There’s something magical about hearing Vanna White talk about her life outside the spotlight. In a heartfelt conversation with Parade in September, the beloved Wheel of Fortune star, now 67, gave fans a peek into what she does when the cameras stop rolling. And trust me, it’s every bit as charming as you’d expect.
Life Beyond the Spotlight: Vanna's Simple Joys
Vanna may be one of the most recognizable faces on TV, but away from the bright lights, she’s all about keeping things simple. “I’m really just a down-to-earth person,” she shared. “I only dress up for work, and even then, I try to keep it real.” When she’s not turning letters on the Wheel stage, you’ll often find her indulging in her favorite hobby—crocheting. “It’s such a peaceful activity,” she said with a smile. “It’s my way of unwinding and staying creative.”
But Vanna’s downtime isn’t just about hobbies. These days, she’s cherishing quality time with her two kids, Nikko and Gigi Santo Pietro, who moved back to Los Angeles during the pandemic. “Having them around has been a blessing,” she confessed. “And of course, I have my boyfriend, John Donaldson, who’s been an amazing part of my life since 2012.”
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Meet Vanna's Kids: Nikko and Gigi
If Vanna’s proud of anything, it’s her children—and she doesn’t shy away from letting everyone know it. “Oh, I absolutely love bragging about them!” she laughed. “My son, Nikko, works at a real estate agency, and he’s absolutely killing it. He’s so dedicated, so passionate. If there’s a deal to close, Nikko is the guy who makes it happen. Watching him grow into this incredible professional fills me with so much pride.”
As for her daughter, Gigi, Vanna couldn’t be prouder. “Gigi went to New York University and graduated with an art degree. She’s now a tattoo artist, and honestly? Her work is breathtaking. She takes her art and makes it permanent on someone’s skin—and that takes a lot of skill and passion. It’s amazing to see how much joy she brings to people through her craft.”
Both Nikko and Gigi are products of Vanna’s previous marriage to George Santo Pietro, which lasted from 1990 to 2002. But as Vanna explained, her current relationship with John Donaldson has brought her a new kind of happiness. “John has been such a wonderful partner,” she said warmly. “He truly gets me, and he supports everything I do. Honestly, life feels pretty perfect right now.”
Love in the Air: Could Vanna and John Tie the Knot?
Speaking of John, rumors are swirling that the couple might be thinking about taking things to the next level. According to sources close to Vanna, John has been eager to make their relationship official. “John’s always wanted to get married, but Vanna was a little hesitant at first,” a friend revealed. “She didn’t think she needed to walk down the aisle again. But as time went on, she realized that maybe this is the right moment for her and John.”
So what might a Vanna-Donaldson wedding look like? “It’ll probably be super casual,” the insider hinted. “Just Vanna, John, a justice of the peace, and whoever happens to be on the beach. This isn’t about a big fancy event—it’s about celebrating their love.”
New Adventures on Wheel of Fortune
While Vanna’s personal life is flourishing, her professional journey continues to evolve. This season marks a major milestone for Wheel of Fortune, as longtime host Pat Sajak stepped aside, making room for Ryan Seacrest to take the reins. “Ryan’s doing an incredible job,” Vanna raved. “He knows he’s stepping into some pretty big shoes, but he’s handling it with grace and charm. He’s even been bringing in homemade treats for the crew—it’s been such a fun and welcoming change.”
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The show itself is also getting a makeover. “We’ve upgraded the set, added a brand-new puzzle board, and incorporated some cool tech, like a laser that tracks my hand movements,” Vanna explained. “But here’s the thing: no matter how advanced the technology gets, people still want to see me in action. Over 8,000 outfits later, I think fans just love seeing what I’m wearing each night. Whether it’s red or blue, long or short, my wardrobe is definitely a highlight of the show.”
