Ryan Lochte’s sweet surprise proposal leaves Molly Gillihan in tears

Ryan Lochte is diving into a new chapter of his life after popping the question to girlfriend Molly Gillihan in a romantic proposal that left her in tears.

The 41-year-old 12-time Olympic medallist confirmed he is engaged to Molly after getting down on one knee at Prime and Pearl in Gainesville, Florida.

Notably, the very restaurant where the couple enjoyed their first date. 

The happy news was first reported by TMZ before Ryan shared details of the special moment.

Speaking about the proposal, the swimming star revealed he had originally planned to ask Molly to marry him at her family farm. 

But when she caught wind of his plans, he quickly changed course and organised a surprise at the restaurant that holds special meaning for the pair.

Ryan went all out for the occasion, decorating the venue with rose petals leading to their table and covering the area in flowers. 

Waiting for Molly was a heartfelt note that simply read: “Will you marry me?”

As she read the message, he dropped to one knee. 

According to the former Olympian, she immediately burst into tears before jokingly asking, “What took you so long?” as she then happily accepted.

The couple went public with their romance in July 2025 and have moved quickly ever since. 

Earlier this year, he revealed they had moved in together to create a loving home for their blended family.

For the unversed, Ryan shares three children, Caiden, eight, Liv, six, and Georgia, two with estranged wife Kayla Reid Lochte, who filed for divorce in March 2025 after seven years of marriage. 

Molly also has three children of her own, daughters Layla and Maggie, and son Oliver.

The pair first met through their children's school in Gainesville. 

He has previously insisted there was no overlap between his marriage breakdown and his relationship with Molly, stressing that their romance began only after he had been served divorce papers.

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