The golden ticket to fortune: California woman’s solo victory in $1.2 billion Mega Millions jackpot
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Imagine waking up one morning to find out that overnight, your entire life has changed.
Not by chance or a small stroke of luck—but by a once-in-a-lifetime windfall that instantly makes you one of the richest people in the country.
For one California woman, this dream became a reality when she became the sole winner of a staggering $1.2 billion Mega Millions jackpot.
Her incredible win has captured national attention, and here at The GrayVine, we can’t help but marvel at the sheer excitement of it all.
What does it feel like to go from an everyday routine to billionaire status overnight?
Let’s dive into the story of this historic victory and what it means for both the lucky winner and the community around her.
For Rosemary Casarotti, December 27 started like any other day. But one simple decision—to buy a lottery ticket at Sunshine Food and Gas Circle K in Cottonwood, California—ended up changing everything.
That ticket held the winning numbers, making her the only person in the entire country to match all six numbers in the Mega Millions draw.
Lottery officials celebrated the news, but Rosemary chose to keep a low profile, stating that she preferred to “remain as private as possible.”
While she skipped the public spotlight, her win speaks for itself—cementing her place in history as one of the largest single-ticket jackpot winners ever.
Rosemary’s massive win isn’t just life-changing for her—it also has a significant impact on California’s public education system.
A portion of every lottery ticket sale goes toward education funding.
California Lottery Director Harjinder Shergill Chima expressed gratitude for the contribution made possible by this record-breaking jackpot.
When it comes to receiving lottery winnings, winners have two options: a lump sum payout or an annuity paid over several years.
Rosemary opted for the lump sum, securing an estimated $571 million after taxes.
If she had chosen the annuity, she would have received the full $1.26 billion spread out over time.
It wasn’t just Rosemary who benefited from this historic event.
The Circle K store where she purchased the winning ticket received a $1 million bonus—a windfall for the store’s owner, Ishar Gill, and his family.
Since the news broke, the store has seen a spike in lottery ticket sales, as hopeful players try their luck at becoming the next big winner.
For those feeling lucky, the Mega Millions jackpot is still up for grabs—with the next drawing offering a prize of $277 million.
Drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET, and tickets can be purchased up to 15 minutes before the draw.
Players can choose their own numbers or opt for the "Easy Pick" or "Quick Pick" options.
And for those looking to boost their winnings, the "Megaplier" feature allows non-jackpot prizes to multiply.
Lottery tickets are available for purchase at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. In some cases, they can also be found at select airport terminals.
Rosemary Casarotti’s story is a reminder that life can change in an instant. It’s an inspiring moment that sparks hope, excitement, and dreams of what’s possible. But it’s also a good time to reflect on responsible gambling, understanding the odds, and playing smart.
Read next: This lawyer exposed a shocking fine print error! Learn the loophole that could save you hundreds on parking tickets
At The GrayVine, we love sharing stories of incredible luck, but we also encourage thoughtful discussions. So, we turn to you—what would you do if you won the lottery? Have you ever come close to a big win? Let’s talk about luck, fortune, and the ways we can make a difference, jackpot or not!
Not by chance or a small stroke of luck—but by a once-in-a-lifetime windfall that instantly makes you one of the richest people in the country.
For one California woman, this dream became a reality when she became the sole winner of a staggering $1.2 billion Mega Millions jackpot.
Her incredible win has captured national attention, and here at The GrayVine, we can’t help but marvel at the sheer excitement of it all.
What does it feel like to go from an everyday routine to billionaire status overnight?
Let’s dive into the story of this historic victory and what it means for both the lucky winner and the community around her.
Rosemary Casarotti's winning Mega Millions ticket was purchased at this California store, bringing her a historic $1.2 billion jackpot. Image Source: YouTube / Action News Now.
The lucky draw
For Rosemary Casarotti, December 27 started like any other day. But one simple decision—to buy a lottery ticket at Sunshine Food and Gas Circle K in Cottonwood, California—ended up changing everything.
That ticket held the winning numbers, making her the only person in the entire country to match all six numbers in the Mega Millions draw.
Lottery officials celebrated the news, but Rosemary chose to keep a low profile, stating that she preferred to “remain as private as possible.”
While she skipped the public spotlight, her win speaks for itself—cementing her place in history as one of the largest single-ticket jackpot winners ever.
A win for education, too
Rosemary’s massive win isn’t just life-changing for her—it also has a significant impact on California’s public education system.
A portion of every lottery ticket sale goes toward education funding.
California Lottery Director Harjinder Shergill Chima expressed gratitude for the contribution made possible by this record-breaking jackpot.
Also read: This Walmart worker became a millionaire on a day off – What unexpected move changed her life?
The big decision: lump sum or annuity?
When it comes to receiving lottery winnings, winners have two options: a lump sum payout or an annuity paid over several years.
Rosemary opted for the lump sum, securing an estimated $571 million after taxes.
If she had chosen the annuity, she would have received the full $1.26 billion spread out over time.
The ripple effect of a jackpot win
It wasn’t just Rosemary who benefited from this historic event.
The Circle K store where she purchased the winning ticket received a $1 million bonus—a windfall for the store’s owner, Ishar Gill, and his family.
Since the news broke, the store has seen a spike in lottery ticket sales, as hopeful players try their luck at becoming the next big winner.
Isaac Gill, owner of Sunshine Food and Gas Circle K, celebrates receiving a $1 million bonus for selling the winning Mega Millions ticket. Image Source: YouTube / Action News Now.
Also read: Stop bleeding cash: A finance guru reveals 8 habits you must break immediately!
How to join the Mega Millions excitement
For those feeling lucky, the Mega Millions jackpot is still up for grabs—with the next drawing offering a prize of $277 million.
Drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET, and tickets can be purchased up to 15 minutes before the draw.
Players can choose their own numbers or opt for the "Easy Pick" or "Quick Pick" options.
And for those looking to boost their winnings, the "Megaplier" feature allows non-jackpot prizes to multiply.
Lottery tickets are available for purchase at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. In some cases, they can also be found at select airport terminals.
Rosemary Casarotti’s story is a reminder that life can change in an instant. It’s an inspiring moment that sparks hope, excitement, and dreams of what’s possible. But it’s also a good time to reflect on responsible gambling, understanding the odds, and playing smart.
Read next: This lawyer exposed a shocking fine print error! Learn the loophole that could save you hundreds on parking tickets
At The GrayVine, we love sharing stories of incredible luck, but we also encourage thoughtful discussions. So, we turn to you—what would you do if you won the lottery? Have you ever come close to a big win? Let’s talk about luck, fortune, and the ways we can make a difference, jackpot or not!
