RFK Jr. Praises Son Conor’s ‘Love Affair’ with New Fiancée Giulia Be: ‘We Are All So Lucky’ (Exclusive)

"Nothing has brought our family more joy," the presidential candidate tells PEOPLE of his son's relationship with the Brazilian singer

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expressing support for his son Conor Kennedy's recent engagement to Brazilian singer Giulia Be.

"I’m proud of Conor’s many accomplishments at such a young age, but most of all of his integrity, his courage and his character," the independent presidential candidate, 70, exclusively tells PEOPLE. "But nothing has brought our family more pleasure than his love affair with Giulia."

Robert adds, "We are all so lucky that these two gifted people found each other."

Related: Taylor Swift’s Ex Conor Kennedy Engaged to Brazilian Singer Giulia Be: ‘Easiest Yes of All Time’

Conor, 30, and Be, whose legal name is Giulia Bourguignon Marinho, announced their engagement in a joint Instagram post on Monday, Aug. 13.

"Easiest yes of all time 🩵💍," Be, 25, wrote in the caption.

The carousel of photos starts with a snap of the two embracing, with the singer’s engagement ring on display. Next, there’s a video of the couple sharing a kiss while Be says, "I’m dreaming."

Lastly, there’s a picture of Conor holding a blue ring box and one of them holding hands while showing off their matching tattoos.

Related: All About Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s 6 Children

Robert’s wife, actress Cheryl Hines, left a supportive comment on the social media post that read, "Welcome to the family Giulia!!!!! We love you so much."

According to Page Six, the couple started dating in February 2022, and Be moved to the United States to be with Conor.

Robert previously told PEOPLE about his pride in Conor in October 2022, after his son made the surprise decision to fight in Ukraine amid Russia's invasion.

Related: RFK Jr.'s Frustration Turned to Pride After Son Conor Explained Why He Secretly Fought in Ukraine

Conor went to Ukraine without alerting his family, though he informed Robert and Hines that he was not going to be taking a summer job with a Los Angeles law firm as planned.

Robert recalled that Conor told them, "Listen, I know this is going to be difficult for you but I don't want you to ask me what I'm doing. I'm doing something that I want to do and [something that] I believe in and and I don't want you to ask about it."

They didn't find out what Conor was up to until he returned from the war.

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"When he got back, I kind of expressed some — I don't know — whether it's anger or whatever," Robert said at the time. "He said to me, when he heard maybe a little bit of anger and concern, 'Dad, this is what you taught me to do: to stand up for what I believe in.' And I was like 'Okay.' "

"I'm very proud of this," Robert added. "Of my son."

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