Vanna White, the longtime co-host of “Wheel of Fortune,” surprised fans Wednesday by announcing she had married her partner of more than a decade, John Donaldson, in a private ceremony.
“Surprise! We got married!” White, 68, wrote in an Instagram post. “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. We’re excited to share this new joyful chapter in our lives with all of you!”
The announcement on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, featured a photo of Donaldson carrying White in a white dress under an arched walkway, along with several throwback images from their years together. The couple, who have been together between 12 and 14 years, depending on various accounts, chose to keep their wedding celebration intimate and away from the public eye.
White’s revelation marks a shift from comments she had made as recently as December 2025, when she told E! News there was no pressure to marry. The game show icon had previously expressed that she and Donaldson already felt married without needing official documentation to prove their commitment.
The couple first met in 2012 at a barbecue party when a mutual friend brought Donaldson along. Their connection was immediate, and they spent much of that first evening talking and getting to know each other. Since then, Donaldson has been a steady presence in White’s life, attending events with her and becoming integrated into her family circle. The couple has appeared together in family holiday cards over the years, demonstrating their long-standing bond.
Donaldson, 60, has built a successful career in the construction industry. Born in Santa Monica, California, he started his professional journey as a carpenter before working his way up through the ranks. He eventually founded his own business, JDC Construction and Development Group, which specializes in the restoration of multifamily buildings. His company has established itself in the competitive Southern California construction market, focusing on rehabilitation projects and new multifamily developments.
This marks the second marriage for White, who was previously married to George Santo Pietro from 1990 to 2002. From that marriage, she has two adult children: son Nicholas “Nikko” Santo Pietro, 31, who works as a real estate agent, and daughter Giovanna “Gigi” Santo Pietro, 28, who has pursued a career as a tattoo artist. Nikko congratulated his mother on Instagram, sharing the wedding news on his story and commenting on White’s post with congratulations and celebratory emojis.
White has been a fixture on “Wheel of Fortune” since 1982, when she joined the show at age 25. For over four decades, she has become synonymous with the popular game show, earning recognition as one of television’s most enduring personalities. Her role in turning letters has made her a household name across multiple generations of viewers.
The show underwent a significant transition in 2024 when Pat Sajak, White’s co-host of more than 40 years, retired from his hosting duties. Ryan Seacrest took over as co-host, marking a new chapter for the long-running program. Seacrest was among those who congratulated White on her marriage, sharing well-wishes on his Instagram story. The show’s official Instagram account also posted congratulations in the comments of White’s announcement.
Maggie Sajak, daughter of Pat Sajak and social correspondent for “Wheel of Fortune,” also commented on the wedding post with teary-eyed and heart emojis, showing support for her colleague’s happy news.
Throughout their relationship, White and Donaldson have maintained a relatively private life together while occasionally appearing at public events. Donaldson has even given White an affectionate nickname, calling her “V-Dubs,” a playful shortening of her initials. The couple’s low-key approach to their relationship has been consistent with White’s general preference for keeping her personal life separate from her public persona.
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In a 2023 conversation with People, White openly reflected on her long-term relationship with Donaldson and whether marriage was necessary. After more than a decade together, she said the two already felt like a married couple. Formalizing it, she explained, didn’t feel essential because they were secure in their relationship. She added that they were certain they had found their life partners in each other.
White described Donaldson as being similar to her in temperament and personality, saying they get along exceptionally well. She emphasized that he allows her to be herself while she extends the same freedom to him, creating what she characterized as an easy, drama-free relationship. This compatibility appears to have been the foundation of their decision to eventually formalize their union after more than a decade together.
The timing of the wedding announcement, coming relatively soon after White’s December 2025 comments about not needing marriage, suggests the couple made their decision privately and on their own timeline. Their choice to have a private ceremony reflects their preference for intimacy over spectacle, keeping the focus on their commitment rather than public attention.
White’s career longevity on “Wheel of Fortune” makes her one of the most recognizable figures in American television. Her consistent presence on the show since the early 1980s has made her part of the daily routines of millions of viewers. The show continues to maintain strong ratings and cultural relevance, even as it has transitioned to a new host alongside White.
The wedding announcement received enthusiastic responses from fans and colleagues alike, with many expressing happiness for the couple’s decision to make their relationship official. The Instagram post quickly garnered attention across social media platforms, with supporters celebrating the news and sharing congratulations.
Donaldson’s construction business has given him a different perspective from White’s entertainment industry career, potentially contributing to the balance she has described in their relationship. His work focuses on the practical aspects of building and restoration, contrasting with the glamour and public nature of White’s television work. This difference in professional spheres may have helped the couple maintain their private life away from the spotlight.
As White continues her role on “Wheel of Fortune,” she now does so as a newly married woman, adding another chapter to her already remarkable personal and professional story.