Shaunie O’Neal, 46, and boyfriend, Pastor Keion Henderson, 40, are engaged after two years of dating.
In an exclusive with PEOPLE, the reality star and executive producer said “yes” to a proposal by Henderson on Nov. 11.
“This was one of the most magical and special days of my life, being someone that had never officially been proposed to — like no down on one knee and asked ‘will you marry me’ moment,” Shaunie says in a statement to PEOPLE. “And honestly, I’m the person that thought I would never in my lifetime experience a love like this. Everything about that night was incredibly amazing.”
She continued, “I wouldn’t change a single thing. As a matter of fact, I wish I could experience it over and over again. Keion is an extraordinary man of God. He’s wise. He’s supportive. He’s so loving and attentive. He loves me and my children in a way that has changed my life and my heart. He makes me want to be better every day. And I pray that I do the same for him. This love is FOREVER, and I’m honored and overjoyed to do forever with him.”
Henderson shared with PEOPLE in a heartfelt statement the union he plans to share with his fiancée.
“I’ve never met a more supportive person in my life. There is an inseparable connection that is undeniable between Shaunie and I,” he says. “I am unwilling to let anyone else occupy her space. The love and respect we share for each other contribute to our ever-evolving humility and growth. Which ultimately makes us more like God. Who wouldn’t want a spouse that makes you more like The Creator? She simply brings out the best in me and wants the best for me. Any love that accomplishes all of that naturally is worth pursuing. Our engagement is the beginning of a new day.”
The couple got engaged on a tropical island at 11:11 pm. Her rep says that the 11/11 pattern has been “a meaningful symbolism and point of connection” for Shaunie and Henderson.
It “has played a significant role throughout their relationship since the day they met as they call, text, or pray together daily at that time each day without fail. Thus it became the perfect day to cement their love.”
Not only was O’Neal surprised with a beautiful proposal from her fiancé, but he also gifted her with a custom 4.22-karat radiant-cut diamond ring with 50 round-cut brilliant white diamonds set in an 18-karat white gold band by Jason of Beverly Hills, according to PEOPLE.
Henderson ended the night by surprising his new fiancée with a gorgeous fireworks display in a private setting.
Sis2Sis previously reported, O’Neal went public with fiancé Henderson this past summer in an Instagram post stating he has made her “the happiest girl in the world.”
“Today, many will celebrate you for the impact that you have made in their lives, the love you’ve shown to perfect strangers, and the comfort you’ve provided sharing the word of God,” she wrote on Instagram, sharing selfies and videos of the two together. “Today, I celebrate you because as our friendship has blossomed, you’ve become my safe place where I can authentically grow without judgment. You are my soundboard, you’ve taught me so much thus far, and you love me and my children unconditionally.”
Henderson, the senior pastor of the Lighthouse Church in Houston, Texas, also serves as the CEO and founder. He founded the church in 2009 and now has over 12,000 members in his congregation.
The couple will have a blended family as O’Neal and Henderson have children from previous marriages.
O’Neal, who was previously married to former basketball star, Shaquille O’Neal from 2002 to 2011, has four children– Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir, and Me’arah, from the union. Shaunie is also mom to another son, Myles, from a previous relationship.
Henderson has a 9-year-old daughter.
We wish the newly engaged couple all the best in their union.
