At a Glance
- Bobby Flay called himself and Brooke Williamson a “permanent couple” on his Jan. 19 podcast
- Williamson said the diamond ring Flay gave her in London was “a little bit confusing in the moment”
- Both chefs have stated they do not want to remarry
- Why it matters: The clarification ends months of speculation about whether the couple was secretly engaged
Celebrity chefs Bobby Flay and Brooke Williamson have defined their relationship as a lasting partnership, with Flay publicly labeling them a “permanent couple” during the Jan. 19 episode of his Bobby on the Beat podcast.
The Ring That Started Rumors
Flay purchased a diamond ring for Williamson during a trip to London, a gesture that immediately sparked engagement speculation online. The ring, presented in Regent’s Park’s Japanese garden, came in “a little blue box” and left Williamson momentarily stunned.
“I mean, imagine opening like a little blue box with a giant diamond ring inside, and on a park bench on a beautiful day in London,” Williamson recalled. Her first reaction upon seeing the sparkler was, “What the f— is this?”
Flay later explained on the podcast that the ring was not a proposal but “a sign of commitment.” A source previously told News Of Los Angeles the gift was meant to symbolize their dedication to one another and that the couple had “never been happier.”
“Permanent Couple” Label
During the podcast conversation, Williamson interjected, asking Flay, “What did I call you the other day? My romantic partner.” Flay agreed and expanded the description: “Yeah, exactly. We’re a permanent couple – let’s put it that way.”
Williamson responded with a laugh, noting, “Sounds so permanent.”
The pair first revealed their relationship in March 2025. Both chefs have since emphasized their contentment with the partnership as it stands, without plans for a legal marriage.
No Wedding Bells
Flay has repeatedly stated his reluctance to remarry. On Kristin Cavallari’s Let’s Be Honest podcast in October 2024, he said, “If you asked me today, I’d say probably, yes,” when asked if marriage was completely off the table. He added, “I don’t feel like I need to do it again.”
Flay, who shares 28-year-old daughter Sophie with ex-wife Kate Connelly, noted he is not planning to have more children and is interested in “a life partner,” not necessarily “the documentation.”
Williamson, who finalized her divorce from Nick Roberts in 2024, shares Flay’s view. On Elvis Duran and the Morning Show last November, Flay said, “We both don’t want to get married again. It’s okay. So, like, it’s great having a life partner.”
Key Takeaways
- The ring was a commitment gift, not an engagement ring
- Both chefs have publicly ruled out remarriage
- Flay and Williamson debuted their relationship in March 2025
- The couple describes their bond as permanent without legal marriage
