In a delightful twist that has delighted fans of the long-running game show Wheel of Fortune, icon Vanna White has quietly tied the knot with her longtime partner, John Donaldson. The 68-year-old television personality announced the joyful news on Instagram on January 21, 2026, sharing a series of heartfelt photos from their private ceremony and captioning the post with a simple yet beaming “Surprise! We got married!” The revelation came as a complete shock to many, given that White had previously described their relationship as already feeling like marriage in every meaningful way.
White and Donaldson first crossed paths in 2012 at a casual barbecue hosted by a mutual friend. What began as a low-key introduction quickly blossomed into a deep, drama-free partnership. Donaldson, a successful real estate developer and president of JDC Construction + Development Group in California, has built a career crafting luxury homes for high-profile clients. His grounded, no-nonsense demeanor complemented White’s easygoing nature, creating a bond that both described as effortless and deeply compatible. “It just works,” White once said of their dynamic. “He lets me be me, I let him be him… There is no drama in our relationship.”
Over the years, the couple maintained a relatively private life despite White’s high-profile career. They appeared together at red-carpet events, charity galas, and occasional outings, always radiating quiet contentment. In interviews, White frequently emphasized how similar they were—”He’s the male version of me”—and how their shared values and mutual respect formed the foundation of their happiness. By 2023, when asked about marriage, she admitted they hadn’t seriously discussed it. “We’ve been together 12 years, and I feel like we are married,” she told reporters. “We don’t really talk about it, but you never know… In my eyes and his eyes, we are married.” She added that they felt no pressure to formalize things legally, as their commitment was already solid and fulfilling.
That perspective shifted “a little while back,” as White phrased it in her announcement. The couple opted for an intimate, private ceremony away from the spotlight—no elaborate guest lists, no media frenzy, just the two of them exchanging vows in a setting that reflected their preference for simplicity and sincerity. In one standout photo from the day, Donaldson carries his bride bridal-style down an arched stone hallway. White looks radiant in a sleeveless white gown adorned with delicate pearl embellishments, paired with elegant silver heels, while Donaldson cuts a classic figure in a black suit and rimmed glasses. The image captures pure joy and tenderness, a moment of celebration that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
The announcement post included a carousel of additional snapshots spanning their relationship: candid shots from vacations, cozy evenings, and milestones over more than a decade. “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,” White wrote. “We’re excited to share this new joyful chapter in our lives with all of you! Love, Vanna and John.” The post quickly garnered an outpouring of congratulations from fans, celebrities, and colleagues, including warm messages from the official Wheel of Fortune account and Maggie Sajak, daughter of former host Pat Sajak.
White’s journey to this happy chapter has not been without its challenges. She was previously married to restaurateur George Santo Pietro from 1990 to 2002, a union that produced two children: son Nicholas “Nikko” Santo Pietro, now 31, and daughter Giovanna “GiGi” Santo Pietro, 28. The couple divorced amicably, and White has spoken fondly of their co-parenting relationship. After years of single life and focusing on her career and family, meeting Donaldson marked a new beginning. Their relationship has been characterized by mutual support—Donaldson cheering her on through the transitions at Wheel of Fortune, including Pat Sajak’s retirement in 2024 and Ryan Seacrest’s arrival as host—and White appreciating his steady presence amid the demands of television.
The surprise element of the wedding aligns perfectly with the couple’s low-key style. White has always prioritized privacy in her personal life, rarely sharing intimate details beyond occasional glimpses that highlight her grounded, family-oriented side. Even as Wheel of Fortune remains one of America’s most beloved game shows, with White continuing to turn letters night after night, she has kept her romance shielded from excessive scrutiny. The decision to “make it official” after so many years together speaks to a quiet confidence in their bond—no fanfare needed, just a meaningful step forward.
Fans and well-wishers have flooded social media with heartfelt reactions. Many noted the poetic timing: after decades of revealing letters on the puzzle board, White has now revealed a new chapter in her own life story. Comments ranged from “Congratulations on solving the puzzle of love!” to simple expressions of joy for a woman who has brought smiles to millions. The wedding news also sparked lighthearted references to the show’s mechanics—”She finally bought a vowel… and said ‘I do’!”
As White and Donaldson embark on this official new phase, the focus remains on the love that sustained them through more than a decade of companionship. Their story is one of patience, compatibility, and the beauty of choosing each other every day—sometimes quietly, sometimes with a joyful surprise announcement. In a world of high-profile romances and splashy ceremonies, Vanna White and John Donaldson have chosen authenticity, proving that when the connection is real, the details fall beautifully into place.
