Exclusive

Why Jana Kramer's Relationship With Coach Allan Russell Is "Different" From Her Past Ones

Before Jana Kramer announced her engagement to soccer star Allan Russell, the country singer exclusively shared with E! News how their romance is "very different" from past relationships.

By Sarah Grossbart, Gabrielle Chung May 25, 2023 11:17 PMTags
Watch: Jana Kramer Is Engaged to Allan Russell: See Her Ring!

Jana Kramer got the boy—and she's not letting go.

The country music star got engaged to soccer star Allan Russell after six-and-a-half months of dating, recently revealing that the proposal was "the cutest thing ever."

But before announcing their engagement, Jana couldn't help to gush about how their bond has been "very different" from past romances. As she exclusively told E! News earlier this month, "It's a very respectful relationship."

"I don't think I've ever experienced something like that, where it's like he respects me so much and I respect him," the 39-year-old continued. "There's so much love and respect. I'm like, 'Oh my god, what a concept!'"

While Allan's job as a Norwich City FC coach requires him to be in the U.K. whenever it's soccer season, she said the situation has still been "really nice" since they always make time to travel and see each other.

"We're kind of, like, baby-stepping it, but he's not going anywhere," Jana added. "I feel like when you know, you know."

photos
2023 Celebrity Engagements

So, just how did Allan pop the question? According to Jana, it happened right in front of daughter Jolie, 7, and son Jace, 4—who she shares with ex-husband Mike Caussin—as they were all hanging out in front of their new home.

"We were all sitting on the porch of the steps and looking out at the view, it's stunning," the singer recalled on the May 25 episode of her Whine Down podcast. "And he said my name and I got up or whatever, and he got down on one knee and then Jolie just started jumping up and down."

Instagram

Jana continued, "He said, 'You're the love of my life and will you marry me?' Then we both started crying and it felt very sentimental given the front porch of the new house, new beginnings and it just felt right."

Prior to dating Allan, the One Tree Hill alum was married to Mike, 36, for nearly six years before filing for divorce in April 2021. The divorce was finalized three months later.

"I have an amazing co-parenting situation with my ex," Jana shared in her interview with E! News. "I didn't think we'd get to that place and we're there. It's like, 'No, we've got this. We'll figure it out.' I think that piece has been really nice."