Vanna White, the beloved co-host of ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ has married her longtime partner John Donaldson in a private ceremony, surprising fans with the announcement on social media. The couple, who have been together for over 13 years, decided to make their relationship official in an intimate setting, marking a new chapter in their lives.
On January 21, 2026, White shared the news on Instagram with a photo from their wedding day, captioned ‘Surprise! We got married!’ She explained that they had been in love for more than a decade and chose to have a private ceremony to formalize their commitment. The announcement was met with immediate excitement from fans and colleagues alike, highlighting the joy surrounding this personal milestone.
White and Donaldson first met in 2012 at a barbecue hosted by a mutual friend. She was immediately drawn to him, and they began dating shortly after, building a relationship that she described as drama-free and built on mutual respect. Over the years, they have often been seen together at public events and in social media posts, showcasing their strong bond and shared interests, which have been a cornerstone of their long-term partnership.
This is White’s second marriage; she was previously married to George Santo Pietro from 1990 to 2002, with whom she has two adult children, Nikko and Gigi Santo Pietro. Donaldson has been embraced by her family, often appearing in holiday cards and family gatherings. Her son Nikko congratulated her on Instagram, expressing joy for the couple, and other family members have shown support, indicating a smooth integration of Donaldson into their lives.
In past interviews, White expressed that she felt already married to Donaldson, seeing no need for a legal ceremony. However, they eventually chose to ‘make it official,’ as she put it, likely driven by a desire to celebrate their long-standing love in a formal way. She had mentioned in 2023 that they were content without marriage, but the decision to wed reflects their deepening commitment and a natural progression in their relationship.
Reactions from friends and family poured in quickly. Her son Nikko shared the news on his Instagram story, and ‘Wheel of Fortune’ colleagues like Maggie Sajak and Ryan Seacrest sent their well-wishes. The show’s official social media accounts also celebrated the news, highlighting the support from her professional circle and underscoring the widespread affection for White in the entertainment industry.
John Donaldson is a real estate developer and construction company owner based in California. He has maintained a low profile but is known to be supportive of White’s career and deeply involved in her family life. His relationship with White has been a steady presence, with both emphasizing their compatibility and shared values, which has contributed to the stability and happiness of their union.
With this marriage, White continues to balance her high-profile television role with her personal life. Fans can expect to see her continue on ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ where she remains a fixture, now with the added joy of this new marital chapter. The wedding underscores the couple’s commitment after years together, serving as an inspiration for long-term relationships and adding a personal milestone for White, who has been a television icon for decades, endearing her further to audiences worldwide.
