Vanna White ex husband became a trending search topic again in 2026 after the longtime Wheel of Fortune star confirmed her recent marriage, prompting renewed public interest in her first and only previous husband and the family they built together.
For more than four decades, Vanna White has been one of the most recognizable faces in American television. While her career has been highly public, she has kept much of her personal life carefully protected. Still, one chapter continues to draw attention: her marriage to restaurateur and real estate developer George Santo Pietro, the man widely known as Vanna White’s ex husband.
This article presents a fully factual, up-to-date, and verified account of that marriage, the divorce, their children, and how that chapter connects to her life today.
Table of Contents
Who Was Vanna White’s Ex Husband?
Vanna White’s ex husband is George Santo Pietro, an American businessman known for his work in luxury real estate and the restaurant industry. He owned and operated several high-profile restaurants in Los Angeles during the 1980s and 1990s and later became involved in large-scale property development.
The two met in the late 1980s, at a time when White’s career on Wheel of Fortune was firmly established and Santo Pietro was expanding his business ventures in Southern California.
Marriage and Wedding Details
Vanna White and George Santo Pietro were married on December 31, 1990. Their wedding took place in Aspen, Colorado, and was a private event attended by close friends and family.
At the time of their marriage:
- White was already a national television icon.
- Santo Pietro was a successful entrepreneur with interests in restaurants and real estate.
- The couple maintained residences in both California and Colorado.
Their union lasted more than a decade and represented the only legal marriage in Vanna White’s life prior to her recent remarriage.
Family Life and Children
During their marriage, Vanna White and her ex husband welcomed two children:
- Nicholas “Nikko” Santo Pietro, born June 10, 1994
- Giovanna “Gigi” Santo Pietro, born July 1, 1997
White often spoke about balancing motherhood with her demanding television schedule. She remained a constant presence in her children’s lives while continuing her role on one of the longest-running game shows in U.S. history.
Today, both children are adults:
- Nikko works in real estate and business development in California.
- Gigi is involved in creative fields, including visual art and design.
Despite the divorce, White and Santo Pietro maintained a cooperative co-parenting relationship centered on their children’s well-being.
The Divorce
Vanna White and her ex husband separated in 2001, and their divorce was finalized in 2002.
The legal filing cited irreconcilable differences. No public disputes or legal battles dominated the proceedings, and the split was widely described as amicable and private.
Key facts about the divorce:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Year of Separation | 2001 |
| Finalized | 2002 |
| Legal Grounds | Irreconcilable differences |
| Children | Two, shared custody and co-parenting |
There were no public allegations of misconduct, and both parties avoided media conflicts.
Life After the Marriage
After her divorce from her ex husband, White remained focused on her career and raising her children. She later became engaged to businessman Michael Kaye in the mid-2000s, though that relationship did not result in marriage.
For more than a decade, she was in a long-term relationship with contractor and entrepreneur John Donaldson. In January 2026, White confirmed that she and Donaldson had officially married in a private ceremony, marking her first marriage since her divorce from Santo Pietro over twenty years earlier.
Where Is George Santo Pietro Today?
George Santo Pietro continued his work in real estate development after the divorce. He is known for luxury residential projects in California and remains active in business, though he maintains a low public profile.
His life since the divorce has largely stayed out of the entertainment spotlight, with attention primarily returning whenever interest resurfaces around Vanna White’s personal history.
Why Public Interest Remains Strong
Interest in Vanna White ex husband persists for several reasons:
- White’s enduring presence on American television.
- Her reputation for keeping her private life discreet.
- The recent confirmation of her new marriage.
- The public’s long-standing curiosity about the family life of television icons.
Unlike many celebrity divorces, White’s split from Santo Pietro was handled quietly, without scandal or prolonged courtroom drama, which has only added to the mystery surrounding the relationship.
Timeline of Key Events
- Late 1980s – Vanna White meets George Santo Pietro
- December 31, 1990 – They marry in Aspen
- 1994 – Birth of son Nikko
- 1997 – Birth of daughter Gigi
- 2001 – Separation
- 2002 – Divorce finalized
- 2026 – White remarries, renewing interest in her first husband
Lasting Impact of the Marriage
Although the marriage ended more than two decades ago, Vanna White’s ex husband remains an important part of her personal history. Their relationship resulted in two children, a shared decade of family life, and a period that coincided with some of the most successful years of her television career.
White has often credited her family, including the stability she worked to maintain after her divorce, for helping her sustain a demanding career while remaining grounded.
The story of Vanna White ex husband offers a rare look into the private life of one of television’s most enduring stars, and it continues to resonate as fans reflect on how her past shaped the life she celebrates today. Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for the latest updates.
