According to Starmagazine.com, POISON singer BRET MICHAELS has proposed to his on-and-off girlfriend of 16 years Kristi Lynn Gibson, a source tells Star exclusively.

The rocker popped the question just after the 4th of July holiday weekend, says the source, at his ranch outside of Scottsdale, AZ., while on a break from his Roses & Thorns American tour.

"Bret felt like now was the time because Kristi has been through so much with Bret and has been by his side every step of the way," a pal of the couple tells Star.

Bret, who suffered a brain hemorrhage on April 21, has changed since his illness. "He's woken up," his friend tells Star. "He now knows he wants to be a husband."

And Kristi, who was sporting what appeared to be an engagement ring while accompanying Bret to his David Letterman appearance in New York City on July 12, is ready to be his wife! "Kristi is thrilled that they will be getting married," says the source.