Most people flip on Wheel of Fortune and see the same comfortingly familiar face they’ve seen for forty years. Vanna White is a legend. Period. But when it comes to the person standing next to her when the cameras stop rolling, things get a little fuzzy for the casual viewer. You’ve probably wondered about the "Vanna White husband" situation more than once while watching her glide across that stage.
Is she married? Did she ever remarry after that big 90s divorce?
Honestly, the answer is kind of "yes" and "no" at the same time. While she isn't technically wearing a wedding ring right now, she’s been in a relationship so long and so stable that she basically considers herself a married woman. It’s a classic Hollywood story, but without the typical Hollywood drama.
The Only Man to Actually Be Vanna White's Husband
To be factually accurate, Vanna has only walked down the aisle one time. That was back in 1990 when she married George Santo Pietro.
George wasn’t a TV star, but he was definitely "Hollywood adjacent." He was a successful restaurateur and a real estate developer. If you were a celebrity in the 80s or 90s, you probably ate at his Italian spot, Santopietro’s, in Bel-Air. The guy knew everyone.
Their marriage lasted about 12 years, which is a lifetime in show business years. During that time, they became parents to two kids: Nicholas (born in 1994) and Giovanna (born in 1997). You’ve likely seen them on Vanna’s Instagram—they go by Nikko and Gigi.
The Heartbreak They Shared
One thing many fans forget is the public tragedy the couple faced early on. In 1992, Vanna famously used a puzzle on Wheel of Fortune to announce she was pregnant. The answer was "Vanna's Pregnant." It was a joyful, iconic TV moment.
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Tragically, she miscarried just a week later.
It was a devastating blow, especially having to face a public that was now "in" on her private joy. She later told People that the outpouring of fan mail was the only thing that kept her going. Eventually, she and George did have their two healthy children, but that initial loss was a heavy chapter in their marriage. By 2002, the two decided to call it quits, though by all accounts, they’ve remained incredibly civil for the sake of their kids.
Meet John Donaldson: The Husband Who Isn't a "Husband"
If you search for Vanna White’s husband today, you’ll see the name John Donaldson pop up everywhere.
Here’s the catch: they aren't married. But they’ve been together since 2012.
That’s over a decade of commitment. For context, that’s longer than most actual marriages in Los Angeles. John is a contractor and the president of JBD Development. He’s a "guy’s guy"—into construction, restoration, and keeping things low-key. He isn't looking for the spotlight, which is probably why it works so well.
How They Met (It Was a Barbecue)
Vanna didn't find John on a celebrity dating app or at a red-carpet gala. It was way more normal than that. A friend brought him over to a backyard barbecue Vanna was hosting.
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She remembers thinking he was "really cute" right away. They talked all night. No games, no pretense. Since that day in 2012, they haven't really spent much time apart. He’s become a fixture in her life, helping her raise her kids and standing by her side through the retirement of Pat Sajak and the transition to Ryan Seacrest.
Why Won’t They Just Get Married Already?
This is the question that drives fans crazy. If they love each other and they’ve been together for 12+ years, why haven't they made it official?
Vanna has been pretty blunt about this in recent interviews. As of early 2026, her stance remains the same: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
- The "Paper" Argument: She has gone on record saying they "might as well be married." In her eyes, and in his, they are. They don't feel like they need a legal document to prove their commitment.
- The No-Drama Clause: Vanna often credits their success to the fact that there is "no drama." They let each other be themselves. Sometimes, adding the legal complexities of a marriage—especially with high net worths involved—can actually add stress that wasn't there before.
- The Career Factor: Lately, rumors have swirled about wedding plans in Hawaii being postponed. Some tabloids claim John is getting a bit restless for a "real" wedding, but sources close to Vanna suggest she’s just been too busy. Between Wheel of Fortune and her real estate ventures, a wedding is just a lot of work.
Dealing with Past Tragedy
To understand why Vanna might be cautious, you have to look at her history. Before George Santo Pietro, she was engaged to John Gibson, a dancer and actor.
In 1986, John was killed in a plane crash.
It was a soul-crushing event that happened right as Vanna was becoming a household name. When you’ve lost a fiancé to a sudden accident and then gone through a divorce after 12 years of marriage, you start to view "official" titles a bit differently. For Vanna, the stability of the relationship matters infinitely more than the title of "husband."
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What Most People Miss About Her Current Life
While the world focuses on the "husband" label, Vanna is busy running a mini-empire. She’s a savvy real estate investor. She has her own line of yarn (Vanna’s Choice). She is a mother first.
John Donaldson fits into this life because he isn't trying to change it. He’s the guy who goes on the quiet Hawaii vacations with her every Christmas and celebrates the New Year with her adult children.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're following Vanna's journey, here is how to keep your facts straight:
- Don't call John her husband (yet): He is her "longtime partner." Using the term "husband" is technically a factual error, even if they act like one.
- George is the only one: If you're looking for divorce records or marriage certificates, George Santo Pietro is the only name on the list.
- Watch the Instagram: Vanna is surprisingly active on social media. If a wedding ever does happen, she’ll likely share a photo of her and John there first.
At the end of the day, Vanna White’s love life is a testament to the idea that you don't need a traditional structure to have a happy family. Whether or not John ever officially becomes her husband, they’ve already built a life that most married couples would envy. He provides the quiet support she needs to keep those letters turning night after night.
To stay updated on Vanna’s latest life milestones, keep an eye on official interviews with People or E! News, as she tends to save her most honest relationship updates for those specific outlets rather than "insider" tabloids. Check her social media during the holiday season, as that is typically when she shares the rare, candid family photos featuring John and her children together.