Social media sensation MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has taken his relationship to the next level by proposing to his girlfriend, Thea Booysen, in what he described as a heartwarming Christmas Day surprise. The engagement announcement made waves when MrBeast took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the news with his millions of fans, posting, "So I kinda did a thing… 🥰" along with images capturing the special moment.
The proposal took place on December 25, 2024, at their home, surrounded by family members from both sides, who had flown all the way from South Africa to celebrate the festive holiday together. Thea, who met MrBeast during his visit to her hometown of Cape Town back in 2022, recounted the heartwarming moment when Jimmy asked her to close her eyes for what she thought would be the last present of the day. “My family flew out from South Africa for Christmas, and we were going to do Christmas in our house so both families were here. We were opening presents, and then for the very last present, he asked me to close my eyes because it was a surprise,” Thea said.
MrBeast cleverly crafted the proposal, trying to catch Thea off guard. "I was trying to think of the best way to catch her off guard so it would be a surprise," he explained. Before presenting the actual gift, the couple's families witnessed him drop a large box to create suspense before he went down on one knee, presenting her with the engagement ring. This intimate moment was more than just about the ring; it was about love, family, and the deep connections they share.
The couple's relationship blossomed quickly. MrBeast described feeling an immediate connection upon first meeting Thea, stating, “When we were first introduced, it came through right away how brilliant Thea is. I kept thinking she is really smart and beautiful.” Thea shared similar sentiments, initially surprised by MrBeast’s down-to-earth attitude, commenting, “I thought YouTubers were just sort of a persona, but when I met him, I was quite surprised to see he’s actually a nice guy.” Their mutual interests and respect for each other have solidified their bond.
Despite MrBeast's reputation as one of the world’s biggest YouTube stars, amassing over 340 million subscribers, the couple expressed their desire for simplicity when it came to wedding plans. Both are leaning toward having the ceremony on an island, aiming for it to be private and intimate surrounded by close family and friends. “We’re not going to try and have a big, extravagant wedding. It’s going to be nice, but it’s certainly going to be intimate,” Thea revealed.
The engagement announcement has sparked discussions about this couple’s unique dynamic, particularly considering Booysen's academic and professional background. A multifaceted talent, Thea is not only known as a content creator but also holds impressive educational credentials, including degrees from Stellenbosch University and a master’s degree from the University of Edinburgh. Her content often revolves around psychological concepts and education, showcased through her YouTube channel, "More Than Human."
Thea’s passion for education and her ability to connect with diverse audiences have helped her build her own brand separate from MrBeast’s enormous online presence. MrBeast, on the other hand, has been no stranger to headlines, both for his philanthropic endeavors and recent controversies involving alleged toxic work environments. Through it all, Thea has stood by his side, emphasizing her commitment to truth during difficult times, stating, “Half of the things said are not true. I wouldn’t be with him if they were.”
Their engagement is seen as marking not just another chapter for both influencers but also highlights how they navigate their public lives with intentionality and care. The couple’s focus on their upcoming wedding reflects their desire to celebrate only with those who matter most, and as they look forward to saying “I do,” the couple is grounded not merely by their significant social media influence but by their strong connection.
It’s clear their love story is rooted deep within personal connections rather than flashy displays of extravagance. Fans eagerly await to see how their relationship will develop as they plan their future together.
Congratulations to MrBeast and Thea Booysen on this significant milestone! Their story serves as both a loving glimpse of their commitment and as inspiration for couples seeking to merge lives publicly and privately.