What Happened to Vanna White?
Vanna White, the iconic co-host of "Wheel of Fortune" since 1982, continues her role on the popular game show, now alongside new host Ryan Seacrest following Pat Sajak's retirement. She extended her contract through the 2025-2026 season amid significant salary negotiations and, in a personal development, married her longtime partner John Donaldson in January 2026.
Quick Answer
Vanna White remains the beloved co-host of "Wheel of Fortune," having extended her contract through the 2025-2026 season to work alongside new host Ryan Seacrest. After over four decades on the show, she considered retirement following Pat Sajak's departure but decided to continue. In a significant personal update, White married her longtime partner, John Donaldson, in January 2026, and celebrated her 69th birthday in February 2026. Her future beyond her current contract is a topic of discussion, especially after a March 2026 press release for upcoming seasons omitted her name.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born Vanna Marie Rosich
Vanna Marie Rosich was born in Conway, South Carolina.
Joins Wheel of Fortune
Vanna White became the co-host and letter-turner on the syndicated game show 'Wheel of Fortune', a role she has held ever since.
Publishes Autobiography 'Vanna Speaks'
White released her autobiography, 'Vanna Speaks', which became a bestseller.
Marries George Santo Pietro
Vanna White married restaurateur George Santo Pietro. They later had two children.
Recognized by Guinness World Records
White was recognized in The Guinness Book of World Records as TV's most frequent clapper, averaging 720 claps per show.
Divorces George Santo Pietro
White and George Santo Pietro divorced after 12 years of marriage.
Pat Sajak Announces Retirement
Longtime 'Wheel of Fortune' host Pat Sajak announced his plans to retire after the show's 41st season, prompting White to consider her own future.
Contract Extended Through 2026
Vanna White signed a two-year contract extension to remain co-host of 'Wheel of Fortune' through the 2025-2026 season, reportedly including a significant pay raise.
Ryan Seacrest Takes Over as Host
Ryan Seacrest officially began his tenure as the new host of 'Wheel of Fortune', with Vanna White continuing as co-host.
Discusses Future, Not Ready to Retire
In an interview with E! News, White stated she considered retiring with Pat Sajak but is "not ready to retire yet" and is taking her career "one year at a time."
Marries John Donaldson
Vanna White announced her marriage to longtime partner John Donaldson in a private ceremony, sharing the news on social media.
Celebrates 69th Birthday
Vanna White celebrated her 69th birthday, with mentions and a surprise party from colleagues.
Wheel of Fortune Renewed, White Omitted from Press Release
Sony Pictures Television announced the renewal of 'Wheel of Fortune' for Seasons 44 and 45, mentioning Ryan Seacrest as host but notably omitting Vanna White, sparking speculation about her future beyond her current contract.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Vanna White, born Vanna Marie Rosich on February 18, 1957, has been a television staple for over four decades, primarily known for her role as the letter-turner on the syndicated game show "Wheel of Fortune." She joined the show in 1982, a year after Pat Sajak became host, and together they became one of television's most enduring duos.
The landscape of "Wheel of Fortune" underwent a significant shift in June 2023 when longtime host Pat Sajak announced his retirement after the 41st season. This announcement prompted White to consider her own future with the show. She openly admitted to contemplating retirement alongside Sajak, stating, "When Pat decided he was going to retire, I had to make a decision. Working with someone for that long, I felt like I should maybe go with him."
However, White ultimately decided to continue, explaining, "I'm just not ready to retire yet. I'm having fun. I feel good. I feel healthy." In September 2023, after what were reported as tense negotiations, she signed a two-year contract extension, securing her position through the 2025-2026 season. This new deal reportedly included a substantial pay increase, addressing a long-standing issue where her salary had remained largely unchanged for 18 years, making significantly less than her male counterpart. Ryan Seacrest was announced as Sajak's successor, taking over as host starting with Season 42 in September 2024, and White has continued her role alongside him.
Beyond her professional life, White experienced a significant personal milestone in early 2026. On January 21, 2026, she announced that she had married her longtime partner, John Donaldson, in a private ceremony. The couple had been together for over a decade. White celebrated her 69th birthday on February 18, 2026, continuing to maintain an active presence on television.
As of May 2026, White is actively co-hosting "Wheel of Fortune" with Ryan Seacrest. Her current contract runs through the 2025-2026 season. However, questions about her future beyond this period arose in March 2026 when a press release announcing the renewal of "Wheel of Fortune" for Seasons 44 and 45 (beginning September 2026) mentioned Ryan Seacrest as host but notably omitted any mention of Vanna White. This has led to speculation about whether she will sign another contract or finally retire after her current one expires. White has indicated she is taking her career "one year at a time."
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Vanna White made different choices?