You probably remember Jillian Michaels as the drill-sergeant trainer who turned "tough love" into a brand on The Biggest Loser. She was the woman who made people sweat through their shirts just by looking at them. But lately, her life isn't just about burpees and HIIT intervals. If you’ve been scrolling through social media or keeping up with celebrity news, you’ve likely seen her glowing alongside a certain stylish New Yorker.
So, who is Jillian Michaels married to?
Honestly, the answer is DeShanna Marie Minuto. They didn't just have one wedding; they had a literal trilogy of celebrations that spanned from a Florida courthouse to the deserts of Namibia and finally the historic canals of Venice. It’s a far cry from the grueling gym floor, and the story of how they met and built a life together is actually pretty sweet.
Meet DeShanna Marie Minuto: More Than Just a "Fitness Spouse"
DeShanna Marie Minuto is a fashion designer by trade. She’s the creative mind behind Letterino, a brand known for its custom, reconstructed vintage jackets. These aren't your typical off-the-rack pieces; they often feature intricate embroidery and carry a price tag that reflects their artisanal nature—think around $750.
She was born in New York City and brings that distinct East Coast edge to her work. But don't let the high-fashion career fool you into thinking she isn't athletic. Minuto was actually a Division 1 college athlete. She’s lean, fit, and very active.
Interestingly, even a D1 athlete found Jillian’s workouts to be a different beast. Jillian once shared that when DeShanna first tried one of her routines, she jokingly told the trainer, "I can't walk, I've been zombified, I hate you."
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Beyond the gym and the design studio, DeShanna is a serious equestrian. She loves riding horses and has even been known to go swimming with sharks. Basically, she’s just as adventurous as her famous wife.
The Three Weddings of Jillian Michaels
If you're going to get married, why do it once when you can do it three times? That seems to be the philosophy this couple adopted. They didn't settle for a single "I do."
- The Miami Courthouse (July 11, 2022): They kept it legal and low-key first. This was the official start, a private ceremony in front of close friends and family, including Jillian’s two children, Lukensia and Phoenix.
- The African Elope (July 2022): Shortly after the courthouse, they flew to Namibia. This was deeply personal. They exchanged vows in a private ceremony with the Himba tribe. Jillian described this chapter as "magical and transformative."
- The Venice Extravaganza (June 24, 2023): This was the big one. DeShanna, who comes from a large Italian family, planned a three-day celebration in Venice, Italy. They stayed at the Aman hotel, a stunning 16th-century palazzo.
For the Venice ceremony, the fashion was next level. DeShanna wore a boat-neck mermaid gown by Zuhair Murad that took over a year to make. Jillian, staying true to her own style, opted for a black dress with sheer sleeves and beaded applique, also by Murad.
They even turned a historic church, the Chiesetta della Misericordia, into a custom nightclub for a masquerade-themed after-party. Acrobats performed on a disco ball. It was a whole vibe.
How They Met: The Modern Romance
The pair started dating in 2018. Like many people these days, they met on Raya, the exclusive, members-only dating app.
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It happened just a few months after Jillian announced her split from her former fiancé, Heidi Rhoades. By Christmas of 2018, DeShanna was sharing photos of the two of them on Instagram, laughing over wine.
Jillian eventually popped the question in November 2021. She didn't hold back on the ring, either—a 7-carat emerald-cut diamond flanked by two smaller diamonds. She later surprised DeShanna with another 7-carat ring during their Venice ceremony.
"DeShanna is 'all the things' — beautiful, smart, funny, creative, quirky, passionate... I am so grateful to call her mine." — Jillian Michaels via PEOPLE
Life as a Blended Family
One of the most important roles DeShanna has taken on is being a stepmom. Jillian shares two children with her ex-fiancé, Heidi Rhoades:
- Lukensia (Lu): Adopted from Haiti in 2012.
- Phoenix: Born to Heidi in May 2012.
Jillian has been open about the fact that blending a family isn't always easy. On her podcast, Keeping it Real, she mentioned that DeShanna has handled the transition well, even though it started as a "lose-lose" situation as they all navigated their new roles.
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By all accounts, they’ve made it work. DeShanna is often seen in photos with the kids, and they all live together as a tight-knit unit. They even have a house full of pets, including a cat DeShanna rescued from a highway in Miami.
Moving Forward with the Michaels-Minuto Duo
Seeing Jillian Michaels in this chapter of her life is a reminder that even the toughest public figures have a softer, more romantic side. She’s moved past the high-stress days of reality TV coaching into a life that seems balanced between her fitness empire and her family.
If you're looking to follow their journey, here are a few things to keep an eye on:
- Social Media Updates: Both Jillian and DeShanna are active on Instagram, sharing everything from travel photos to behind-the-scenes fitness tips.
- The Fitness App: Jillian continues to expand her digital presence, and you'll often see DeShanna making "cameos" in her lifestyle content.
- Fashion Ventures: While Minuto's Letterino line has been her main focus, she’s also collaborated on tech-wear, like designing watches for iTouch Wearables.
Ultimately, who is Jillian Michaels married to? She's married to someone who matches her intensity for life but brings a creative, fashion-forward perspective to the table. It seems they've found a rhythm that works, whether they're hiking a mountain or walking a red carpet in Italy.