It's blinding! After almost three years of on-again-off-again dating Hayden Panettiere confirmed yesterday that she is engaged to heavyweight boxing world champion Wladimir Klitschko on Live With Kelly & Michael.
Us Weekly first broke the news of the couple's secret engagement in March, but Panettiere opted not to wear her ring — or publicly discuss the betrothal — until recently. Her reasoning is a bit of a mystery, since the rock is enormous — and stunning!
The 24-year-old actress was spotted walking around New York City on Oct. 9, flashing the bling for all to see.
Klitschko and Panettiere started their relationship in 2009, but split in 2011 after distance and scheduling got in the their way. Though the Nashville actress then dated NFL player Scotty McKnight from June 2011 to December 2012, she eventually reconciled with her boxing sweetheart, and the rest is history.
In 2011, the petite actress spoke about her relationship on Lopez Tonight. "He's a good dude," she said of her 6'6" boyfriend. "Everyone thinks I'm small, I'm like, 'No he's just big!'" and when it comes to supporting the heavyweight champ, Panettiere takes a hands-on approach. "I'm like the stand out of my seat [girl who screams], 'Hit him! Hit him!'
Apart from McKnight, Panettiere has also been linked to Laguna Beach heartthrob Stephen Colletti and her Heroes costar Milo Ventimiglia.