VANNA WHITE MARRIED 2026: Vanna White and John Donaldson officially wed in a surprise private ceremony after 14 years together. Explore Vanna’s iconic ‘Wheel of Fortune’ career highlights, her $10M contract extension, and her new chapter with husband John Donaldson.
In a reveal more heartwarming than a $100,000 Bonus Round win, Vanna White has officially tied the knot. The legendary Wheel of Fortune co-host, 68, stunned fans on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, by announcing her marriage to her partner of 14 years, real estate developer John Donaldson, in an intimate, private ceremony.
The announcement came via a joyful Instagram post featuring the couple in their wedding attire.3 White, known for her four decades of iconic fashion, opted for a sleeveless white gown embellished with pearls, while Donaldson complemented her in a classic brown suit.
A Decadelong Love Story: “We Are Already Married”
While the wedding came as a surprise to the public, White and Donaldson have been a solid fixture in each other’s lives since 2012.
- The Meet-Cute: The pair first met at a friend’s barbecue in 2012. White later recalled, “I remember looking at him and thinking, ‘He’s really cute.’ We ended up talking for a long time that night.”
- The Philosophy: For years, White maintained that a “piece of paper” wasn’t necessary for their happiness. As recently as late 2025, she told E! News, “When you’ve been with someone for so long, you kind of feel like you’re already married.”
- The “Male Version”: White frequently describes Donaldson as the “male version” of herself, citing their easy-going relationship and lack of drama as the secret to their longevity.
Career Highlights: 44 Years of Letter-Turning Legacy
Since joining Wheel of Fortune in 1982, Vanna White has become one of the most recognizable faces in television history.
| Milestone | Year(s) | Impact / Detail |
| Wheel Debut | 1982 | Selected from over 200 applicants to succeed Susan Stafford. |
| ‘Vanna Speaks’ | 1987 | Her autobiography became a New York Times Best Seller. |
| Goddess of Love | 1988 | Starred as the goddess Venus in a popular NBC TV movie. |
| Walk of Fame | 2006 | Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. |
| Contract Extension | 2025 | Signed a $10M/year deal to stay through the 2025–2026 season. |
Personal Milestones and Media Appearances
Beyond the puzzle board, White has led a life filled with entrepreneurial success and personal resilience.
- Family Life: White shares two adult children, Nicholas (Nikko), 31, and Giovanna (Gigi), 28, with her ex-husband, restaurateur George Santo Pietro.
- The “Vanna’s Choice” Brand: An expert crocheter, White launched her own line of yarn with Lion Brand Yarn, which remains a favorite in the crafting community.
- Guinness World Record: She holds the record for the “Most Frequent Clapper on Television,” averaging an estimated 720 claps per episode (totaling millions over her career)
- Recent Cameos: In recent years, she has delighted fans with appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and a nostalgic return to The Price Is Right in 2021—41 years after her first appearance as a contestant.
What’s Next for the “Voice of the Wheel”?
With the transition from Pat Sajak to Ryan Seacrest in 2024 now complete, White remains the show’s steady anchor. While rumors of her retirement persist, she recently told People she is taking it “one year at a time” but is currently “still having a great time at work.”
“I’m not ready to retire,” White shared. “I love what I do. I’m on TV as myself… and I’m hoping I can give a good feeling to people out there. That’s my whole reason for doing this job.”
