Ashlee Simpson and her rocker boyfriend Pete Wentz are engaged.

“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,” Simpson said in a statement posted on Wednesday on People

magazine’s Web site. “Yes, we are thrilled to share that we are happily

engaged.”

Simpson’s manager-father, Joe Simpson, told the magazine he’s “totally

happy” and “so excited to have Pete as part of [our] family.”

The couple began dating in fall 2006, according to People.

Wentz, 28, is bassist for Fall Out Boy. Simpson, 23, a singer,

songwriter and actress, is the younger sister of pop star Jessica

Simpson. Ashlee Simpson’s new album, Bittersweet World, is set for

release on April 22.

A phone message left on Wednesday for Joe Simpson by The

Associated Press was not immediately returned.