CNN anchor Don Lemon gets engaged to boyfriend, with help from their dogs
US journalist Don Lemon and his partner Tim Malone attends the 2018 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights’ Ripple Of Hope Awards at New York Hilton Midtown on December 12, 2018 in New York City. (ANGELA WEISS/AFP/Getty)
CNN anchor Don Lemon has revealed he is engaged to partner Tim Malone, after an adorable dog-themed proposal.
The out CNN host announced his engagement on Instagram on Saturday (April 6).
In the post, Lemon revealed that Malone popped the question on his birthday, with help from their puppies Boomer and Barkley.
Don Lemon reveals partner’s cute doggy proposal
Malone, who works in real estate, had engraved custom tags for the two dogs that read: “Daddy will you marry Papa?”
Lemon showed off his engagement ring, adding: “He gave me a present on his birthday. How could I say no?”
In his own Instagram story Malone referenced the proposal, adding: “Breakfast with the fiancé.”
The news led to a flood of well-wishes from friends and fans.
Ricky Martin, Ana Navarro among celebrities to congratulate couple
Ricky Martin wrote: “yeahhhh!!! So happy for you guys!”
CNN host Wolf Blitzer added: “Congrats! I’m so happy for you. This is great news.”
Republican CNN pundit Ana Navarro wrote: “Congratulations to two wonderful people. Love is Love. ❤️ ”
MSNBC host Tamron Hall wrote: “So amazing!!!!! Congratulations Don and Tim !!!! ”
Don Lemon and Tim Malone shared on-air New Year’s Eve kiss
Don Lemon shared an on-air kiss with Malone during CNN’s New Year’s Eve coverage in January 2018.
Speaking on the New Year’s Eve show in the run-up to midnight, Lemon discussed his new relationship with co-host Brooke Baldwin, before Malone was beckoned for a kiss.
Lemon told him: “I love you baby, happy new year!”
Hosting the same New Year’s Eve show one year before, a slightly intoxicated Lemon had spoken about his unhappiness being single.
He had said: “I always live my life to the very fullest but I need a bit more balance in my life. I may be open to a relationship this year, I wasn’t before.”
CNN host came out in 2011
Lemon came out back in 2011 when he published book “Transparent.”
The book was dedicated to Tyler Clementi, a student who took his own life after a humiliating homophobic prank from his college flatmate.
Tim Malone and CNN anchor Don Lemon arrive for the traditional Clive Davis party on the eve of the 61th Annual Grammy Awards at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California on February 9, 2019. (FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty)
At the time, Lemon told PinkNews: “If I hadn’t been asked to write a book I think I would have come out publicly anyway, sooner or later.
“I was already out in my personal life and in my professional life too with those I had a personal connection with. I just hadn’t said or written the words publicly.
He said: “I don’t want there to be any more Tyler Clementis. When I was first approached to write a book I kept saying no because I thought I didn’t have anything to contribute.
“When I finally sat down to write I realised I did have a story: a book that would have helped me as a kid or as an adult. I decided to dedicate the book to Tyler and to others like him.”
