Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has officially announced his engagement to Thea Booysen. The 26-year-old YouTube phenomenon popped the question to the 27-year-old South African content creator on Christmas Day. The proposal was part of a festive family gathering, complete with matching Christmas sweaters and a sprinkle of holiday cheer.
Donaldson shared the exciting news on Instagram, giving his millions of followers a glimpse into their magical moment. Both families joined the couple for the celebration, making it an unforgettable occasion.
A Christmas Proposal with a Twist
Donaldson’s proposal wasn’t your typical romantic gesture. Instead, it showcased his quirky personality and love for surprises. Speaking with PEOPLE, Booysen shared that her family had flown in from South Africa to spend Christmas with the couple. During the gift exchange, MrBeast asked Booysen to close her eyes for a “special surprise.”
What followed was a playful diversion. “I intentionally dropped a large box to create some noise before presenting the actual gift—the engagement ring,” Donaldson revealed. He then went down on one knee, leaving Booysen and everyone present in awe.
The heartfelt proposal adds yet another chapter to the content creator’s life, one typically filled with extravagant stunts and challenges. This time, however, he chose a more personal and intimate route.
Wedding Plans: Private, Simple, and Far Away
While MrBeast is known for his over-the-top YouTube spectacles, his wedding plans seem to veer in the opposite direction. Booysen recently revealed that the couple is leaning toward a “small, intimate” island ceremony.
“We’re thinking of doing it somewhere on an island where we’re far away from just about everybody,” she told reporters. The decision aligns with Donaldson’s low-key proposal style, showcasing a preference for meaningful moments over large-scale productions.
A Love Story Spanning Continents
Donaldson and Booysen’s journey to engagement is a tale that could warm anyone’s heart. The two first met in 2022 during Donaldson’s visit to South Africa. Introduced by a mutual friend at dinner, they bonded instantly over shared interests. Despite initial doubts about maintaining a long-distance connection, fate had other plans.
Shortly after returning home, Donaldson reached out to Booysen via X (formerly Twitter), sparking a three-hour conversation that solidified their budding relationship. The couple’s bond only grew stronger from there, culminating in their engagement a little over a year later.
Social Media Erupts with Joy
Fans and fellow creators flooded social media with congratulatory messages after Donaldson’s announcement. Many also praised the couple’s down-to-earth approach to such a significant milestone. From heartfelt tweets to viral memes, the internet is abuzz with excitement for the YouTube star and his fiancée.
Booysen shared some behind-the-scenes glimpses of the proposal on her own social media accounts, including pictures of the festive family gathering. Both creators’ timelines have been filled with warm wishes and happy emojis, making this one of the internet’s favorite moments of the holiday season.
