Linda Perry, the former 4 Non Blondes member is one of those secret hit-writers for the stars. She’s written songs for pop stars like Pink and Christina Aguilera as well as rock stars like Courtney Love and Grace Slick. In short, Linda Perry knows how to take a spark of inspiration and turn it into a hit. So, when it came to proposing to her girlfriend Sara Gilbert (co-host on The Talk and formerly known for playing Darlene on Roseanne), Linda Perry made a real occasion out of it.

Explaining the story behind Linda’s proposal, Sara Gilbert told The Talk’s audience how Linda had arranged for them to go to a nearby park for a picnic and there ‘just happened’ to be a street musician busking nearby, who ‘just happened’ to be playing a very popular song that they both love. Linda then asked the guy to play a slightly more obscure song, that she and Sara both loved. Sara was surprised that the guy knew the song but thought little more of it. As she was ruminating over what a lovely setting the park would be, should she ever decide to propose to Linda “but I would maybe have, like, string instruments and do this whole production…” And lo and, indeed behold… “suddenly the people picnicking next to us pull out string instruments from under the picnic blanket and walk over and they start playing Love Song with the guy that’s playing guitar.” Oh and if that’s not enough, Linda also got John Waite to show up and play ‘Missing You.’ Now if THAT’S not an awesome proposal, we don’t know what is.

Sara Gilbert, Linda Perry
Sara Gilbert and Linda Perry: pictured together at the Grammy awards

 After telling the tear-jerking story, Sara went on to thank the show’s audience for supporting the issue of marriage equality. “I want to thank all of you for your support on that issue… I’m super shy and I don’t usually wanna share anything… but I wanted you guys to know because I feel like you’re part of our family here.” If you make it through this video with your tear ducts in tact, we’d like a letter of explanation, please.