YouTube sensation MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson), 26, has officially proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Thea Booysen, 27, in a heartwarming Christmas Day surprise surrounded by both their families.
The couple, who have been together since 2022, shared the exclusive details of the intimate proposal with PEOPLE. “My family flew out from South Africa for Christmas, and we were celebrating at our house with both families present,” Booysen said. “We were opening presents, and for the very last gift, Jimmy asked me to close my eyes because it was a surprise.”
Donaldson added his own twist to the story, saying, “I intentionally dropped a big box to distract her before presenting the real gift — the ring. Then I went down on one knee and proposed.”
Booysen’s response? An enthusiastic “Yes,” accompanied by excitement and joy.
So I kinda did a thing.. 🥰 pic.twitter.com/iVG2FEGhhF
— MrBeast (@MrBeast) January 1, 2025
A Proposal Rooted in Simplicity
While MrBeast is renowned for his grand challenges and philanthropic stunts, the proposal was a far cry from his larger-than-life public persona. “My friends expected a spectacle, like a proposal at the Super Bowl,” he admitted. “But I wanted it to be private and special.”
The engagement ring — a stunning diamond on a rose gold band with additional side diamonds — was a perfect choice for Booysen, who confessed she “would have been happy with a plastic ring.”
A Love Story Across Continents
Donaldson and Booysen’s journey began in 2022 when MrBeast visited South Africa. A mutual friend introduced the two over dinner, sparking an immediate connection. “I was struck by how intelligent and down-to-earth he was,” Booysen shared. “I thought YouTubers were just personas, but he was genuine and kind.”
Donaldson was equally impressed. “Thea’s intelligence and passion stood out right away. Within minutes of meeting her, I knew I wanted to date her.”
Despite the initial spark, Booysen thought their encounter would be fleeting. However, a direct message from MrBeast on X (formerly Twitter) reignited their connection. After a three-hour video call, the two began their long-distance romance, solidified when Donaldson returned to South Africa.
Planning for the Future
Booysen, who holds multiple degrees — including a master’s in human cognitive neuropsychology from the University of Edinburgh — sees marriage as a natural progression of their relationship. “In my mind, we’re already married. We talk about everything: children, growing old together, our future.”
The couple is now looking forward to their wedding, which they envision as a small, intimate affair. “We’re thinking of having it on an island, far away from everything,” Booysen revealed.
Donaldson echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of celebrating with close family and friends. “This will be a chance to take time away from my hectic schedule and truly enjoy the moment with the people we love.”
A Private but Loving Partnership
Despite their high-profile lives, the couple values their privacy. They made their public debut at the Kids’ Choice Awards in April 2022 and have since shared glimpses of their relationship on social media.
Their bond is built on shared interests, including gaming, traveling, and learning. “After long workdays, I love just chilling with Thea,” Donaldson said. “We have so many similar interests, from video games to watching educational shows. She’s my favorite part of every day.”
As they step into this new chapter, the couple is excited about what the future holds. For MrBeast and Booysen, their love story is one of connection, intellect, and the joy of simply being together.
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