SCOTTY MCCREERY got engaged yesterday to his longtime girlfriend, Gabi Dugal. They actually met in kindergarten back in Garner, North Carolina . . . but didn't start dating until about six years ago.
He had the proposal planned out. He asked her to go hiking on their favorite trail in the mountains of North Carolina . . . and when they got to the top he dropped down to one knee and gave her a ring that he helped design for her.
He says, quote, "I've been planning this moment for so long that it feels surreal for it to have finally happened. She's the perfect girl and my true love, and I cannot wait to begin building our life together as husband and wife."
(Here's a video of Scotty talking about when they started dating)