California lotto officials reveal identityof $1.2 billion Mega Millions jackpotwinner

She struck it rich in the Golden State.California lottery officials revealed Monday the winner of last year’s $1.2 billion Mega Millions jackpot was Rosemary Casarotti — though she’s shying away from the limelight.

 Casarotti was the only player in the country to pick all 6 numbers correctly for the Mega Millions drawing on December 27, 2024.The lucky lotto player opted to skip a press conference announcing her win, stressing she wants to remain as private as possible, officials said.But “she did describe the excitement that she felt,” state lottery spokesperson Carolyn Becker said of a conversation she had with Casarotti.Casarotti, who bought the ticket at Sunshine Food and Gas Circle K in Cottonwood, chose a lump sum of $571 million instead of an installment of payments over decades that would be closer to the $1.2 billion prize.“We offer Rosemary our heartfelt congratulations for her historic win and our gratitude for her part in supporting the California Lottery’s mission to provide extra money for public education in our state,” California Lottery Director Harjinder Shergill Chima said.About $89.5 million went toward public schools from the massive Mega Millions jackpot.

More details were not announced about Casarotti, though public records indicate she’s in her 60s and lives in the Golden State.She could not be reached for comment Wednesday.The family-owned store that sold the ticket nabbed a retail bonus of $1 million.“It’s an amazing feeling to know that our store played a part in making lottery history,” owner Ishar Gill said at the press conference in front of his business.“Our customers are the heart of our business, and we’re grateful to be a part of such an amazing community.”Mega Millions drawings happen every Tuesday and Friday with the current pool of money a cool $324 million. ...