Vanna White – Bio, Net Worth, Age, Family

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In addition to her base salary, White earns an estimated $10 million to $12 million annually from licensing her image and likeness for Wheel of Fortune slot machines found in casinos globally. Her total annual income frequently exceeds $20 million when factoring in her “Vanna’s Choice” yarn line and real estate dividends.

Early Life

Vanna White was born in Conway, South Carolina, and raised in North Myrtle Beach. After her biological father, Miguel Angel Rosich, left the family, she was raised by her mother, Joan, and her stepfather, Herbert Stackley White Jr., whose surname she eventually adopted. She attended the Atlanta School of Fashion and Design and worked as a model before moving to Los Angeles in 1979 to pursue an acting career.

Before fame

Before becoming a household name, White struggled as a young actress in Hollywood, working as a waitress to make ends meet. In 1980, she appeared as a contestant on The Price Is Right, though she did not make it past “Contestant’s Row.” Her big break came in 1982 when she was selected from over 200 applicants to replace Susan Stafford as the co-host of Wheel of Fortune.

Awards

• Hollywood Walk of Fame: Inducted in 2006 with a star located at 6755 Hollywood Blvd.
• Guinness World Record: Recognized as “Television’s Most Frequent Clapper,” having clapped an estimated 3.9 million times over four decades.
• Pop Culture Icon Award: Various honorary recognitions for her 40+ year tenure in syndicated television.

Personal Life and Relationships

In a major personal milestone, Vanna White married her longtime partner, John Donaldson, on January 21, 2026, in a private ceremony. The couple had been in a relationship since 2012. Previously, White was married to restaurateur George Santo Pietro from 1990 to 2002. She was also tragically engaged to actor John Gibson, who passed away in a plane crash in 1986.

Family life

White is a devoted mother to two adult children from her marriage to George Santo Pietro: Nicholas “Nikko” (born 1994), who works in high-end real estate, and Giovanna “Gigi” (born 1997), a professional tattoo artist in Los Angeles. White maintains a close-knit family dynamic and frequently shares updates on her children’s professional successes.

Associated with

• Pat Sajak: Her co-host for 41 years until his retirement in 2024.
• Ryan Seacrest: Her current co-host on Wheel of Fortune as of the 2024–2025 season.
• Merv Griffin: The legendary creator of Wheel of Fortune who originally hired her.

Real Estate

White is a savvy real estate investor. She currently resides in a Beverly Hills mansion valued at over $10 million. She has a history of “flipping” luxury properties and previously owned a 15,000-square-foot spec house in Beverly Park that was listed for $47.5 million and eventually sold in separate parcels. She also owns several apartment buildings in the Los Angeles area.

Net Worth History

• 2010: $30 Million
• 2015: $45 Million
• 2020: $70 Million
• 2024: $80 Million
• 2026: $85 Million

Trivia

• Wardrobe: She has worn over 7,000 different outfits on Wheel of Fortune and famously never wears the same dress twice.
• Hobbies: She is an avid crocheter and has her own line of yarn, with a portion of proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
• Philanthropy: She has donated over $1.8 million to St. Jude’s through her various business ventures.

BIOGRAPHY

Executive Summary

Vanna White remains one of the most enduring and beloved figures in American television history. As of February 2026, she continues to serve as the iconic co-host of Wheel of Fortune, successfully navigating the show’s high-profile transition from longtime partner Pat Sajak to new host Ryan Seacrest. Her presence on the show for over 43 years has made her a multi-generational cultural touchstone, recognized for her grace, fashion, and unwavering professionalism.

Beyond the “Puzzle Board,” White has established herself as a formidable businesswoman. While her television salary was famously stagnant for nearly two decades, her 2023–2024 negotiations secured her a financial standing commensurate with her contribution to the franchise. Her wealth is further bolstered by a massive licensing deal for casino slot machines, which remains one of the most lucrative celebrity branding partnerships in history.

In her personal life, 2026 marked a significant chapter as she officially wed John Donaldson, her partner of 14 years. This move, celebrated by fans worldwide, reflects the stability and warmth that have characterized her public persona for decades. As she approaches her 70th year, White shows no signs of slowing down, balancing her duties on the syndicated and celebrity versions of Wheel of Fortune with her real estate investments and philanthropic work for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Her legacy is defined not just by the letters she turns, but by her ability to evolve with the television landscape while remaining a constant, comforting presence in millions of homes every evening.