Adele has officially addressed the swirling engagement rumors about her relationship with sports executive Rich Paul. The confirmation came during her concert in Munich, Germany, on August 9, when a fan playfully proposed to the Grammy-winning singer. Adele responded with a smile, saying, “I can’t marry you, I’m already getting married,” while showcasing a ring on her left hand.
This announcement follows months of speculation about the couple’s plans. In an August 2022 interview with Elle, Adele expressed her deep affection for Paul. “I’ve never been in love like this,” she said. “I’m obsessed with him.”
Adele and Paul, CEO of the sports agency KLUTCH Sports Group, first drew public attention in July 2021 when they were seen together at an NBA Finals game. Their relationship quickly became a frequent topic in the media, with basketball games becoming a staple of their date nights. The couple made their relationship Instagram official in September of the same year.
In October 2021, Adele shared with Vogue that she and Paul had met years earlier at a party. She recalled her first impression of him with amusement. “I was a bit drunk. I said, ‘Do you want to sign me? I’m an athlete now,’” she said. “He was dancing. All the other guys were just sitting around. He was just dancing away.”
Their relationship was further highlighted in a November 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, featured in the CBS special “Adele One Night Only.” Adele praised Paul’s humor and intelligence, noting, “He’s just hilarious. Oh, he’s so funny, he’s hilarious, yeah. And very smart. You know, he’s very, very smart. It’s quite incredible watching him do what he does.” She also mentioned that their relationship represented a new chapter in her life, saying it was the first time she felt truly open to loving and being loved.
The couple sparked engagement speculation in February 2022 when Adele appeared at the BRIT Awards wearing a noticeable diamond ring on her ring finger. However, during an appearance on “The Graham Norton Show” shortly after, Adele remained tight-lipped about the ring’s significance. “As if I would ever tell anyone if I was or wasn’t [engaged],” she said at the time. “It’s lovely though, isn’t it?”
In August 2022, Adele was more forthcoming about her future plans, revealing that she was open to marriage and hoped to expand her family. “I definitely want more kids,” she told Elle. “I’m a homemaker and I’m a matriarch, and a stable life helps me with my music.”
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Rich Paul’s 41st birthday in December 2023 was celebrated at one of Adele’s Las Vegas residency shows. During the event, Adele serenaded him with “Happy Birthday,” expressing her love with a heartfelt message. “I love you more than life itself — we wish you happy birthday,” she said.
The confirmation of Adele’s engagement marks a new milestone in her personal life, following a period of speculation and excitement among fans and media alike.
