Who Is Vanna White’s Husband? The Truth About Her Past Marriage and Current Relationship
Many fans searching for who is Vanna White’s husband are surprised to learn that the beloved Wheel of Fortune co-host is not currently married. Vanna White’s only husband was restaurateur George Santo Pietro, to whom she was married from 1990 to 2002. Although she has since been in long-term relationships—including one engagement—she has not remarried. Today, she shares her life with her partner of more than a decade, John Donaldson. To clear up the confusion, let’s take a detailed look at her marital history, her past romances, and the man who currently holds her heart.
Who Is Vanna White? A Quick Background
Vanna White was born in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in 1957. Her early life gave little hint of the fame she would one day achieve, but she always dreamed big. After moving to Atlanta to attend the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, she later relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment. She began with modeling and small acting roles before landing the opportunity that would transform her life.
In 1982, she joined Wheel of Fortune as the show’s letter-turner and quickly became an American television icon. Her charisma, elegance, and warmth made her the perfect counterpart to longtime host Pat Sajak. Over the decades, she has appeared in thousands of episodes, becoming synonymous with the show’s charm and accessibility. Because White has been in the spotlight for so long, her personal life—especially her romantic relationships—has always generated curiosity. Fans naturally wonder who she has loved, who she married, and who she shares her life with today.
Vanna White’s Husband – Her Marriage to George Santo Pietro
Vanna White married George Santo Pietro in 1990, and for many fans, he remains the name most closely associated with the question of “who is Vanna White’s husband.” Santo Pietro was a successful restaurateur and businessman who owned several popular establishments in the Los Angeles area. Handsome, charming, and well-respected, he became a familiar figure among White’s fans during their highly visible marriage.
Their wedding was both elegant and intimate, held during the height of White’s Wheel of Fortune fame. During their marriage, the couple lived a relatively private life despite White’s immense celebrity. Santo Pietro’s career in hospitality and real estate complemented White’s demanding television schedule, allowing them to build a comfortable and stable life together.
The couple welcomed two children:
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Nicholas (Niko), born in 1994
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Giovanna (Gigi), born in 1997
White has always emphasized that becoming a mother was one of the most meaningful experiences of her life, and she remains very close to both of her children today.
Despite their strong start, White and Santo Pietro eventually grew apart, and after 12 years of marriage, they divorced in 2002. The split was amicable, and both prioritized their children’s well-being. Santo Pietro has continued his successful business endeavors, and White has spoken respectfully of him in interviews, acknowledging the important role he played in her life.
Vanna White’s Life After Divorce
Following her divorce, Vanna White focused heavily on raising her children and maintaining her demanding Wheel of Fortune schedule. She also expanded her interests beyond television, becoming active in business, including her investments in real estate and her own line of yarn, Vanna’s Choice, created with Lion Brand.
White has always been open about her love for family, philanthropy, and creativity. Although she stepped back from the public dating scene for a period, she eventually began a new chapter in her romantic life.
Her Engagement to Michael Kaye
In the mid-2000s, Vanna White became engaged to businessman Michael Kaye, a relationship that lasted several years. Fans believed marriage was imminent, and many expected Kaye to become her new husband. However, the pair eventually separated, never making it down the aisle.
White later explained that while their relationship was meaningful, it ultimately wasn’t the right long-term match. The split was private, respectful, and free of the drama often associated with celebrity breakups. After parting ways, White continued to focus on her family and professional commitments.
Who Is Vanna White’s Partner Today? Meet John Donaldson
Since 2012, Vanna White has been in a committed relationship with John Donaldson, a contractor and the owner of JDC Construction + Development Group. Donaldson is well-respected in his field and is known for his craftsmanship and professionalism. Despite working outside the entertainment industry, he fits naturally into White’s world, offering stability and groundedness.
The two met through mutual friends and felt an immediate connection. Their relationship has lasted more than a decade, and White has spoken affectionately about Donaldson in numerous interviews, describing him as kind, supportive, and deeply understanding of her career and family responsibilities.
Even though they have been together for many years, White and Donaldson have not gotten married. When asked why, White often explains that they simply don’t feel the need for a formal wedding. They consider themselves committed partners, and marriage is not essential to their happiness. Her contentment with Donaldson reflects a modern approach to relationships—one built on companionship, respect, and shared values rather than legal formalities.