ASHLEE SIMPSON - ASHLEE SIMPSON AND PETE WENTZ CONFIRM THEIR ENGAGEMENT

Ashlee Simpson and her boyfriend Pete Wentz have confirmed they are engaged to be married.

The Texan pop star and Fall Out Boy bassist Wentz have been dating since late 2006, though they initially denied tabloid reports regarding their relationship.

But in a statement posted on Wednesday on the networking site friendsorenemies.com, Simpson - Jessica Simpson's younger sister - has confirmed their impending marriage.

"We know there has been a lot of speculation recently about Pete and I, and we wanted our fans to be the first to know, because you guys are the best," she wrote.

"Yes, we are thrilled to share that we are happily engaged. Thank you for all of your support and well wishes – it means the world to us."

Simpson added: "We consider this to be a very private matter, and we wanted to be the first to tell you and to hear it straight from us."

Wentz, 28, gave Simpson a diamond 'promise ring' in February, which the 23-year-old singer later said meant "he hasn't asked my dad yet".

However, the Fall Out Boy star asked Joe Simpson, Ashlee's father, for permission to propose before popping the question.

Speaking to E! News, Joe Simpson said he is "totally happy" and "so excited to have Pete as part of the family... We are blessed."