YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has announced his engagement to girlfriend Thea Booysen. The 26-year-old content creator shared the exciting news with his millions of followers on January 1, revealing that he proposed to Booysen on Christmas Day.
On Instagram, MrBeast posted joyful photos from the proposal, showing the couple in matching MrBeast-themed Christmas sweaters next to a festive tree surrounded by loved ones. “Ya boy did a thing,” he captioned the images, capturing the warmth of the moment.
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Booysen, originally from South Africa, also shared a video on social media showing off her engagement ring as she sat on MrBeast’s lap, with their dog joining the celebration.
Speaking to People, Booysen shared the behind-the-scenes details of the proposal, mentioning how her family had flown in from South Africa to join them for Christmas. “We were opening presents, and then for the very last present, he asked me to close my eyes because it was a surprise,” she recalled. MrBeast added a playful touch to the moment by intentionally dropping a large box to create noise before presenting the real gift—the ring—and then proposing on one knee.
The couple’s relationship grew stronger after they met in 2022 during MrBeast’s visit to South Africa. Over dinner, they connected over their shared interests in science and YouTube. Their bond deepened when MrBeast reached out to Booysen about her book. Booysen said, “I fell in love with his brain. To me, that’s everything—your brain, your drive, your discipline, your character.”
MrBeast also shared his wish for a private wedding, emphasizing that despite his vast online following, he wants the day to be special for his close-knit circle. “I don’t take much vacation because of how hard I work, so I definitely want to make sure that the wedding will be a special occasion.”
