Rick Harrison of Pawn Stars Engaged: Ring Has Special Meaning for Fans
Rick Harrison, the well-known face from the hit History Channel show "Pawn Stars," is embarking on a new chapter in his life, having proposed to his girlfriend, Angie Polushkin. The engagement, which took place during a romantic getaway to South America, has already generated considerable buzz among fans of the show, particularly because of the unique significance of the engagement ring itself.
Harrison and Polushkin shared the happy news with their followers on social media on March 6th. Polushkin’s post revealed that Harrison popped the question at a picturesque winery in Chile, setting the stage for a truly memorable moment. Harrison’s announcement was succinct and heartfelt, simply stating, "She said yes!" alongside two photographs capturing the proposal. The images show Harrison kneeling before Polushkin, ring in hand, against the stunning backdrop of the Chilean vineyard.
For avid viewers of "Pawn Stars," the engagement ring holds a special connection. As initially reported by TMZ, the dazzling ring originated from Harrison’s own Las Vegas establishment, the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. A representative for Harrison confirmed to USA TODAY that the ring features a magnificent pear-shaped, 6.5-carat stone. However, Harrison didn’t just present the stone as is; he had it placed in a custom setting, adding a personal touch to the already remarkable piece.
"The ring came into the pawn shop, Rick loved the stone and had a new setting made for it," Laura Herlovich, Harrison’s representative, told USA TODAY. "It is stunning in person, just spectacular." This detail highlights Harrison’s passion for unique and valuable items, a characteristic that has made him a popular figure on television. The fact that the ring originated from his own pawn shop adds a layer of authenticity and sentimentality to the engagement.
Harrison and Polushkin’s relationship blossomed relatively quickly. Harrison revealed to People magazine in June that he and Polushkin, a registered nurse based in Las Vegas, met just six months prior to the engagement. Despite the short timeframe, their connection appears to be strong, and they have enjoyed a whirlwind romance filled with exciting experiences.
Since going public with their relationship, the couple has been seen at various events, including President Donald Trump’s inauguration celebrations. They also embarked on memorable travels across Europe and Mexico to celebrate Polushkin’s birthday last summer. These shared adventures suggest a deep connection and a desire to explore the world together.
While this engagement marks a joyous occasion for Harrison, it’s important to acknowledge the past hardships he has faced. He has six children from four previous marriages, including three stepdaughters. More recently, he experienced a devastating loss with the death of his son, Adam Harrison.
Adam Harrison, 39, passed away from an accidental drug overdose a little over a year ago. According to a police report by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, obtained by USA TODAY, Adam was found unresponsive in the guest house where he was living on the afternoon of January 19, 2024. He was discovered after another resident expressed concern about his absence for two days. The landlord found him and called law enforcement.
Harrison publicly mourned his son’s death, sharing a heartfelt tribute on his Instagram account. He posted a photograph of himself with Adam at a restaurant, with the caption, "You will always be in my heart! I love you Adam," followed by a broken heart emoji. The loss of his son has undoubtedly been a deeply painful experience for Harrison, and his grief is palpable in his social media posts and public statements.
In a statement to TMZ published in January 2024, Rick Harrison addressed the larger issue of the opioid crisis, stating, "The fentanyl crisis in this country must be taken more seriously." He highlighted the staggering statistics surrounding drug overdoses in the United States, referencing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which reported that 107,000 people died from drug overdoses in the U.S. in 2021.
Harrison’s willingness to speak out about the dangers of fentanyl and drug addiction demonstrates his commitment to raising awareness and advocating for change. He is using his platform to address a serious public health issue and to encourage those struggling with addiction to seek help.
The article concludes with a resource for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders: the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s free and confidential treatment referral and information service, which can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). The service is available 24/7 in English and Spanish.
Despite the personal tragedies he has endured, Rick Harrison appears to be embracing this new chapter in his life with Angie Polushkin. The engagement, marked by a ring with a unique connection to his professional life, represents a fresh start and a renewed hope for the future. As Harrison and Polushkin embark on their journey together, they have the support of fans from "Pawn Stars" and beyond, who wish them happiness and a long, fulfilling life together. The combination of a heartwarming engagement story with the acknowledgment of personal loss and a call to action regarding the opioid crisis creates a well-rounded and impactful narrative.
