After suffering through a life-changing health scare earlier this year, Bret Michaels has finally decided to marry his on-and-off girlfriend of 16 years, Kristi Lynn Gibson. Gibson is the mother of Bret’s two daughters Raine and Jorja, and the happy family posed for photographers yesterday in New York. Star Mag is running this story without confirmation from Bret’s camp, but Star has gotten is right on a few stories lately, and I could totally see how this is possible:

Bret Michaels has proposed to his on-and-off girlfriend of 16 years Kristi Lynn Gibson, a source tells Star exclusively.

The rocker popped the question just after the 4th of July holiday weekend, says the source, at his ranch outside of Scottsdale, AZ., while on a break from his Roses & Thorns American tour.

“Bret felt like now was the time because Kristi has been through so much with Bret and has been by his side every step of the way,” a pal of the couple tells Star.

Bret, who suffered a brain hemorrhage on April 21, has changed since his illness. “He’s woken up,” his friend tells Star. “He now knows he wants to be a husband.”

And Kristi, who was sporting what appeared to be an engagement ring while accompanying Bret to his David Letterman appearance in New York City on July 12, is ready to be his wife! “Kristi is thrilled that they will be getting married,” says the source.

“They haven’t set a date and no plans are in the works yet. But when Bret’s tour ends they will work out the details. Bret wants to be in excellent health before he walks down the aisle. And, of course, he needs time to find the perfect bandanna to wear on his big day!”

Bret and Kristi have two daughters together, Raine Elizabeth, 10, and Jorja Bleu, 5.

[From Star Magazine]

Congratulations to Bret and Kristi if it’s true. After 16 years… well, she puts Waity Katy Middleton to shame, doesn’t she? And Bret’s not even going to be the King of England! But he does seem like a sweet guy, and I think his health scare earlier this year was probably a big wake-up call for their relationship.

UPDATE: Bret just denied this on CBS’s Early Show. He said: “No. We are not engaged yet… We’re a work in progress.” He describes the ring that he gave Kristi as “a promise ring … a friendship ring, with benefits. That’s what we call it.” Damn, Kristi! You’re going to have to wait another few years, I guess.

Bret, Kristi and the girls on July 13, 2010. Credit: Fame.