Simon Cowell’s brother, Tony, is opening up about theAmerica’s Got Talentjudge’s recent engagement to longtime loveLauren Silverman.In a recent column in the U.K.‘sBestmagazine, Tony said when he first heard the news from Silverman, he “immediately” thought of he and Simon’s late mother Julie, whodiedin 2015.“She would have been overjoyed with the news, and it’s sad to think she is not here to see her son finally tie the knot,” he wrote. “She always wanted him to settle down with a family. I picture her looking down and saying, ‘and about time, Simon!’ “Tony went on to share that he’s “not surprised” that the engaged couple, who share 7-year-old son Eric, have decided to wed after nearly 18 years together.Simon Cowell and mom Julie.Alan Davidson/Shutterstock"Since having his son, Eric, with Lauren, Simon has completely changed his life and, for the first time, he appears to be happy and content,” Tony wrote.He added that he thinks Simon’sback injuryin August 2020 “was the catalyst” for theAmerican Idolalum’s proposal.“He began to think about his future, and who to share it with,” Tony said. “I am very fond of Lauren; she is both a caring mum and a loyal companion to Simon. She is constantly reaching out to all our family; and was incredibly supportive to all of us following our mum’s death in 2015.“RELATED GALLERY:Simon Cowell & Lauren Silverman’s Photos Together Through the YearsLast week, PEOPLE confirmed that Cowell, 62,proposedto Silverman on Christmas Eve in Barbados, where they first met. A source later said the couple was meant to be together, calling them “soulmates.““They have fun together, as well as being each other’s rock,” the source told PEOPLE. “They are both passionate [about one another], but really do bring out the very best in each other. As a family, they all have such an incredible bond.“Simon Cowell & Lauren Silverman.gettyNever miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.The source also noted that Cowell and Silverman, who have been dating since 2004, decided to get engaged now after recent events shifted their perspective on life.“A lot of things have happened in the last few years and just like for everyone else in the world, these things have all been a reminder about what is precious to them,” the source explained.​​Read the full Tony Cowell column inBestmagazine, on sale Tuesday.

Simon Cowell’s brother, Tony, is opening up about theAmerica’s Got Talentjudge’s recent engagement to longtime loveLauren Silverman.

In a recent column in the U.K.‘sBestmagazine, Tony said when he first heard the news from Silverman, he “immediately” thought of he and Simon’s late mother Julie, whodiedin 2015.

“She would have been overjoyed with the news, and it’s sad to think she is not here to see her son finally tie the knot,” he wrote. “She always wanted him to settle down with a family. I picture her looking down and saying, ‘and about time, Simon!’ "

Tony went on to share that he’s “not surprised” that the engaged couple, who share 7-year-old son Eric, have decided to wed after nearly 18 years together.

Simon Cowell and mom Julie.Alan Davidson/Shutterstock

Jackie St Clair and Simon Cowell

“Since having his son, Eric, with Lauren, Simon has completely changed his life and, for the first time, he appears to be happy and content,” Tony wrote.

He added that he thinks Simon’sback injuryin August 2020 “was the catalyst” for theAmerican Idolalum’s proposal.

“He began to think about his future, and who to share it with,” Tony said. “I am very fond of Lauren; she is both a caring mum and a loyal companion to Simon. She is constantly reaching out to all our family; and was incredibly supportive to all of us following our mum’s death in 2015.”

best magazine cover

RELATED GALLERY:Simon Cowell & Lauren Silverman’s Photos Together Through the Years

Last week, PEOPLE confirmed that Cowell, 62,proposedto Silverman on Christmas Eve in Barbados, where they first met. A source later said the couple was meant to be together, calling them “soulmates.”

“They have fun together, as well as being each other’s rock,” the source told PEOPLE. “They are both passionate [about one another], but really do bring out the very best in each other. As a family, they all have such an incredible bond.”

Simon Cowell & Lauren Silverman.getty

Simon Cowell & Lauren Silverman

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The source also noted that Cowell and Silverman, who have been dating since 2004, decided to get engaged now after recent events shifted their perspective on life.

“A lot of things have happened in the last few years and just like for everyone else in the world, these things have all been a reminder about what is precious to them,” the source explained.

​​Read the full Tony Cowell column inBestmagazine, on sale Tuesday.

source: people.com