ET Canada revealed that this is the first marriage for Johnson, 39. Herjavec and his wife of 24 years, Diane Plese, divorced last year. Herjavec and Plese have three children.
Herjavec’s divorce was in process as he and Johnson were hitting the dance floor. At the time, he told the Toronto Star that joining the program helped him through the major changes that were going on in his life. Dancing With the Stars was his late mother’s favorite show, and he used the platform to discuss her battle with ovarian cancer and to raise awareness of the disease.
The couple has not announced when they will get married.
[Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images]