5 Surprising Facts About Jillian Michaels' Marriage History: Was She Ever Married To A Man?

The question of whether Jillian Michaels was ever married to a man has become a recurring point of curiosity for fans and followers of the fitness mogul. As of today, December 12, 2025, the definitive answer is no. The world-renowned trainer, author, and television personality has never been married to a man, although she has been open about dating both men and women throughout her life. Her current marital status is happily married to a woman, a relationship that has been celebrated publicly and privately. This deep dive explores Jillian Michaels' personal journey, her openness about her sexuality, and the major relationships that have defined her life, providing a complete picture beyond the simple "yes or no" answer.

Jillian Michaels: A Snapshot of Her Life and Career

Jillian Michaels is one of the most recognizable figures in the health and wellness industry. Born in Los Angeles, California, she rose to international fame as a tough-love trainer on the reality series The Biggest Loser.

Her career has expanded far beyond television, encompassing a vast empire of books, DVDs, fitness apps, and motivational speaking tours. Her commitment to fitness and her candid approach to life have made her a compelling public figure.

Jillian Michaels Biography Profile:

• Full Name: Jillian Leigh Michaels
• Date of Birth: February 18, 1974
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Age (as of 2025): 51
• Occupation: Personal Trainer, Businesswoman, Author, Television Personality
• Known For: The Biggest Loser, Losing It With Jillian, her fitness media empire
• Current Spouse: DeShanna Marie Minuto (m. 2022)
• Children: Two (Lukensia and Phoenix) with former partner Heidi Rhoades
• Business Partner: Giancarlo Chersich (Co-founder of Empowered Media, LLC)
• Political Stance: Self-identified independent, known for outspoken views

The Definitive Answer: Was Jillian Michaels Ever Married to a Man?

The short and clear answer to the central question is a resounding No. Jillian Michaels has never been married to a man. Her public relationship history and her current marriage are exclusively with women. This fact is often a source of confusion for those who only know her from her mainstream television appearances and may assume a heterosexual relationship history.

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Her Openness About Dating Men and Women

Michaels has been notably open about her sexuality for years, refusing to place a specific label on herself. In a 2010 interview, she explicitly stated, "I've been in love with both [men and women]." This statement established her as a figure who values connection and love over gender, a stance that resonates with many in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

Despite this openness, her most significant and public long-term relationships have been with women, leading to her two marriages.

Jillian Michaels' Significant Relationships and Marriages

Jillian Michaels' personal life has included two major, long-term relationships, both of which resulted in a marriage or engagement, but neither with a man.

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1. The Relationship with Heidi Rhoades (2009–2018)

Before her current marriage, Michaels was in a long-term relationship with talent manager Heidi Rhoades. Their partnership was highly public, often featured in interviews and on social media, making them one of the most visible same-sex couples in the media at the time.

• Timeline: They began dating around 2009.
• Engagement: Michaels proposed to Rhoades in 2016, a moment captured on her E! reality show, Just Jillian.
• Children: The couple welcomed two children together: daughter Lukensia, whom they adopted from Haiti in 2012, and son Phoenix, whom Rhoades gave birth to in May 2012. Michaels has emphasized her role as a mother to both.
• Separation: They called off their engagement and separated in 2018, though they continue to co-parent their children harmoniously.

2. Her Current Marriage to DeShanna Marie Minuto (2018–Present)

Jillian Michaels’ current spouse is fashion designer and entrepreneur DeShanna Marie Minuto. Their love story is a modern, high-profile relationship that culminated in multiple wedding ceremonies across different continents.

• Dating Start: Michaels and Minuto began dating in 2018, shortly after her split from Rhoades.
• The Engagement: Michaels proposed to Minuto in November 2021 with a stunning 7-carat emerald-cut diamond ring.
• The Weddings: The couple officially tied the knot in a private ceremony at a courthouse in Miami in July 2022. They later celebrated with a lavish, multi-day affair in Namibia, Africa, which Minuto has referred to as their second wedding. Most recently, in late 2023, they held a third, opulent ceremony at the Aman hotel in Venice, Italy, solidifying their commitment in a breathtaking setting.
• DeShanna Marie Minuto's Background: Minuto is a successful fashion designer and the founder of the activewear brand Letterino. Her personal background, which includes being a self-proclaimed Trump supporter, has sometimes been a topic of discussion, but Michaels has stressed that their personal connection transcends political differences.

The Impact of Jillian Michaels’ Public Relationships

Jillian Michaels’ willingness to share her personal life, including her relationships with women, has had a profound impact on public discourse and visibility for same-sex couples.

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Normalizing Same-Sex Parenthood

Her family structure with Heidi Rhoades, which included an adopted daughter and a biological son, helped to normalize same-sex parenthood in mainstream media. By openly discussing the challenges and joys of raising children as two mothers, Michaels became an advocate for diverse family models, showing that love and commitment are the foundations of a family, regardless of the parents' genders.

A Voice for Sexual Fluidity

Michaels' past statements about being attracted to both men and women have positioned her as a voice for sexual fluidity. She has consistently advocated for authenticity, encouraging people to live their truth and find love wherever it may exist. This message is a key component of her overall brand, which is built on empowerment and self-acceptance.

Beyond Romance: Other Key Entities in Her Life

While the focus is often on her romantic partners, other individuals have played crucial roles in building the "Jillian Michaels" brand and empire.

• Giancarlo Chersich: He is her long-time business partner and the co-founder of Empowered Media, LLC, the company that manages her vast fitness and media properties. Their professional relationship has been a cornerstone of her success since 2008.
• The Biggest Loser Cast: Her colleagues and contestants from the hit TV show, such as Bob Harper, Alison Sweeney, and countless others, are integral to her legacy.
• PETA: Michaels is also a prominent PETA ambassador, dedicating her time and influence to advocating for animal welfare, a cause she holds dear alongside her roles as a wife and mother.

In conclusion, the question of whether Jillian Michaels was ever married to a man is a simple one to answer: she was not. Her life has been defined by powerful, public relationships with women, culminating in her current marriage to DeShanna Marie Minuto. Her story is a testament to the fact that love, family, and success are built on authenticity, not traditional expectations.