Ed Sheeran says he learned Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement on Instagram, like everyone else

Ed Sheeran said he learned of Taylor Swift's engagement to Travis Kelce the same way many fans did: on Instagram, not through a heads-up from Swift or her team. In a Sept. 24 interview with Andy Cohen, the singer confirmed he found out via social media, answering Cohen's question with a straightforward, “Instagram… Like everyone else. You didn’t even get a DM in advance?”

Swift and Kelce announced their engagement on Aug. 26, sharing photos from the moment Kelce proposed with the caption, “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married.” The couple, who started dating in 2023, have since combined a high-profile romance with a steady presence at Swift’s Eras Tour and attendance at football games, including appearances at multiple Super Bowls.

Sheeran, a longtime friend of Swift, said their friendship stretches back more than a decade. The two first met in 2012 when they collaborated on “Everything Has Changed,” then toured together in the following year. In his recent remarks, Sheeran recalled flying to and from gigs with Swift during the Red era and spending long stretches together, describing their relationship as one of mutual understanding and shared experiences in the music industry. He has described their friendship as “proper sit-down, six-hour catch-ups” when they do meet, typically about four times a year.

The pair have continued to collaborate over the years on songs such as “End Game,” “Everything Has Changed,” “The Joker and The Queen,” and “Run.” While Sheeran has kept much of his personal life private, he has spoken about the depth of their bond in multiple interviews, including a recent discussion about how Swift can provide a grounding perspective amid a high-profile life. He noted that Swift and her work keep a certain lens on life that he values, especially given their shared roots in the music scene.

In addition to commenting on their friendship, Sheeran mentioned he has not yet heard Swift’s forthcoming album, The Life of a Show Girl, which Swift has said would be released on Oct. 3. The note about the forthcoming album adds another layer to a year in which the couple has dominated headlines, alongside Swift's ongoing touring schedule and Kelce’s own NFL commitments.

The public engagement has generated media interest around how Swift’s inner circle learns of major life events. In a broader look at their collaboration history, Sheeran and Swift’s years of collaboration and shared experiences — from early studio sessions to joint tours — illustrate the deep ties that accompany their separate careers. And as Swift’s life continues to unfold in the public eye, friends like Sheeran remain part of a circle that witnesses major milestones largely through social media and public announcements.

The engagement news has placed a spotlight on the couple’s relationship and the social dynamics of their friend group, including the ways in which personal milestones are communicated in the modern era. As Swift moves forward with her personal and professional plans, friends and collaborators who have known her for years continue to offer a window into the life behind the headlines.