Watch the Viral Video of News Anchor's Boyfriend Surprising Her With an On-Camera Proposal

Since asking for your partner’s hand in marriage is a life-changing moment, many people devise an elaborate scheme to propose in a touching way that honors the couple’s love story. That was certainly the case with journalists Cornelia Nicholson and Riley Nagel. Nicholas, a Tennessee news anchor, was recording a segment on the set at NBC affiliate WRCB when her boyfriend, Nagel, popped the question in a way that seamlessly blended into the newscast. Nicholson posted footage of the emotional moment on TikTok on August 21, 2023, which has since accumulated 4.6 million views. "Still at a loss for words," her caption says. "@Riley Nagel hid this so well. I am so excited for our future together."

The clip begins with Nicholson sitting at the news desk, laughing and confused about why she was reporting on her own relationship. “Coming up right now, we have the story of two young journalists who just so happened to find love in the same industry,” she giggles. “Riley Nagel joins us in the studio with a special report.” While she introduces the story, photos of the couple pop up on the screen behind her.

Then, her boyfriend walks in, holding a bouquet of flowers. “That is right, Cornelia,” he says. “I do have a very special report.” Nagel proceeds to tell viewers how the two of them met and why it made an impact on him. “For people at home who maybe don’t know, Cornelia and I met in news back in Montana at our news station almost four years ago,” he notes. “And when I first met you, I was very drawn to you.”

Nagel continues his “special report,” listing all of the reasons why he fell in love with the news anchor. “And you have such an amazing personality,” he gushes. “And you’re so bright and always light up the room when you come in and make everyone laugh. And you’re incredibly talented, especially in news. I think anyone who watches you knows that. You’re one of the reasons—pretty much the main reason—why I’m still doing news today, and you’re always pushing me to be better in news and in other aspects of my life.”

After pointing out all of her best qualities, Nagel takes a moment to get down on one knee and voice the reason why he arrived on set in the first place. “And I thought it’d be fitting to ask you this question here since we met in news,” he continues. “Cornelia Nicholson, would you marry me?” Once he pops the question, Nagel opens up a ring box and presents his girlfriend with the sparkler. “I’m gonna cry,” Nicholas says tearfully. After a beat, she decides, “Yes.” Nagel then asks, “I’ve gotta put it on?” to which Nicholson laughs, “Yes.” “I’m kinda shaking,” Nagel admits. “Me too,” Nicholson agrees. He slips the ring on her finger, which causes Nicholson to grin at her new fiancé. “I love you,” she expresses. “I love you, too,” he responds. The video ends with the two of them kissing and hugging.

In a segment from a following newscast, Nagel reveals Nicholson “had some hints” about his plans to propose, but she had no idea she would be introducing her own proposal. During the subsequent story, Nagel also concludes, “They don’t call me the romance reported for nothing!”