NEW YORK — Food Network star Sandra Lee has broken her silence on ending her engagement and five-year relationship with Ben Youcef, which came on the heels of her more than decade-long romance with former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The Daytime Emmy winner, 59, shared a black-and-white photo Thursday morning of herself and the 47-year-old “Afraid” actor — a father of two — with their eyes closed as they turn their heads up toward the sun.

“After a great deal of reflection, I’ve made the decision to end my engagement,” wrote the “Semi-Homemade Cooking” host. “This hasn’t been an easy or quick decision. Life has a way of bringing both extraordinary joy and unimaginable challenges. Over time, those experiences shape you in ways you don’t always see until you pause long enough to listen to yourself.”

Lee didn’t elaborate on the experiences she was referring to but said she aims to “move forward with a deeper sense of clarity, intention, and honesty with myself.” As such, she’ll be prioritizing “growth, healing, and creating a life that feels fully aligned with my values, my work, and what matters most to me.”

Lee made clear there’s no bad blood between her and Youcef, who she said is “a kind wonderful man,” adding that she has “nothing but respect for him and for what we shared.” She also expressed her hope that they each “move forward into a life that brings [them] happiness.”

“This will be the first time, in my entire adult life, that I will be completely single and unencumbered which changes everything for me….it is scary and exciting all at once,” she said.

Lee was previously married to KB Home Chairman and CEO Bruce Karatz from 2001 to 2006. By the time the divorce was settled, Lee had already begun a 14-year romance with 68-year-old Cuomo. The two split in September 2019.

Lee and Youcef’s romance was confirmed to People in August 2021. Reps for Lee confirmed to People Wednesday that she and Youcef had called it quits.

Youcef and his then-wife were separating in 2019 and early the following year, filed for divorce, which was finalized in November 2022.

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