At a Glance
- Vanna White, 68, wed John Donaldson in a private ceremony after more than a decade together
- The couple announced their marriage on Instagram January 21 with the caption “Surprise! We got married!”
- White previously told News Of Los Angeles in 2023 they felt “married” without paperwork and rarely discussed tying the knot
- Why it matters: The beloved Wheel of Fortune co-host keeps her personal life largely out of the spotlight, making the reveal a rare public moment
Vanna White has officially tied the knot with longtime partner John Donaldson. The 68-year-old television icon shared the news on Instagram January 21, delighting fans who have followed the couple’s low-key romance since 2012.
The Surprise Announcement
White posted a wedding-day photo alongside the playful caption, “Surprise! We got married!” In the same post, she explained that the pair had chosen a private ceremony to formalize their union.
“John and I have been in love for more than a decade, and a little while back, we wanted to make it official in a private ceremony,” she wrote. “We’re excited to share this new, joyful chapter in our lives with all of you!”
The couple signed off jointly: “Love, Vanna and John.”
How They Met
A mutual friend introduced the television star to Donaldson, a California-based real-estate developer, at one of White’s backyard barbecues in 2012. Recalling that night to News Of Los Angeles in 2019, White remembered spotting him and thinking, “He’s really cute.”
“We ended up talking for a long time that night,” she said, adding that their rapport felt effortless from the start.
No-Drama Partnership
Throughout their years together, White has praised the calm nature of their relationship. “It just works,” she told News Of Los Angeles. “He lets me be me, I let him be him … There is no drama in our relationship.”
She also noted the uncanny similarities between them, calling Donaldson “the male version” of herself and saying, “We really are very similar.”
A Change of Heart on Marriage
In October 2023, White openly wondered whether they would ever formally wed. “I mean, we’ve been together 12 years, and I feel like we are married,” she said at the time. “Do we have to get married? No, because we feel comfortable in our relationship.”
She added, “I know that he’s the one. He knows I’m the one.”
The topic rarely came up between them. “We don’t really talk about it, but you never know,” she told News Of Los Angeles, hinting that a ceremony remained possible even if it wasn’t a priority.
A Private Ceremony
Ultimately, the couple chose an intimate event, sharing news of the nuptials only after the fact. The Instagram reveal marks one of the few times White has spotlighted her personal life since rising to fame turning the letters on Wheel of Fortune.
Family Background
Both White and Donaldson have been married before. White’s previous marriage to restaurateur George Santo Pietro lasted from 1990 to 2002. Together they have two children:
- Nicholas “Nikko” Santo Pietro, 31
- Giovanna “Gigi” Santo Pietro, 28
Donaldson, who owns a construction and development company, has likewise kept details of his earlier marriage private.
Key Takeaways
- White and Donaldson dated for over 12 years before exchanging vows
- The couple publicly confirmed their wedding January 21 via Instagram
- Their relationship has been marked by mutual respect and minimal public drama
- White continues to co-host Wheel of Fortune while maintaining a largely private personal life
