Dutch entrepreneur Olcay Gulsen is engaged to marry Eelko van Kooten, a music industry executive. The news, which has quickly spread across Dutch media, confirms a rapidly developing relationship that began less than a year ago.
Gulsen, 45, founder of the successful beauty brand Olcay Gulsens, shared the news on Friday evening, reportedly exclaiming “O mijn god, ik ga trouwen!” (“Oh my god, I’m getting married!”) according to multiple Dutch news outlets including AD.nl and RTL.nl. Details surrounding the proposal haven’t been released, but the announcement signals a significant step for the couple.
The relationship between Gulsen and van Kooten, 55, blossomed quickly after they first connected. They began living together several months ago, a move Gulsen described as “going very well” in a previous interview. The couple publicly displayed their affection at the six-year anniversary celebration of Olcay Gulsen’s beauty brand in November 2025, where they were described as “dolgelukkig met elkaar” – blissfully happy with each other – by RTL Boulevard.
Gulsen had previously expressed her openness to marriage, hinting at her desire for a proposal during an appearance on the television program De Oranjezomer. She playfully asked presenter Johnny de Mol to “send out a message” to van Kooten, suggesting she was ready for the next step. “It seems like fun to me,” she said, adding that she could already visualize the wedding day, complete with a beautiful dress and a warm atmosphere.
Van Kooten, a figure in the music industry, has been praised by Gulsen for his intelligence, work ethic and kindness. She described him as “the most fantastic man I’ve ever met,” noting his ability to challenge her perspectives. “Normally, I’m very stubborn and think I already know everything and a man can’t tell me anything. But with Eelko, I always ask: ‘How would you do this?’” she shared.
The connection between the two appears to be built on mutual respect and understanding. Van Kooten admires Gulsen’s dedication and drive, stating, “She is the hardest-working woman I know.” He also highlighted the shared interests and experiences that contribute to their dynamic, describing it as something they hadn’t necessarily sought out but gratefully found together.
The couple recently shared romantic images from a trip to St. Maarten on January 2, 2026, further showcasing their connection, as reported by Story.nl. This public display of affection follows a period of increasing visibility for the couple, solidifying their status as a prominent pair within the Dutch entertainment and business circles.
While details regarding wedding plans remain undisclosed, the engagement marks a significant milestone for both Gulsen and van Kooten. The news has been met with widespread excitement in the Netherlands, and observers anticipate further details about the upcoming nuptials in the coming months.
Gulsen’s career has spanned entrepreneurship and media personality roles, establishing her as a recognizable figure in the Netherlands. Van Kooten’s background in the music industry provides a complementary dynamic to the relationship, suggesting a blend of creative and business acumen within the couple.
