If you’ve spent any time at all watching Wheel of Fortune over the last few decades, you probably feel like you know Vanna White. She’s the steady presence, the one who navigated the Pat Sajak era with effortless grace and is now holding down the fort alongside Ryan Seacrest. But for all the thousands of hours she’s spent on our TV screens, her private life remains a bit of a puzzle to the average viewer.
The big question that keeps popping up in 2026 is pretty simple: is vanna white married now?
The short answer is no. But like most things in life, the long answer is a lot more interesting. Honestly, if you asked Vanna herself, she’d probably tell you that she is married in every way that actually matters. She has been in a committed, rock-solid relationship with a man named John Donaldson for over 14 years.
The Reality of Vanna’s Relationship Status
It’s easy to see why people get confused. You see a woman who has been with the same guy since 2012, and you just assume they’ve walked down the aisle at some point.
John Donaldson isn’t a Hollywood type. He’s a contractor and the owner of JDC Construction + Development Group. They met back in 2012 at a barbecue—classic, right?—after a mutual friend brought him along. Vanna has gone on record saying she thought he was "really cute" the moment she saw him. They talked all night, and they’ve basically been inseparable ever since.
Even though they haven’t signed a legal document, Vanna is very open about the fact that they "feel married." In a 2025 interview with E! News, she basically shrugged off the idea of a wedding ceremony, saying they are happy just the way they are. She’s 68 now, and at this stage of life, she’s made it clear that a piece of paper isn’t going to change the love or the commitment they already have.
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Why Haven’t They Tied the Knot?
There have been plenty of rumors, especially lately. In late 2025, some tabloids were buzzing about "wedding woes" and "indecision." There was even a story floating around that they were planning a ceremony in Hawaii but pushed it back because Vanna’s schedule with Wheel of Fortune and her other business ventures was just too packed.
While the gossip rags love a good "drama" angle, the reality seems a lot more chill. Vanna has described their relationship as "drama-free." He lets her be her, she lets him be him. It works.
A Look Back at Her History with Marriage
To understand why Vanna might be hesitant to rush into another legal marriage, you kind of have to look at her past. It hasn't always been easy.
- John Gibson: Back in the 80s, Vanna was engaged to John Gibson, a soap opera actor. It was a tragic story—he died in a plane crash in 1986. That kind of loss leaves a mark.
- George Santo Pietro: This was her only official marriage. They wed in 1990 and stayed together for about 12 years before divorcing in 2002. They have two kids together, Nikko and Gigi, who are now fully grown adults. By all accounts, the split was amicable, and they’ve co-parented well over the years.
- Michael Kaye: She was also engaged to businessman Michael Kaye from 2004 to 2006, but they never actually made it to the altar.
When you’ve been through a tragic loss, a long-term marriage that ended in divorce, and an engagement that fizzled out, you start to view "the big day" a little differently. For Vanna, the stability she has with John Donaldson seems to be enough.
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Life on and Off the Set in 2026
Vanna’s career is as busy as ever. Even after Pat Sajak retired in 2024, she signed a contract extension that keeps her on the show through at least the 2025-2026 season. She’s making a reported $10 million a year now—a well-deserved bump after years of standing by the puzzle board.
But when the cameras are off, she’s not living some high-glamour Hollywood lifestyle. She spends her time with John and her kids. They have a tradition of heading to Hawaii for Christmas every year to get away from the noise of the city. It’s simple. It’s quiet.
Common Misconceptions About Vanna's Personal Life
- "She's secretly married to Pat Sajak." This one has been around forever. They were best friends for over 40 years, but it was always platonic. Pat is married to Lesly Brown, and Vanna has always been supportive of that.
- "She's engaged because she was seen wearing a ring." Every few months, Vanna is spotted with a diamond on that finger, and the internet goes into a meltdown. Usually, it's just jewelry for the show or a personal piece she likes. She hasn't confirmed an engagement to John.
- "She's retiring soon to get married." People keep waiting for the "final spin," but Vanna has said she’s not ready to retire yet. She loves her job, and John supports her career.
What This Means for Fans
If you’re looking for a big, televised Vanna White wedding, you might be waiting a long time. She seems to have reached a place of total contentment. She has the career she loves, children she’s proud of, and a partner who has been by her side for nearly 15 years.
Ultimately, the question of whether she is "married" depends on how you define it. Legally? No. Emotionally and practically? Absolutely.
Next Steps for Followers of Vanna White:
- Watch for Contract Updates: Her current Wheel of Fortune deal runs through the first half of 2026. Keep an eye out for news on whether she’ll sign on for another two years or finally decide to enjoy more time with John.
- Follow Her Socials: Vanna is actually pretty active on Instagram. If she and John ever do decide to make it official, that’s likely where you’ll see the first real hint, probably tucked into a holiday photo with Nikko and Gigi.
- Check Out Her Business Ventures: Beyond the show, she’s still heavily involved with Lion Brand Yarns. If you’re a fan, supporting her "Vanna's Choice" line is a great way to see the side of her that isn't just about the bright lights of the game show.