Kellie Pickler Kyle Jacobs Engaged

Former American Idol finalist Kellie Pickler is getting married.

The Southern beauty is set to wed beau Kyle Jacobs after the Nashville-based songwriter popped the question in a sunset proposal on a Florida beach June 15. The date, which used to be “sad and hard” for the singer as the birthday of her late grandmother, now has new significance.

“It turned out to be the most amazing day of my life,” the Idol Season 5 contestant told PEOPLE. “My whole world changed. We both feel like we got my grandmother’s blessing.”

Kellie and Kyle — who have been dating for nearly three years — have not announced a wedding date, but the ditzy country starlet credits her new fiance with helping her embrace longterm commitment.

“Kyle took away all my fear of marriage and has shown me the way love is supposed to be,” says Kellie, who was a bridesmaid during the 2008 nups of former Idol castmate Katharine McPhee. “I’m in the happiest place I’ve ever been.”