Ryan Seacrest lay it all out there. During an episode of his radio show “On Air With Ryan Seacrest,” the “American Idol” host took an unexpected stance while discussing marriage and engagement rings. Although the 51-year-old has never been engaged or married, he has been candid about his belief that today’s flashy jewelry is more about public perception than a symbol of love. Continuing, the TV personality said that he prefers to spend his resources on memorable experiences with his partner rather than wasting them on material items.
Seacrest has never been one to stay silent, and on the April 7 episode of his radio show, according to Geo News, the “Wheel of Fortune” host questioned whether engagement rings would be worth it in 2026.
“A lot of couples wonder, ‘Hey, is the engagement ring really worth it?'” he said before asking the average cost, “$10,000?”
“Average cost of an engagement ring in the United States, $10,000. Think about what you could do with your partner for $10,000,” Seacrest added.
According to a September 2025 report from American Express, the average cost of an engagement ring is around $5,200. However, the financial institution stressed that there is no “one-size-fits-all formula” and buyers should consider their current and projected income, expenses and savings before making a major purchase.
Ryan Seacrest questions the importance of an engagement ring
Seacrest was never hired; however, he has been in several high-profile relationships. Most recently, he dated Aubrey Paige, although the couple decided to split in 2024.
On his radio show, Seacrest questioned whether engagement rings were still important, then suggested that couples could use the money to create meaningful memories.
“I think honestly — and I’m going to say this — because when I meet my human, and at that time, we’re going to have experiences together,” he said. “We’re going to focus on building our bonds. Doing things together.”
Continuing, Seacrest said the “priority” should be taking risks and working to create the life they want.
Ryan Seacrest previously joked about not getting married because he would “die soon”
Seacrest has previously spoken openly about marriage, according to TV Insider. In 2025, the former “Live” host stopped by the studio to hang out with Kelly Ripa and her husband, Mark Consuelos. During the episode, Seacrest said he thought a little more about marriage after celebrating a friend’s wedding earlier.
However, Seacrest admitted that after even more thought, he realized that getting married might not be in the cards for him.
“Well, at this age now, if I got married, it’s like I’m going to die soon, so it’s like, ‘What’s the point?'” he said, prompting Conseulos to joke, “You’ve got a good 17 years left.”
Seacrest reveals his red and green flags in a relationship
On a previous episode of his radio show, Seacrest got candid about what he’s looking for in a partner before sharing what might turn him off.
Seacrest went on to share that he usually goes out with his dates to exercise with him and uses their interaction to determine if they are worth pursuing.
“When you run, walk or bike, do you say hello to people passing by? he asked, noting that those who don’t lack manners. “If you don’t, I’m not so sure about you. And if someone says ‘hello’ to you on the way and you don’t respond, that’s a red flag.”
Another red flag for Seacrest would be if his potential partner wasn’t eager to participate in some of his traditions.
“I’m really looking forward to getting up and having my coffee,” he said. “I think if we can’t share that moment together, that’s a red flag. So ‘I need coffee’ is a green signal. Don’t have a lot of it, and please don’t put milk and stuff in it.”
Seacrest’s father dies
According to a previous report from The Blast, Seacrest announced the devastating news that his father, Gary Lee Seacrest, passed away in October 2025, after a years-long battle with cancer.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce that my beloved father passed away peacefully earlier this week,” he wrote in the caption. “My mother, my sister and I have peace knowing that he is in a better place and free from any pain or suffering. We are heartbroken.”
Seacrest recalled his final moments with his father on his radio show, saying the 81-year-old turned to him and asked him to take care of his mother, sister and the rest of their family. “And then literally seconds later, he closed his eyes and said, ‘I have to go.’ …He knew. He was at peace,” Seacrest said.