Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has revealed his engagement to Jodie Haydon, his partner of four years. The proposal took place on Valentine’s Day at the Lodge, the official residence of the prime minister in Canberra. Albanese, 60, presented a specially designed ring during the engagement.

The couple first met at a business dinner in Melbourne in 2020, and since then, their relationship has blossomed. The engagement announcement makes Albanese the first Australian leader to get engaged while in office.

Sharing the joyous news on social media, Albanese posted a selfie with the caption “She said yes.” In a joint statement, the couple expressed their excitement about the news and their anticipation of spending the rest of their lives together.

Colleagues from various political circles, including well-wishes from across the parliament, New Zealand leader Christopher Luxon, and renowned TV chef Nigella Lawson, have extended their congratulations to the engaged couple. The announcement has garnered widespread support and warm wishes from the public and political figures alike.

“Love is a wonderful journey, and I’m overjoyed for both of you!” expressed Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

Anthony Albanese, who has a 23-year-old son named Nathan Albanese from his previous marriage with former New South Wales deputy premier Carmel Tebbutt, received heartfelt congratulations on his recent engagement. The Labor Party leader and his former partner separated in 2019 after 19 years of marriage.

Albanese has openly shared the story of how he and Jodie Haydon, who has a background in the financial services industry, crossed paths a year later and connected through their mutual passion for the National Rugby League team. In 2020, during a function, Albanese inquired about South Sydney Rabbitohs fans in the audience, to which Haydon enthusiastically responded, “Up the Rabbitohs.”

Initially maintaining a low profile, the couple gradually stepped into the public eye, with Haydon accompanying Albanese on the campaign trail in 2022 and joining him on international trips as the prime minister. The engagement announcement has sparked warm wishes and congratulations from various quarters.