Scotty McCreery and longtime girlfriend Gabi Dugal are engaged.

Scotty popped the question during a hike in the mountains of North Carolina near Grandfather Mountain. When the couple summited the mountain, Scotty got down on one knee, presented a ring he had helped design specifically for her, and asked Gabi to be his wife.

“I’ve been planning this moment for so long that it feels surreal for it to have finally happened,” said Scotty. “Gabi is the perfect girl and my true love, and I cannot wait to begin building our life together as husband and wife.”

The couple met in kindergarten in Garner, N.C., and grew up together in the close-knit community. They began dating almost six years ago during their senior year at Garner High School. Gabi has appeared in several of Scotty’s music videos, including “The Trouble with Girls,” “Feelin’ It” and “Five More Minutes.”

“My fans instantly embraced Gabi once they learned we were dating and have always been loving towards her,” said Scotty. “When she graduated college last year, many of them brought me gifts for her at my shows and book signings. I will always appreciate their kindness to her.”

Gabi is a graduate of the University of North Carolina and currently works as a pediatric cardiac nurse at Duke University Hospital.

Congrats to the happy couple.

Check out a few pics, courtesy of EB Media.