Rumors have been swirling for years about Ryan Seacrest‘s elusive love life — and now, the star is candidly revealing why he’s never gotten engaged!

Earlier this week, Kelly Ripa’s new Live co-host admitted he’s “gotten close” to popping the question but wants to make sure a potential marriage would stand the test of time.

MORE: Kelly Ripa’s One Warning for New ‘Live’ Co-Host Ryan Seacrest Is So Funny!

“So, let me ask you a question. Have you ever been engaged?” Kelly, 46, asked Ryan during Live on Wednesday, May 3 to which he jokingly replied, “She says it as if, ‘Do you have plans for dinner?'”

ryan seacrest girlfriends getty images

Ryan with ex Julianne (left) and girlfriend Shayna (right). (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

“[I’ve] never been engaged,” the 42-year-old former American Idol host continued. “[But] I do believe I would.”

MORE: Ryan Seacrest Reveals He was Almost an ‘American Idol’ Judge — Not Host!

“I did get close and I didn’t do it and it was the right move. But I love the idea — and I know you’re going to ask me — of marriage because my parents have been married for 47 years, and so I have this thing,” he added.

“I figure the longer I wait, the older I’ll be, the closer to death I am, so I can get it in… and not screw it up,” Ryan quipped.

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Despite never being hitched, Ryan has had some very high-profile past relationships. He famously dated Dancing With the Stars judge Julianne Hough from 2010 until 2013. The star — who has also been linked to Desperate Housewives actress Teri Hatcher — is now dating model Shayna Taylor.

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