Vanessa Hudgens didn't just find a partner; she found a vibe. Honestly, the way she talks about her husband, Cole Tucker, makes it sound like she manifested the perfect human. But if you’re looking for a typical Hollywood-meets-Hollywood romance, you’re looking at the wrong couple.
He’s a baseball player. Or was. Now he's a dad of two and a guy who seems more comfortable on a yoga mat or behind a drum kit than under the harsh glare of a movie premiere spotlight. They’re weirdly normal for being so famous. It's refreshing.
Who is Vanessa Hudgens' husband anyway?
Let’s get the basics out of the way before we dive into the juicy stuff. Cole Tucker is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) player who spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies, and Los Angeles Angels. He was a first-round draft pick back in 2014, which is a big deal in the sports world. He was known for being a switch-hitter and having this signature mass of long, curly hair that fans absolutely loved.
But here’s what’s wild. They didn't meet at a club in West Hollywood or through some high-powered agent. They met on a Zoom meditation call.
Yeah, you read that right. During the 2020 lockdowns, Vanessa was on a group meditation call led by Joe Dispenza, and there was Cole. She saw him, liked his energy, and basically slid into his DMs. It’s the ultimate modern meet-cute. She told Entertainment Tonight later that he was "just kind of perfect" for her.
The Tulum Wedding: No "First Looks" Allowed
When they finally tied the knot in December 2023, they didn't go for a generic Beverly Hills hotel. They went deep into the jungle. Specifically, the Azulik City of Arts in Tulum, Mexico.
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Vanessa was very vocal about her wedding vision. She didn't want a beach, a ballroom, or a barn. She wanted a "utopia." She wore two different Vera Wang dresses, including a sleek '90s-inspired slip dress for the ceremony. But the most interesting detail? She refused to do a "first look."
"Seeing each other at the altar for the first time is the most emotional moment of my life. I literally keeled over when I saw Cole." — Vanessa Hudgens via Vogue.
She actually advised other brides to skip the first look photos because that raw emotion of seeing your person at the end of the aisle is irreplaceable.
Life After Baseball: Cole’s New Chapter
By early 2025, Cole made a pretty big life decision. He retired from professional baseball.
It wasn't an easy choice, but after years of bouncing between the majors and the minors—and dealing with the grueling travel schedule that comes with it—he decided to hang up the cleats. But he didn't just disappear. He transitioned into a role as a host for MLB Network Radio and has been leaning heavily into his other passions, like music. He actually plays drums for a band called Champagne Lane.
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It’s kinda cool to see an athlete pivot like that. Usually, they struggle with their identity after the game ends, but Cole seems to be thriving in the "Hollywood life," as he calls it. He’s often seen supporting Vanessa at her events, even dressing up in disguises (hoodies and face shields) to support her when she was secretly competing on The Masked Singer.
Growing the Family: "Round Two"
The couple has been busy. They welcomed their first child in July 2024. True to their "private but open" style, they’ve kept the baby’s name and gender out of the headlines, though the birth was a bit chaotic thanks to paparazzi catching them leaving the hospital. Vanessa wasn't happy about that. She took to Instagram to slam the photographers for ruining a private family moment.
Then, just a year later in July 2025, she dropped the news: "Round two!!!!"
By late 2025, they officially became a family of four. It’s been a whirlwind couple of years for them—marriage, retirement, and two kids back-to-back.
What People Get Wrong About Them
Most people assume that because Vanessa is worth roughly $18 million and Cole made a few million in the MLB, they’re just living some detached, elite lifestyle.
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Sure, they have money. But they seem genuinely grounded. Vanessa recently talked about having to sell her entire shoe collection because her feet grew a full size during her pregnancies. She’s out here complaining about swollen feet just like everyone else.
They also seem to prioritize mental health. Remember, they met on a meditation call. That wasn't just a one-time thing; it’s a lifestyle for them. They’re big on being "grounded" and staying grateful.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're following the lives of Vanessa and Cole, there are actually a few "real-world" lessons you can pull from their journey:
- Don't Fear the Pivot: Cole leaving baseball at 28 to pursue broadcasting and music is a great reminder that your first career doesn't have to be your last.
- Trust Your Gut: Vanessa sliding into Cole’s DMs worked out pretty well. Sometimes you just have to go for what you want.
- Set Boundaries: Even though they are public figures, they’ve been incredibly strict about their children’s privacy. It’s a good lesson in controlling your own narrative.
- Prioritize Wellness: Their shared interest in meditation and nature (like their jungle wedding) seems to be the "glue" holding their hectic lives together.
Whether you've followed Vanessa since her High School Musical days or you're a baseball fan who followed Cole’s stats, it’s clear these two are building something solid. They aren't just a "celeb couple"—they’re a team.