Vanna White has spent more than forty years being the most consistent face on American television. We see her every night, decked out in sequins, gliding across the Wheel of Fortune stage with that familiar, steady smile. But when the cameras stop rolling and the stage lights dim, the legendary letter-turner heads home to a life that is surprisingly low-key.
For over a decade, that life has revolved around one man.
If you’ve been keeping tabs on her, you know John Donaldson has been the steady presence by her side since 2012. He isn't a Hollywood A-lister or a flashy reality star. He’s a guy who builds things. Specifically, he’s a real estate developer and contractor who runs JDC Construction + Development Group.
People always ask: "When are they getting married?" Honestly, if you ask Vanna, she’ll tell you they basically already are.
The Barbecue That Changed Everything
It wasn't some red-carpet meet-cute. There were no flashing bulbs or publicists involved. In 2012, Vanna was hosting a casual barbecue at her place. A friend brought John along as a plus-one.
Vanna remembers it vividly. She thought he was "really cute" right off the bat. They sat down and talked for hours that night, and they’ve been together ever since. That’s thirteen years of history now.
Think about that for a second.
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Thirteen years is an eternity in the world of celebrity relationships. It’s longer than most Hollywood marriages. They’ve navigated the transition from the Pat Sajak era to the Ryan Seacrest era together. Through it all, John has been the "no drama" anchor in her life.
Who is John Donaldson?
He isn't just "Vanna White's boyfriend." John is a successful businessman in his own right. He started JDC Construction + Development Group back in the late 1980s. His company focuses on rehabilitating multifamily properties and developing new projects across California.
Before he was a big-time developer, he was working as a laborer in the San Fernando Valley. He worked his way up to head foreman and eventually started taking on celebrity clients in the Hollywood Hills. He understands the world Vanna lives in, but he isn't consumed by it.
Vanna often describes him as the "male version" of herself. They are both easygoing. They both like their privacy.
The Marriage Question
The internet loves a wedding. Every time Vanna is spotted with a ring—like the diamond she wore late last year—the rumor mill goes into overdrive. People want the big ceremony. They want the magazine cover.
But Vanna has been very clear about where she stands. In a December 2025 interview with E! News, she put it simply: "We’re very happy... you don't have to have that piece of paper."
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She feels married. He feels married. To them, the legal document is just a formality that doesn't change the reality of their daily lives.
Why they aren't rushing to the altar:
- Comfort: They have a rhythm that works. Why mess with it?
- Past Experience: Vanna was married to George Santo Pietro for 12 years (1990–2002). She’s been through the legal side of things before.
- Family Integration: John is incredibly close with Vanna’s two children, Nikko and Gigi. He’s already a part of the family fabric.
- Independence: She lets him be him; he lets her be her.
Life Away From the Wheel
When they aren't in Los Angeles, you can usually find them in Hawaii. It’s their "spot." Every Christmas, the couple escapes the noise of the city for a tropical getaway.
Vanna is the one who handles all the gift wrapping. They have a strict tradition: everyone gets to open exactly one gift on Christmas Eve. The rest have to wait for Christmas morning. It’s those small, normal rituals that seem to keep them grounded.
It’s worth noting that Vanna’s journey to this point hasn't been easy. In the 80s, she was engaged to soap star John Gibson, who died tragically in a plane crash. That kind of loss changes your perspective on what "commitment" actually means. It’s not about the ceremony; it’s about the person who is there when the world gets quiet.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that there is some secret trouble holding them back from a wedding. There isn't. In fact, by all accounts, they are one of the most stable couples in the industry.
They aren't "holding out" for anything.
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They aren't "hesitant."
They are just finished with the traditional expectations of how a relationship "should" look at this stage of life. Vanna is 68. She knows what she wants. And what she wants is the guy who showed up at her barbecue 13 years ago and never left.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you’re following Vanna White’s journey, here is how to view her relationship status moving forward:
- Stop waiting for a "Save the Date": Unless they have a sudden change of heart, a massive public wedding is unlikely. They prefer "living as if" they are married.
- Watch for the Hawaii trips: This is their true "recharge" time. If you see Vanna posting tropical photos in December, you know John is right there behind the camera.
- Respect the privacy: Unlike many stars today, they don't overshare on social media. This is a deliberate choice that has likely contributed to their longevity.
- Appreciate the stability: In an era of messy celebrity breakups, Vanna and John offer a rare example of a long-term, drama-free partnership built on mutual respect.
Vanna has spent her career revealing letters. But when it comes to her personal life, the message is already clear: she’s found her person, and she doesn't need a license to prove it.
Expert Insight: When looking at long-term celebrity partnerships like Vanna and John’s, psychologists often point to "differentiation"—the ability to stay connected while maintaining individual identities—as the key to success. By not forcing a legal union, they maintain a sense of choosing each other every single day.