This ‘Survivor’ Fan Favorite Just Got Engaged!

Since Jeff Probst announced the theme and cast for “Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans” in May, fans have been hyping, critiquing and theorising about the upcoming landmark season. While the 24 returning players have had to keep their head in the game this summer as they filmed, other “Survivor” alums who didn’t make the cast have had the time to work on their personal relationships, with several former castaways celebrating new relationships, engagements, and even weddings this year. 

Most recently, “Survivor: David vs. Goliath” fan favorite castaway Kara Kay announced her engagement to her partner, whose identity she seems happy enough to keep hidden. 

‘David vs. Goliath’ Shares Hawaii Engagement Snaps

Despite posting Instagram photos with her now-fiance since March, Kay has never revealed his name to fans and followers On July 7, however, the “Survivor” alum announced that they’d gotten engaged during a Hawaiian getaway. 

“When your dream vacation turns into your dream come true,” wrote Kay below a snap of the couple looking into each other’s eyes in front of a waterfall. Other photos in the carousel showed the moment Kay’s fiance dropped to one knee to pop the question and Kay’s marquis-cut engagement ring. 

“I couldn’t muster up words in the moment but the answer has always been yes,” added Kay on Instagram. “You’re my person, my dream, and the reason behind so much of the happiness I feel on a daily basis. I can’t believe you exist and I get to choose you as my partner every single day.”

“Cheers to the beginning, my love,” she concluded. 

Kay Leaves Her ‘Showmance’ History in the Past

News of Kay’s engagement comes after her successful run on the 37th season of “Survivor” in 2018. Playing alongside powerhouse castaways like Nick Wilson, Christian Hubicki and “The White Lotus” creator Mike White, fans were impressed by Kay’s final four placement in the now-legendary season. 

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Despite her noteworthy gameplay, Kay’s run on the show was mostly remembered for her “showmance” with fellow contestant Dan Rengering, and her subsequent relationship with “David vs. Goliath” castaway Alec Merlino after filming. Merlino was disinvited from the season’s live finale after he broke his non-disclosure agreement by revealing that he and Kay had started dating. Regardless, by 2021 the reality stars had gone their separate ways. 

CBS/Getty

Since then, Kay reported that she’s found everything she’s looking for in a partner in her new fiance. 

“He came in unannounced, took me by surprise, and made his intentions clear early on,” wrote Kay in a May 2025 post. “Every single day this man has proven his commitment; his actions align with his promises. Wait for the one who doesn’t hesitate to choose you – loudly, consistently, and without games. Endlessly thankful for you.”