In a heartfelt turn of events, YouTube megastar MrBeast, whose real name is James Stephen “Jimmy” Donaldson, announced his engagement to fellow content creator Thea Booysen. The proposal took place on Christmas Day 2024, marking a significant milestone in their relationship that began in 2022.
Donaldson, 26, is renowned for his elaborate challenges and philanthropic endeavors on YouTube, where he boasts over 340 million subscribers. Despite his penchant for grand gestures, he chose an intimate setting for this personal moment. Surrounded by both their families, he proposed to Booysen, 27, at his home during the Christmas festivities. In an interview with People, Donaldson shared, “I intentionally dropped a large box to make noise before presenting the real gift—with the ring inside—to her. And then I went down on a knee and proposed.”
The couple first crossed paths in South Africa in 2022. Their connection was immediate, sparked by shared interests in gaming and intellectual pursuits. Booysen, known online as TheaBeasty, is a prominent gamer, esports commentator, and author. She holds a bachelor’s degree in law, an honors degree in psychology from Stellenbosch University, and a master’s degree in neuropsychology from the University of Edinburgh.
Their relationship has been characterized by mutual support and a blend of public and private moments. Booysen has stood by Donaldson during various controversies, publicly defending his character and actions. In turn, Donaldson credits her with helping him mellow out, indicating the positive influence she has had on his life.
Following the engagement, the couple is planning an intimate island wedding, opting for a private celebration away from large crowds. “We’re thinking of doing it somewhere on an island where we’re far away from just about everybody,” Booysen told People. “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 [with] close family and friends.”
The engagement announcement was met with an outpouring of congratulations from fans and fellow content creators, according to News.com.au. However, it also sparked discussions on social media regarding the engagement ring’s size and cost. Some users speculated about the ring’s value, given Donaldson’s substantial net worth, estimated at $500 million.
Despite the online chatter, the couple remains focused on their future together. They plan to balance their time between the United States and South Africa, continuing their respective careers while nurturing their relationship. Booysen’s involvement in the gaming community and Donaldson’s ongoing YouTube ventures suggest that their collaborative efforts may extend beyond their personal lives.
As they embark on this new chapter, fans eagerly anticipate glimpses into their journey together. While both have maintained a degree of privacy regarding their relationship, their engagement signifies a deepening commitment that has been warmly received by their global audience.
