Celebrity Celebrity Relationships Celebrity Engagements Avril Lavigne Engaged to Nickelback's Chad Kroeger After a whirlwind courtship, Kroeger proposed with a huge 14-carat diamond ring By Marisa Laudadio Marisa Laudadio Marisa Laudadio is a former writer at PEOPLE. She left PEOPLE in 2013. People Editorial Guidelines Published on August 21, 2012 08:00PM EDT Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty; Kristina Bumphrey/Startraks Whoa, Canada! Avril Lavigne and Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger’s relationship has been so quiet that few even knew they were dating. Now, after a six-month courtship, the Canadian rockers are engaged to be married, Lavigne’s rep tells PEOPLE exclusively. Lavigne, 27, and Kroeger, 37, first got together in February to co-write a song for Lavigne’s upcoming fifth studio album. “A romantic relationship blossomed as they spent time writing together,” a Lavigne pal tells PEOPLE. On Aug. 8, Kroeger popped the question, presenting Lavigne with a 14-carat diamond sparkler. All the Details on Avril’s 14-Carat Engagement Ring “He makes her so happy,” a family source tells PEOPLE. “Both of their families could not be more excited.” It will be Kroeger’s first trip down the aisle, and the second marriage for Lavigne, who split from Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley in 2009. She had also dated Brody Jenner. For an exclusive engagement photo plus more on Lavigne’s stunning ring, check out this week’s issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday PHOTOS: 13 Dazzling Star Sparklers Close