New York Governor Andrew Cuomo

From Oprah Magazine

• Andrew Cuomo was named one of People's Sexiest Men Alive in 2020, as well as one of the most "desirable man in New York City."

• Currently, the third-term governor is single—he split from his longtime girlfriend, author and former Food Network star Sandra Lee, in September 2019.

• Cuomo was previously married to Kerry Kennedy for 13 years.

Here's an unexpected reaction to the coronavirus pandemic: everyone's crushing on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. While the political figure holds daily press conferences to remind his constituents how the government is tackling the crisis, an abundance of admirers (here, here, and here) are thirsting over his take-charge attitude and efforts to reduce COVID-19's spread. His fans, like Ellen DeGeneres, have even taken to calling themselves "Cuomo-sexuals."

Dubbed the “new Luv Gov” by the New York Post, the third-term Democrat has fans calling out his biceps, those state-seal polo shirts, and his speeches, which often end in reassuring statements like, "New York loves all of you." But is Cuomo single? All signs point in that direction. In fact, Cuomo and his CNN anchor brother, Chris, were recently voted the "most desirable men in New York City" based on a survey conducted by pro matchmaker Maureen Tara Nelson. When asked about the results during a radio show appearance with 1010 WINS host Susan Richard, Cuomo said, "Well, Susan, I did not see that, but now that you raise that, [about] most wanted eligibility, my brother is married, I am not married, so I don't think he would qualify as eligible." With a good-natured laugh, he added, "However, I am eligible."

Until September 2019, Cuomo was in a longterm relationship with Sandra Lee, a bestselling cookbook author and Food Network star whose TV shows focused on creating tablescapes, fruity cocktails, and simple recipes that use store-bought products. After 14 years of serving as the Empire State’s de facto First Lady—a gig she termed the “First Girlfriend”—Lee and Cuomo called it quits.

Before Lee, Cuomo was married to Kerry Kennedy—yeah, that Kennedy—for 13 years.

For a little respite from all that's going on in the world, let's revisit Cuomo's previous relationships in greater detail.

Andrew Cuomo and Sandra Lee dated for 14 years.

Lee has been a household name since 2003, best known as the star of the Food Network's Semi-Homemade Cooking and Sandra's Money-Saving Meals. Originally from California, her TV shows and bestselling cookbooks helped those new to cooking learn to create hearty meals on ornately decorated tables—complete with batch cocktails, no less.

Cuomo and Lee met in 2005 at a party in the Hamptons.

In a 2011 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Lee opened up about their relationship's early days. They met at a party in the Hamptons in 2005, not long after Cuomo split from his wife of 13 years, Kerry Kennedy. Lee thought it was adorable that he arrived with his three daughters—Michaela, Mariah, and Cara.

The two hit it off, and six years later Lee fit right in with their brood. “We just have a good time together,” she said, admitting that they managed to keep a relatively low profile. “I have a partner, who feels the exact same way as I do about protecting our personal relationship.”

Cuomo was by Lee's side through her public fight against breast cancer.

In 2015, Lee revealed via Good Morning America that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and would be undergoing a double mastectomy. “Life can turn on a dime,” she told People after sharing the news. She said her doctor called her a "poster girl for a mammography," and added she was “glad she didn’t wait until age 50 to get a mammogram.”

People reported that Cuomo, who had been with Lee for 10 years by then, would be by her side in the operating room. “This is about her feeling secure and loved,” he said.

The pair split in September 2019.

After 14 years and rampant separation rumors, Lee and Cuomo went their separate ways. “Andrew will always be one of the greatest loves of my life and we will continue to be family,” she told People at the time. “His daughters and I share an incredibly close bond,” Lee said.

Cuomo and Lee are still in touch.

In a new interview with The New York Times, Lee confirmed that they remain in touch and that she's particularly close with Cuomo's daughters. "He's still my guy," she said. "Neither one of us, well as far as I know, has had a date."

Lee continued, "They're my family, and they always will be my family ... we share a home, we share children, we share friendship. I will protect him and be there for him until the day I die."

She was also asked about whether or not Cuomo has a nipple ring, a rumor that spread after folks honed in on a photo of him in a polo. “A nipple ring? What did you just say?” Lee said in reaction.

Now, the public is crushing hard on the newly single Governor Cuomo.

With New York City as the epicenter of coronavirus in the U.S., the governor has been giving daily press conferences in which he pleads for support from the federal government and also offers words of comfort with the city and state's residents. “New York loves everyone," he said on Tuesday. "And at the end of the day, love wins."

And the Twitter-verse is taking note. Below, a minor sampling.

To keep up with Cuomo and how he's handling the pandemic, we recommend following him on social media.

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