The Unconventional Love Story: Who Is Donnie Wahlberg Married To And The Secret To Their 11-Year Marriage

The answer to the question "Who is Donnie Wahlberg married to?" is television personality, actress, and author, Jenny McCarthy. As of December 2025, the couple has been married for over a decade, celebrating their 11th wedding anniversary in 2025, a milestone they often mark with a unique tradition: surprise annual vow renewals. Their relationship, which began with a famously awkward first television appearance, has blossomed into one of Hollywood's most enduring and publicly affectionate marriages, built on blending their two families and a commitment to open communication, including the use of couples therapy.

The New Kids on the Block star and the former *The View* host have continuously demonstrated their strong bond in the public eye, most recently stepping out together at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Their stability and happiness are often attributed to their shared experiences as parents and their candid approach to the challenges of a blended family, making their love story a refreshing exception in the entertainment world.

Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy: A Complete Biographical Profile

To fully understand the dynamics of this power couple, it is essential to look at the impressive and varied careers of both Donnie Wahlberg and his wife, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, as well as their previous marriages and children.

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Donnie Wahlberg Biography & Family

• Full Name: Donald Edmond Wahlberg Jr.
• Born: August 17, 1969, in Dorchester, Massachusetts.
• Occupation: Singer, songwriter, actor, producer.
• Key Roles: Founding member of the iconic boy band New Kids on the Block (NKOTB), Detective Danny Reagan on the CBS drama *Blue Bloods*, and executive producer of the reality show *Wahlburgers*.
• First Marriage: Married Kimberly Fey in 1999. They separated in 2008 and finalized their divorce in 2010.
• Children from First Marriage: Two sons, Xavier Alexander Wahlberg (born 1993) and Elijah Hendrix Wahlberg (born 2001).

Jenny McCarthy Biography & Career Highlights

• Full Name: Jennifer Ann McCarthy-Wahlberg (née McCarthy).
• Born: November 1, 1972, in Evergreen Park, Illinois.
• Occupation: Actress, model, television personality, author, and activist.
• Career Start: Began modeling for Playboy in 1993 and was named Playmate of the Year in 1994.
• Key Television Roles: Co-host of *The View* (2013-2014), and a long-standing panelist/judge on the hit reality competition show *The Masked Singer*.
• Previous Relationship: She has a son, Evan Joseph Asher, from her previous marriage to actor and director John Asher.

From Awkward Interview to Annual Vow Renewals: The Wahlberg-McCarthy Timeline

The relationship between Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy is a testament to the power of second chances and unexpected connections. Their courtship was anything but traditional, starting with a memorable on-screen encounter that almost didn't happen.

The Electric First Meeting on Watch What Happens Live

In a story that has become part of pop culture lore, the couple first met in March 2013 when Donnie Wahlberg appeared as a guest on Andy Cohen's *Watch What Happens Live*. The chemistry between the two was immediate and palpable, leading to a famously flirtatious and uncensored exchange that captivated viewers. Interestingly, Jenny McCarthy initially hesitated to pursue him, later recalling she thought he was married at the time.

Their professional paths crossed again shortly after, when Donnie was interviewed on Jenny's own VH1 talk show. This second, more intimate interaction cemented their connection and led to them officially dating.

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The Proposal and The Intimate Illinois Wedding

After a whirlwind romance, Donnie proposed to Jenny in April 2014, presenting her with a stunning 10-carat yellow sapphire ring. The proposal was a family affair, with Donnie enlisting the help of Jenny’s son, Evan, to pop the question.

The couple officially tied the knot just a few months later on Sunday, August 31, 2014. The wedding was an intimate and elegant ceremony held at the historic Hotel Baker in St. Charles, Illinois, a location chosen for its proximity to Jenny’s family. The guest list was notably small, focusing on close friends and family, including Donnie’s brother and *Wahlburgers* co-star, Paul Wahlberg.

The Secret to 11 Years: Blended Families, Boundaries, and Annual Vows

Maintaining a high-profile, long-term marriage in Hollywood is a challenge, but the Wahlbergs have been remarkably open about the work they put into their relationship, offering valuable insights into their success.

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The Blended Family Dynamic

Both Donnie and Jenny came into the marriage with children from previous relationships, creating a blended family unit. Donnie has two sons, Xavier and Elijah, and Jenny has her son, Evan. The couple has been vocal about the importance of co-parenting and ensuring all the children feel loved and supported. Donnie’s dedication to being a stepfather to Evan, who is on the autism spectrum, has often been highlighted as a cornerstone of their family life.

The Power of Therapy and Open Communication

In recent interviews, Donnie Wahlberg has candidly discussed how both he and Jenny have utilized couples therapy to strengthen their marriage. He noted that having both been through divorce before, they were committed to learning from past mistakes and using professional guidance to navigate the pressures of their careers and family life. This commitment to self-improvement and open communication is a major factor in their eleven years of marital success.

The Annual Vow Renewal Tradition

Perhaps the most charming and unique aspect of their marriage is their tradition of annual vow renewals. Donnie Wahlberg makes a point of surprising Jenny with a new, heartfelt ceremony every year on or near their anniversary. These ceremonies, which range from simple, intimate moments to more elaborate events, serve as a yearly recommitment to each other and a way to keep the romance and excitement alive in their busy lives. This tradition has been a recurring, fresh entity in their relationship news, continually reinforcing their status as a devoted couple.

From their start on a late-night talk show to their annual commitment ceremonies, Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy have built a solid foundation. Their transparency regarding their blended family, their willingness to attend therapy, and their relentless support for each other—evident in Donnie's glowing birthday tributes to his "ride or die"—cement their status as one of the most enduring celebrity couples today.