Inside Vanna White’s Relationships: Love, Loss, and Life Beyond ‘Wheel of Fortune’
A candid look at her heartfelt romances and how personal trials shaped her path.
Image: ShutterStock
Vanna White is an enduring icon of American television, best known for her immaculate presence as the co-host of Wheel of Fortune. While millions recognize her dazzling smile and letter-turning role, the deeper narrative of her personal life—her marriages, romances, losses, and family—remains both moving and inspiring. This article explores Vanna White’s relationship history, her ex-husband, current boyfriend, past loves, children, and how personal tragedy has shaped her journey.
Table of Contents
- Vanna White’s Former Fiancé and Tragic Loss
- Vanna White’s Ex-Husband: George Santo Pietro
- Marriage, Children, and Family Life
- Engagement to Michael Kaye and Other Reported Romances
- Vanna White’s Current Partner: John Donaldson
- Coping With Loss: Grief, Resilience, and Public Support
- Motherhood and Parenting Style
- Philanthropy, Faith, and Personal Growth
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Vanna White’s Former Fiancé and Tragic Loss
Before Vanna White became America’s beloved letter-turner, she experienced love and heartbreak that would permanently impact her life. In the 1980s, White was engaged to John Gibson, a charismatic actor and former Playgirl magazine centerfold, as well as a Chippendales dancer. Their romance was widely reported in Hollywood and White once described Gibson as the “love of her life.”
Their engagement took a tragic turn in May 1986. Gibson perished in a small aircraft crash, leaving White devastated. She publicly shared the profound effect his loss had on her, explaining that she turned to her fans and audience of Wheel of Fortune for comfort in her darkest moments. White said, “I heard from so many people who had shared the same experience of losing someone instantly in an accident, and that really helped me,” which helped her realize she was not alone.
- Fiancé: John Gibson
- Profession: Actor, model, performer
- Years together: Early 1980s to 1986 (his passing)
- Impact: His accidental passing marked a pivotal emotional chapter in White’s life.
Vanna White’s Ex-Husband: George Santo Pietro
After years of coping with the loss of Gibson, White met restaurateur George Santo Pietro through mutual friends in the mid-1980s. Their relationship blossomed away from public scrutiny, with Santo Pietro maintaining a relatively private profile. They married in December 1990, following months of dating and years of friendship.
Their marriage endured more than a decade. While George rarely sought the spotlight, the couple appeared together at numerous events and functions, with stories occasionally appearing in tabloids. After more than 11 years together, they divorced amicably in November 2002, remaining cordial and successfully co-parenting their two children.
- Spouse: George Santo Pietro
- Profession: Restaurateur, entrepreneur
- Married: December 1990
- Divorced: November 2002
- Children: Nicholas (Nikko), born June 1994; Giovanna (Gigi), born July 1997
Marriage, Children, and Family Life
White’s marriage to George Santo Pietro brought both joy and hardship. In September 1992, she became pregnant, and Wheel of Fortune celebrated with a puzzle revealing “Vanna’s pregnant” as the answer. Unfortunately, White tragically miscarried less than a week after the episode’s taping. She later described this period as heart-wrenching, but expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from her audience and the show’s fans.
In 1994, White gave birth to their first child, a son named Nicholas (“Nikko”), followed by their daughter Giovanna (“Gigi”) in July 1997. Both children have remained largely out of the limelight, though White has occasionally spoken about her experiences as a mother and their appearances at tapings of Wheel of Fortune.
The divorce in 2002 was notable for its civility, with both parties committed to co-parenting and maintaining a positive family environment for their children. Today, Nikko and Gigi are adults who continue to share a close bond with their mother.
- Suffered miscarriage: 1992, after public announcement on Wheel of Fortune
- Children’s details:
- Nicholas “Nikko” Santo Pietro: Born June 11, 1994
- Giovanna “Gigi” Santo Pietro: Born July 1, 1997
- Parenting Approach: Focused on stability and privacy
Engagement to Michael Kaye and Other Reported Romances
After her divorce, White’s romantic life continued to attract tabloid interest. From 2004 to 2006, she was engaged to Michael Kaye, a Southern California businessman and senior partner in a prominent leveraged buyout fund. Although the engagement drew some media buzz, the couple ultimately parted ways before marrying, having remained together for two years.
