Meghan McCain Shares Sweet Engagement Story

Meghan McCain opened up about her engagement to her longtime boyfriend on The View Thursday.

McCain said she and her fiancé have "been together for years," and the engagement has also been on "for a while" — though, "it was a secret."

"I was hoping to get married and people wouldn't find out!" Meghan said of her wishful thinking.

The proposal itself was a humble and sweet moment at the Mayo Clinic: "My father had his scan and we got engaged because we decided to sort of celebrate life and celebrate being alive."

Sen. John McCain, 81, was diagnosed with primary glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor, in July.

She also spoke about her message to single women in light of the engagement: "I want all the single girls out there to know that ... I don't consider this an achievement. It's just part of my life right now."

"Wait for people who love strong women," McCain said. "The men who love strong, independent women — they're out there! Don't settle for less. Don't settle for anything else."

To contrast her struggles with her father's illness, this new landmark in her life is a welcome and happy one.

"I love him very much and I'm very happy," McCain said.