The Untold Lives Of Vanna White's Two Adult Children: Nikko And Gigi Santo Pietro Today

For decades, Vanna White has been the glamorous, letter-turning icon of American television, a constant presence on Wheel of Fortune. While her professional life has been an open book, her personal world, especially concerning her two children, remains a source of fascination for fans. As of late December 2024, Vanna White is a proud mother to two adult children, Nicholas "Nikko" Santo Pietro and Giovanna "Gigi" Santo Pietro, both of whom have carved out their own unique paths away from the bright lights of Hollywood.

The legendary co-host, who recently solidified her future on the show alongside new host Ryan Seacrest, often shares rare, heartfelt glimpses into her life as a mom. From holiday traditions to celebrating major milestones, the latest updates reveal a close-knit family dynamic, with her son Nikko making headlines for his own viral fame and her daughter Gigi pursuing a creative career.

Vanna White: A Complete Biography and Family Profile

Vanna White’s journey from a small-town girl to a television icon is one of perseverance and enduring glamour. Her personal life, though kept relatively private, has been central to her story.

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• Full Name: Vanna Marie Rosich
• Date of Birth: February 18, 1957
• Place of Birth: Conway, South Carolina, U.S.
• Age (as of late 2024): 67
• Career Highlights: Model, actress, and television personality. Best known as the co-host of Wheel of Fortune since 1982. She also competed in the Miss Georgia USA pageant in 1978.
• First Marriage: George Santo Pietro (Restaurateur), married 1990, divorced 2002.
• Children: Nicholas "Nikko" Santo Pietro and Giovanna "Gigi" Santo Pietro.
• Long-Term Partner: John Donaldson (since 2012).
• Notable Career Update (2024): Vanna White extended her contract with Wheel of Fortune through the 2025–2026 season, continuing her role after Pat Sajak's retirement and the arrival of new host Ryan Seacrest.

Vanna had her two children, Nikko and Gigi, during her marriage to restaurateur George Santo Pietro. Despite the divorce in 2002, Vanna and George have maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship, focusing on their children's well-being.

Nicholas "Nikko" Santo Pietro: The Viral "Thirst Trap" Son

Nicholas Santo Pietro, known as Nikko, is Vanna White's eldest child and has recently become the most publicly discussed member of the family, often to his mother’s mild amusement. Born on June 18, 1994, Nikko turned 30 in 2024, officially entering his thirties.

Nikko's Academic and Spiritual Path

Unlike his mother’s very public career, Nikko has pursued a life focused on nature, spirituality, and self-discovery. He attended the University of Arizona before transferring to Oregon's Naropa University, a private Buddhist-inspired institution, where he studied philosophy and writing. This educational path highlights his deep interest in introspection and a life outside the mainstream celebrity circuit.

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His mother has often spoken about his unique and spiritual nature, noting that he is a "free spirit" who has traveled extensively, including a trip to the Amazon rainforest. This spiritual journey is a core part of his identity, setting him apart from the typical celebrity offspring.

Recent Viral Fame and Relationship Update

In late 2023 and into 2024, Nikko unexpectedly found himself in the spotlight. Vanna White posted a cooking video with her son, which quickly went viral, with fans coining the term "thirst trap" for the handsome young man.

Following this surge of public interest, Nikko gave a rare interview to *People* magazine in 2024 to address his relationship status. He revealed that he is in a serious, committed relationship, much to the dismay of his new-found fan base. This openness was a departure from his usual private life but served to set the record straight amidst the online buzz.

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Giovanna "Gigi" Santo Pietro: The Creative and Independent Daughter

Giovanna Santo Pietro, affectionately called Gigi, is Vanna White's daughter. Born on July 1, 1997, Gigi celebrated her 27th birthday in July 2024, an event her mother publicly marked with a sweet tribute on social media.

Gigi's Career in the Arts

Like her brother, Gigi has chosen a career path that emphasizes creativity and personal expression, though in a different field. She is a working artist and a professional aesthetician. Gigi's artistic endeavors are often showcased on her social media, giving a glimpse into her passion for painting and visual arts.

Her work as an aesthetician also ties into a creative, hands-on field, demonstrating an independent spirit. Vanna White has consistently expressed her pride in Gigi’s ability to forge her own path outside the entertainment industry, valuing her daughter's independence and creative drive.

The Close Mother-Daughter Bond

Vanna and Gigi share a particularly close relationship. Vanna has frequently mentioned that her favorite thing to do when not filming Wheel of Fortune is to spend time with her children. The bond is evident in the public birthday wishes and the shared family moments that Vanna occasionally posts, illustrating a supportive and loving family environment.

Vanna White's Perspective on Motherhood and Family Life

In a recent interview in September 2024, Vanna White offered a rare and comprehensive update on her adult children, emphasizing how much she cherishes their time together. She noted that while her children are fully independent adults, they still make time for annual family traditions.

The Importance of Family Traditions

Vanna has shared that despite their adult lives, the family maintains a cherished annual Christmas tradition. This ritual, which involves her adult children, is a core part of their holiday celebration, underscoring the enduring closeness of the Santo Pietro family. This commitment to family time is a clear priority for the television star, who has managed to keep her children grounded despite her fame.

Life with John Donaldson

Vanna’s long-term relationship with John Donaldson, whom she has been dating since 2012, has also become an integral part of her family life. While Vanna has clarified that she and Donaldson have no plans to marry, she describes their relationship as feeling "already married." Donaldson is reportedly a supportive partner who is integrated into Vanna's life with Nikko and Gigi, creating a stable and loving extended family unit.

As Vanna White continues her iconic run on Wheel of Fortune, her greatest role remains that of a mother. The lives of Nicholas "Nikko" Santo Pietro and Giovanna "Gigi" Santo Pietro are a testament to Vanna's success in raising two creative, independent, and grounded adults who have successfully navigated life outside the shadow of their famous mother.