Over the decades, White has been linked with several notable men, though some connections appear more speculative than substantive. Noteworthy rumored relationships include:
- Stephen Samuels: Dated briefly in 2003
- Colby Donaldson: Tabloids speculated about a romance in 2002, shortly after her divorce. Donaldson was best known as the runner-up on Survivor 2
- John Corbett: The “Sex and the City” and “Northern Exposure” star reportedly dated White around 2001–2002
Despite tabloid rumors, White has mostly kept her private life out of the headlines, emphasizing a low-key approach to romance.
Summary Table: Vanna White’s Notable Relationships
| Name | Relationship | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Gibson | Fiancé (deceased) | Early 1980s–1986 | Passed away in a plane crash |
| George Santo Pietro | Husband | 1990–2002 | Father of her two children |
| Michael Kaye | Fiancé | 2004–2006 | Engaged but never married |
| John Donaldson | Current Partner | 2012–present | Long-term relationship |
Vanna White’s Current Partner: John Donaldson
Since 2012, White’s heart has belonged to John Donaldson, a California-based contractor. They met through mutual friends when Donaldson attended a barbecue at White’s home, and the sparks were immediate. “I remember looking at him and thinking, ‘He’s really cute.’ We ended up talking for a long time that night,” White recounted to the press.
Their relationship has been steady and low-profile, marked by mutual respect and privacy. White describes Donaldson as supportive of her career, yet never seeking the limelight for himself. The couple’s strong bond has been publicly evident, with both valuing their independence and shared time. Although they have not married, White has repeatedly affirmed her happiness and fulfillment in the relationship, stating she feels “blessed” to have found such companionship.
- Partner: John Donaldson
- Profession: Contractor
- Began dating: 2012
- Relationship status: Long-term, unmarried partnership
Coping With Loss: Grief, Resilience, and Public Support
Grief has been a recurring theme in White’s life. In addition to Gibson’s untimely death and a miscarriage, she lost her beloved stepfather, Herbert White Jr., in April 2022. White has often credited her fans for helping her through her toughest times, including the aftermath of her fiancé’s death and personal trials. “When something like that happens, you immediately think you’re the only one. I heard from so many people who had shared the same experience, and that really helped me,” she has shared.
White’s openness about her struggles has contributed to her relatability and public affection, with many viewers and fans expressing support in turn.
Motherhood and Parenting Style
While Vanna White’s professional life has always been in the spotlight, she maintains that her greatest achievement is being a mother. She remains deeply committed to her children, prioritizing their privacy and well-being amid her high-profile career. Both Nikko and Gigi occasionally joined their mother on the Wheel of Fortune set, fostering a sense of family involvement, yet White has worked hard to shield them from undue media attention.
- Parenting philosophy: Balance between public career and private family life
- Approach: Supportive, engaged, emphasizing stability and normalcy
Philanthropy, Faith, and Personal Growth
Beyond entertainment, White is well known for her philanthropy. She has donated over $1.8 million to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stating that supporting children’s causes will remain her passion even after retirement.
White’s faith is also a cornerstone of her life. Raised Baptist, her religious values have helped her deal with life’s uncertainties and personal setbacks. Her connection with actor Christopher George—described as a family friend who helped her when she first arrived in Los Angeles—also exemplifies her gratitude and sense of community support.
- Charity focus: Children’s health and medical research
- Faith: Baptist
- Mentorship: Christopher George’s family played a pivotal support role
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Vanna White currently married?
No, Vanna White is not currently married. She was previously married to restaurateur George Santo Pietro (1990–2002) and is now in a long-term relationship with John Donaldson since 2012.
Did Vanna White’s ex-husband die?
No, her ex-husband George Santo Pietro is alive. However, her former fiancé John Gibson died in a plane crash in 1986.
How many children does Vanna White have?
She has two children with her ex-husband: Nicholas (Nikko) Santo Pietro and Giovanna (Gigi) Santo Pietro.
Is Vanna White engaged or planning to marry her current partner?
White has stated she is content without marrying John Donaldson, valuing companionship and happiness in their partnership.
What major hardships has Vanna White faced?
She has experienced heartbreaking personal loss, including her fiancé John Gibson’s death and a miscarriage, but has spoken about how public and fan support helped her cope.
Has Vanna White made significant charitable contributions?
Yes, she is an active philanthropist, having donated over $1.8 million to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and plans to continue her advocacy work.
Note: The contents above are based on multiple sources and reflect accurate information as of 2025. For recent updates, consult reputable celebrity or entertainment news platforms.
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