Vanna White Marries Longtime Partner John Donaldson in Surprise Announcement
Vanna White and John Donaldson have officially tied the knot, stunning fans with the announcement. The beloved “Wheel of Fortune” star shared the news on her Instagram on January 21, showcasing her in a white dress as Donaldson cradled her in his arms. This revelation marks a significant moment for the couple, who have been in love for over ten years.
Celebrating Love
In her heartfelt post, White, 68, expressed excitement about their private ceremony. She mentioned, “Surprise! We got married! John and I have been in love for more than a decade,” and added that they were eager to share this new joyful chapter with their followers.
Social Media Reactions
- White’s son, Nikko Santo Pietro, celebrated his mother’s wedding, posting, “Congrats mom and John!!” on his Instagram.
- Maggie Sajak, daughter of Pat Sajak, expressed her emotions with heart emojis.
- Ryan Seacrest also shared his congratulations on his Instagram story.
- “Wheel of Fortune,” the show’s official account, commented with excitement, expressing their happiness for the couple.
Background and Relationship Timeline
This marks White’s second marriage; she was previously married to George Santo Pietro from 1990 to 2002, with whom she shares two children, Nikko and Gigi Santo Pietro. Donaldson, who owns a construction company, has been an integral part of White’s family and their lives.
The couple first met in 2012 during a barbecue hosted by White. She recalled her immediate attraction, saying, “I remember looking at him and thinking, ‘He’s really cute.’” This chance encounter sparked a relationship that grew deeper over the years.
A Thoughtful Approach to Marriage
Despite their love, White previously noted that she didn’t feel pressured to formalize their relationship with marriage. In December 2025, she mentioned to E! News that they were enjoying their time together and felt no need for a wedding. “Maybe people want to see us get married. When you’ve been with someone for so long, you kind of feel like you’re already married,” she stated.
White expressed confidence in her relationship, stating, “I know that he’s the one. He knows I’m the one.” This sentiment solidified their bond and eventually led to their decision to marry, capturing the hearts of fans and followers everywhere.
