Don't judge Carrie Ann Inaba's beau for his public proposal!
The Dancing With the Stars judge took to Twitter to explain why her accountant boyfriend Jesse Sloan asked her to marry him on Thursday's Live! With Regis and Kelly in front of a live audience and millions of viewers.
"Jesse wanted to share our engagement with our families who were in HI, NY, CO and CA," she wrote on the micro-blogging site Friday afternoon. "This was a way they could all witness the moment. :)"
During the show, Inaba was filling in as a guest cohost for Kelly Ripa and reading viewer mail with Regis Philbin. In a surprise twist, Philbin read a letter from a viewer who wasn't quite sure how to propose to his girlfriend. That viewer turned out to be Inaba's beau, who came on stage, got down on bended knee and presented her with a giant diamond sparkler. Jewelry expert Michael O'Connor told UsMagazine.com the 2 1/2 carat gem had an estimated price tag of $70,000.
"And of course, he wants to share our love with everyone," she gushed. "Love is a beautiful thing to share–everyone was so happy yesterday… Love love."
Inaba, 43, began dating Sloan, 39, two years ago. Last month, she told Prevention magazine they were planning a summer wedding at the beach. "We want everyone to jump in the water with us after our vows!"
