Vanna White to Tie the Knot with John Donaldson: A Love Story Echoing Her Past with John Gibson

For more than forty years, Vanna White has been a shining constant in American television. Generations of viewers have watched her glide gracefully across the Wheel of Fortune stage, turning letters with her signature smile and quiet elegance. But behind the lights and the millions of puzzles solved lies a personal journey of love, loss, and renewal—one that is about to come full circle.

After more than a decade together, Vanna White is preparing to marry her longtime partner, contractor John Donaldson, in a wedding that she describes as “short and sweet.” The ceremony, planned for Hawaii, is not just a union of two people in love but also a poignant reminder of Vanna’s past. Donaldson, with his grounded personality and warm smile, bears striking similarities to Vanna’s late fiancé, actor John Gibson, who tragically died in the 1980s. For Vanna, this upcoming wedding represents more than happiness; it is a symbol of resilience and the heart’s remarkable ability to find its way back to joy.

A Familiar Love Story

Born Vanna Marie Rosich in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Vanna’s journey to television fame began in 1982 when she joined Wheel of Fortune alongside Pat Sajak. Yet long before she became a household name, Vanna experienced the kind of love that leaves a permanent mark.

In the early 1980s, she was engaged to John Gibson, an actor and dancer who appeared in The Warriors (1979) and The Young and the Restless. Their bond was effortless, full of warmth and promise. In her 1987 autobiography Vanna Speaks!, she described Gibson as someone who made her feel safe and at ease in an otherwise overwhelming world. That sense of comfort ended abruptly in 1986 when Gibson was killed in a plane crash, leaving Vanna devastated.

The loss was profound, shaping the way she viewed love and commitment for years to come. Yet it also planted the seed of resilience—a trait that would carry her forward in both her career and her personal life.

Enter John Donaldson

Fast forward to 2012. At a casual barbecue hosted by mutual friends, Vanna met John Donaldson, a successful contractor and developer from Santa Monica. Their connection was immediate. “We talked for hours,” Vanna has recalled, noting how his laid-back charm reminded her of someone she had once known.

While the shared first name with her late fiancé was a coincidence, the resemblance went deeper. Both men possessed a rugged, approachable charisma, a natural kindness, and a way of putting her completely at ease. “John [Donaldson] is kind, thoughtful, and makes me feel safe,” she said in an interview with People. “It’s the same feeling I had with John [Gibson]—like I can just be myself.”

Donaldson, president of JDC Construction + Development Group, is a self-made man who began his career as a laborer before rising to oversee multi-million-dollar projects, including homes for celebrities. Despite his success, he avoids the limelight, preferring to focus on his craft and the people he loves.

Vanna’s Romantic Journey

Between the heartbreak of Gibson’s passing and the stability she found with Donaldson, Vanna’s personal life took several turns.

In 1990, she married restaurateur and film producer George Santo Pietro. Their marriage produced two children: Nicholas “Nikko” in 1994 and Giovanna “Gigi” in 1997. Though the marriage ended in divorce in 2002, Vanna and Santo Pietro remained amicable co-parents.

Later, she became engaged to businessman Michael Kaye in 2004, though the relationship ended before they reached the altar. For a time, Vanna seemed content to live as a single mom and focus on her career. She poured herself into Wheel of Fortune, her love of crocheting, and her charitable work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Then came Donaldson, who fit seamlessly into her life and family. He bonded with Nikko and Gigi, joining family dinners, holidays, and vacations. Over time, their connection deepened into a love that felt both fresh and familiar.

Why John Donaldson Feels Like Home

To those close to her, Donaldson is Vanna’s anchor. He doesn’t seek fame, doesn’t overshadow her career, and doesn’t demand the spotlight. Instead, he offers stability and quiet strength. A friend described him as “her safe harbor,” someone who loves her for who she truly is.

Their similarities to Gibson are not just physical—tall frames, warm smiles, a timeless all-American look—but also emotional. Both men carried the gift of making Vanna feel valued and secure. Even the little things, like Donaldson’s nickname for her—“V-Dubs”—reveal a playfulness and affection that echo the qualities she once cherished in Gibson.

For years, Vanna said she was content without a wedding. “We’re happy the way things are,” she once told Closer Weekly. “It’s like we’re already married.” But life has a way of nudging us toward new beginnings. With changes happening on Wheel of Fortune—Pat Sajak’s retirement and Ryan Seacrest stepping in—Vanna may have found herself reflecting on what comes next.

A Hawaiian Wedding

Their chosen wedding destination is Hawaii, a place that holds special meaning for the couple. Insiders say they’ve spent countless vacations there, enjoying the peace and simplicity the islands bring. It felt only natural to exchange vows in a place that symbolizes their shared joy.

The ceremony, described as “short and sweet,” will likely include close family and friends, with tropical touches and a relaxed atmosphere. Vanna, known for her classic fashion sense, is expected to wear an elegant but understated gown. The emphasis will be on love, family, and celebration—not spectacle.

Navigating Public Curiosity

As with any high-profile relationship, people have drawn comparisons between Donaldson and Gibson. Some have speculated about whether Donaldson is a “stand-in” for the man Vanna once loved. But those close to her insist this view oversimplifies the truth. Vanna has always loved deeply and deliberately. If she is ready to marry Donaldson, it is because she has found someone who truly feels like home.

Her children, Nikko and Gigi, are said to be thrilled about the marriage. Donaldson has become a beloved figure in their lives, further cementing his role not only as Vanna’s partner but as part of the family.

A Legacy of Love and Resilience

Vanna White’s story is not just about a wedding; it is about resilience. From the heartbreak of losing John Gibson, to raising two children through a high-profile divorce, to finding stability with John Donaldson, she has navigated life’s highs and lows with grace.

At 68, she continues to be an icon of perseverance. Her wedding to Donaldson is a reminder that love can arrive at unexpected times, and that even after devastating loss, the heart is capable of healing and blooming again.

Conclusion: A Promise Fulfilled

As Vanna White prepares to walk down the aisle, her life is coming full circle in a way that feels almost poetic. The young woman who once grieved a lost fiancé has found a new chapter with someone who embodies the same kindness and steadiness. While Donaldson and Gibson are separate individuals, the qualities they share have allowed Vanna to rediscover the comfort and joy she once thought was gone forever.

Her Hawaiian wedding promises to be a celebration not just of two lives joining together, but of love’s ability to endure and renew. For fans who have watched her journey for decades, it is a chance to see a beloved star embrace happiness with open arms.

Sometimes the most compelling stories aren’t the ones on stage or screen, but the ones written in the quiet resilience of the heart. For Vanna White, this wedding is one such story—a testament to love, healing, and the promises we keep to ourselves along the way.