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Vanna White, the iconic television personality best known for her legendary role on
Wheel of Fortune, has officially tied the knot with her longtime partner, John
Donaldson — and fans couldn’t be happier. At 68, White surprised the world by
announcing that she and Donaldson had quietly married in a private ceremony,
marking a beautiful new chapter in a love story that has spanned more than a
decade.
The announcement came via Instagram on Wednesday, January 21, where White
shared a joyful photo from their wedding day accompanied by a simple yet
heartfelt caption: “Surprise! We got married!” The post instantly captured public
attention, drawing congratulations from fans, celebrities, and longtime viewers
who have followed White’s life and career for decades.
A Love Story Years in the Making
Vanna White and John Donaldson’s relationship has always been defined by its
privacy, stability, and genuine affection — a rarity in the world of celebrity
romances. The couple first met in 2012, when a mutual friend introduced
Donaldson, a California-based real estate developer, at one of White’s barbecues.
In a 2019 interview with PEOPLE, White recalled their first meeting with warmth and
humor. “I remember looking at him and thinking, ‘He’s really cute,’” she said. The
two ended up talking for hours that evening, and from that moment on, their
connection only deepened.
What followed was not a whirlwind romance driven by headlines, but rather a slow,
steady partnership built on mutual respect and understanding.
“It Just Works”: The Secret to Their Relationship
Over the years, White has spoken candidly about why her relationship with
Donaldson has been so successful. In multiple interviews, she emphasized the
simplicity of their bond.
“It just works,” she once said. “He lets me be me, I let him be him. There is no drama
in our relationship.”
That sense of ease and emotional compatibility became a defining feature of their
partnership. White even described Donaldson as “the male version” of herself,
noting that their similar personalities and values allowed them to navigate life
together effortlessly.
For many fans, their relationship became a refreshing example of mature love —
one that thrives without pressure, spectacle, or constant public validation.
Why They Waited So Long to Get Married
Despite being together for more than a decade, White and Donaldson were never in
a rush to walk down the aisle. In fact, as recently as October 2023, White openly
questioned whether marriage was even necessary.
“I mean, we’ve been together 12 years, and I feel like we are married,” she told
PEOPLE. “Do we have to get married? No, because we feel comfortable in our
relationship.”
At the time, she revealed that the topic of marriage rarely came up between them.
In their eyes, commitment didn’t require a legal label — they already felt deeply
bonded.
Yet, as White explained in her wedding announcement, the couple eventually
decided they wanted to make it official in a way that felt right for them.
“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.”
A Private Wedding, A Public Celebration
True to their nature, White and Donaldson opted for a quiet, intimate ceremony
rather than a lavish, media-filled event. The Instagram post included a series of
photos capturing moments from their relationship, including one particularly
touching image of Donaldson carrying White while she wore a white dress.
The understated elegance of the photos resonated deeply with fans, reinforcing the
authenticity of their bond.
Soon after the announcement, social media was flooded with congratulatory
messages. Among those celebrating the newlyweds was Maggie Sajak, daughter of
longtime Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak, highlighting the close-knit community
surrounding White.
A New Chapter for a Television Icon
Vanna White has been a fixture in American households since 1982, when she first
joined Wheel of Fortune. For over four decades, she became one of the most
recognizable faces on television, known for her grace, warmth, and timeless style.
After Pat Sajak’s retirement in 2024, White continued her role on the show
alongside new co-host Ryan Seacrest, proving once again her enduring relevance
and adaptability.
Her marriage to Donaldson comes at a time when White is embracing personal
happiness alongside professional longevity — a balance many admire.
John Donaldson: The Man by Her Side
While White is a household name, John Donaldson has largely remained out of the
spotlight. He is the founder of JDC Construction + Development Group and has
built a successful career in real estate development in California.
Despite his professional achievements, Donaldson has always prioritized a low-
profile life, which aligns seamlessly with White’s desire for privacy away from the
cameras.
Those close to the couple describe him as grounded, supportive, and deeply
devoted — qualities that have helped sustain their relationship for more than ten
years.
Blended Lives and Family
Both White and Donaldson have been married before. White was previously
married to restaurateur George Santo Pietro from 1990 to 2002. The former couple
shares two children: Nicholas “Nikko” Santo Pietro, now 31, and Giovanna “Gigi”
Santo Pietro, 28.
White has often spoken about the importance of family in her life, and sources
suggest her children have long supported her relationship with Donaldson.
Their marriage represents not just a union between two people, but a blending of
lives shaped by experience, growth, and resilience.
A Message That Resonates Beyond Hollywood
What makes Vanna White and John Donaldson’s wedding so compelling isn’t
celebrity glamour — it’s relatability. Their story challenges traditional timelines
and expectations around marriage, proving that love doesn’t follow a single script.
For many readers, especially those later in life or in long-term relationships,
White’s journey is both comforting and inspiring. It sends a powerful message:
commitment is personal, love evolves, and it’s never too late to celebrate
happiness in your own way.
Fans Celebrate a Feel-Good Love Story
In an era often dominated by celebrity breakups and scandals, White and
Donaldson’s surprise wedding stands out as a feel-good moment. Fans who have
watched White for decades feel personally invested in her happiness, making the
announcement all the more special.
Comments across social media echoed a shared sentiment: joy, admiration, and
appreciation for a love story built on patience and authenticity.
Vanna White’s surprise wedding to John Donaldson is more than just celebrity
news — it’s a reminder that lasting love can be quiet, steady, and deeply fulfilling.
After more than a decade together, the couple chose to formalize their bond on
their own terms, in their own time.
As White continues her iconic role on Wheel of Fortune and steps into this new
chapter of married life, fans around the world are celebrating alongside her.
Sometimes, the most beautiful love stories are the ones that unfold slowly — and
Vanna White’s is proof that true connection only grows stronger with time.
