Sandra Lee Speaks Out on Shocking Split

 has broken her silence after her shock split from her 46-year-old fiancé Ben Youcef after five years together.

The 59-year-old chef took to Instagram to share her feelings.

'After a great deal of reflection, I’ve made the decision to end my engagement,' she wrote next to a photo of her with Youcef.

'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.'

And she talked about being tied down. 

'I’ve spent much of my life deeply committed to relationships, to family, and to the responsibilities that come with both. I’m incredibly grateful for all of it,' she shared.

'But this moment has asked me to look at my life differently and to move forward with a deeper sense of clarity, intention, and honesty with myself.'

Lee then said nice things about her ex. 

'Ben is a kind wonderful man. I have nothing but respect for him and for what we shared. I truly want him to move forward into a life that brings him happiness, just as I am committed to doing the same.'

The author then said her next chapter was going to be about growth, healing and 'creating a life that feels fully aligned with my values.'

Lee also revealed that this will be the first time in her entire adult life that she would be completely single.

'It is scary and exciting all at once. I’m stepping into it with gratitude, grace, and an open heart,' she noted.

'I want to thank you all for your love and thoughtfulness, and for supporting me through the decisions that I make as I move through this extraordinary life. With Love, Light and Peace-Sandra.'

On Wednesday Lee's publicist Jennifer Abel confirmed to the Daily Mail that the star has ended her engagement.

Lee began in March of 2021 and they became engaged later that same year. 

Lee is a celebrity chef who appears on TV shows and an author. 

She is known for her Semi-Homemade cooking concept, which she describes as using 70 percent packaged products and 30 percent fresh ingredients. 

Lee and Youcef are believed to have met at a charity event in Santa Monica, California in March 2021, with him making the first move.

He is a father to twins with his ex-wife, California-based realtor Apryl Stephenson.

They separated in 2019 and filed for divorce in January 2020.

Youcef proposed to Lee in August 2021 during their whirlwind trip to France that .

'Ben really wanted to distract Sandra from all the news, so he whisked her away to Paris,' an unnamed source close to Youcef told the New York Post.

'He knows how hard this has been on her and he wants to make sure she feels loved and supported.'

The source added: 'Ben is incredibly protective of Sandra. They're soulmates and head-over-heels in love.'

Cuomo resigned from office in August 2021 after investigators working for New York Attorney General Letitia James he had sexually harassed 11 women. 

The disgraced governor has denied the allegations and some are speculating he could challenge James in the upcoming election.

On Valentine's Day in 2021 she gushed over Youcef.

'So this happened! Ben happened! Love happened! Happiness happened!' she wrote. 'I was certain it never would again. I was shocked when it did. I swore I would never fall again, trust again, love again or open myself up again.

'On our one year anniversary I shall share the story of how we met but until then, my wish for you is that no matter where you are, how old you are or what has happened, you can welcome hope back into your life again.'