LOS ANGELES – Ashlee Simpson and her rocker boyfriend Pete Wentz are engaged.
"We know there has been a lot of speculation recently about Pete and I, and we wanted our fans to be the first to know, because you guys are the best," Simpson said in a statement posted on People magazine's Web site Wednesday. "Yes, we are thrilled to share that we are happily engaged."
Simpson's father, Joe Simpson, told People he's "totally happy" and "so excited to have Pete as part of (our) family."
The pair began dating in fall 2006, according to People.
Wentz, 28, is bassist for the Chicago-based band Fall Out Boy. Simpson, 23, a singer, songwriter and actress, is the younger sister of pop singer Jessica Simpson. Ashlee Simpson's new album, "Bittersweet World," is set for release on April 22.
A phone message left Wednesday for Joe Simpson by The Associated Press was not immediately returned.
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox