- Vanna White and John Donaldson have married in a private ceremony after more than a decade together.
- The TV star announced the news on Instagram with a photo from their big day.
- White first met Donaldson at one of her barbecues in 2012, sparking a long-term relationship.
- Both Vanna White and John Donaldson have been previously married.
Vanna White and John Donaldson: A Long Journey to Marriage
The beloved host of the long-running game show “Wheel of Fortune”, Vanna White, has finally tied the knot with her longtime partner, real estate developer John Donaldson. The couple’s relationship, which began in 2012 at a barbecue hosted by White, has lasted for over a decade.
White and Donaldson chose to get married in a private ceremony, as they wanted to make their commitment official without the fanfare of a public event. “Surprise! We got married!” White wrote on Instagram, sharing a photo from their special day. “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 continued. “We’re excited to start this new joyful chapter in our lives with all of you! Love, Vanna and John.” This announcement comes as a pleasant surprise to fans who have followed the couple’s relationship over the years.
The First Encounter: Barbecue to Marriage
White first met Donaldson at one of her annual barbecues in 2012. A friend had brought him along, and from that moment on, White was smitten. “I remember looking at him and thinking, ‘He’s really cute,’ ” she recalled in a previous interview with PEOPLE. “We ended up talking for a long time that night.” The couple’s relationship continued to evolve naturally over the years.
“It just works,” White added of their breezy relationship at the time. “He lets me be me, I let him be him … There is no drama in our relationship.” This compatibility has been evident even as both individuals have had previous marriages and children from those relationships. Vanna White was married to restaurateur George Santo Pietro from 1990 to 2002, while Donaldson owned his own construction and development company before marrying White.
Previous Marriages and Future Plans
Vanna White’s previous marriage to George Santo Pietro resulted in two children: Nicholas “Nikko” Santo Pietro, who is 31 years old, and Giovanna “Gigi” Santo Pietro, now 28. Donaldson has a son from his previous relationship as well. The couple hopes their new chapter will bring them closer together and provide a stable environment for their families.
Both Vanna White and John Donaldson have expressed satisfaction with their current dynamic. “We don’t really talk about it, but you never know,” she told PEOPLE. “I mean, I guess we could, but in my eyes and his eyes, we are married.” This sentiment reflects the couple’s contentment without formalizing their relationship through a legal marriage ceremony.
Conclusion
A Lifetime of Love
The union between Vanna White and John Donaldson marks a significant milestone in both their lives. Their long-term commitment demonstrates that love can endure over time, even with the complexities of previous marriages and children involved. As they embark on this new journey together, fans eagerly await the next chapter in the story of one of television’s most iconic couples.
