The news emerged through social media posts by Lee’s friends, including Marina Hollyer and Brooke Donovan, who shared photos of the couple celebrating with Lee wearing a white veil, a “Bride to Be” sash, and a prominent diamond ring. According to TMZ, Malone proposed to Lee in Utah on August 18, with friends flying in for the occasion. Page Six and Billboard also reported the engagement, citing social media evidence and sources familiar with the couple’s plans.
The Engagement Announcement: Social Media as the Primary Source
The engagement was first revealed via Instagram Stories from Lee’s close friends. Marina Hollyer posted a series of photos showing Lee and Malone together, captioning one with My best friend in the world just got engaged.
Another image featured Lee wearing her left-hand ring, which appeared to be a large diamond. Brooke Donovan shared a video of the couple kissing, while Matthew Madonna posted a clip of Lee sitting on Malone’s lap, both wearing wedding-themed attire. These posts, published on August 19, 2026, marked the first public acknowledgment of the couple’s union, though neither Malone nor Lee themselves confirmed the engagement.
Several outlets, including E! News and Billboard, noted that Malone’s representatives had not yet commented on the engagement as of the publication date. However, the visual evidence from social media was compelling enough to prompt widespread coverage.
From Breakup to Reconciliation: A Timeline of Their Relationship
Malone and Lee first began dating in early 2025, after the singer ended his engagement to Hee Sung “Jamie” Park, with whom he has a four-year-old daughter. Their romance was initially marked by public outings, including a dinner in Rome in January 2025 and a trip to a bar in Idaho in March. By April, they were spotted in Paris, where they were photographed walking hand-in-hand. However, TMZ reported in June 2025 that the couple had called it quits after several months of dating, with no official explanation provided.
Despite the breakup, the pair reportedly reconciled later in 2025. They were seen together at the Khaite fashion show in New York in February 2026, and their rekindled relationship was further evidenced by a series of social media posts. The couple’s decision to announce their engagement in August 2026 suggests a long-term commitment, though details about their reconciliation remain scarce.
Context: Malone’s Previous Engagement and Custody Battle
Malone’s engagement to Lee follows a tumultuous period in his personal life. Malone had previously spoken about his daughter in interviews, stating, I’ve always wanted kids and a big family.
And I could tell she was going to be a really good mama.
However, he has largely kept his family life private, with little public information about his daughter’s mother beyond the nickname “Jamie.”
The singer’s history with Park adds complexity to his current relationship with Lee. Lee, a fashion stylist and Parsons School of Design graduate, has maintained a lower public profile compared to Malone, though her involvement in his life has become more visible since their 2025 romance.
As of now, neither Malone nor Lee has provided further details about their engagement or future plans. The couple’s decision to keep their relationship private, even as they announce their engagement through social media, reflects a pattern of discretion.
