10 Years Strong: The Shocking Secret Behind Jenny McCarthy's Enduring Marriage To Donnie Wahlberg

Jenny McCarthy's husband is the multi-talented actor, singer, and producer Donnie Wahlberg, a relationship that has become one of Hollywood's most enduring and surprisingly candid love stories. As of late 2024, the couple is celebrating over a decade of marriage, having marked their 10th wedding anniversary in August 2024. Their journey from a chaotic first meeting on a talk show to building a thriving blended family has captivated fans, with the pair frequently opening up about the unique strategies they use to keep the spark alive.

The former Playboy model and *The Masked Singer* judge, Jenny McCarthy, and the New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) star, Donnie Wahlberg, have built a foundation based on radical transparency and mutual support. Their commitment to annual vow renewals and a shared philosophy on prioritizing their relationship has become a public testament to their love, especially as they navigate the complexities of fame, careers, and raising their three sons together.

Donnie Wahlberg: A Full Biography and Profile of Jenny McCarthy's Husband

Donnie Wahlberg is a celebrated figure in both the music and acting worlds. He is perhaps best known as a founding member of the iconic boy band New Kids on the Block and for his long-running role as Detective Danny Reagan on the CBS drama *Blue Bloods*.

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• Full Name: Donald Edmond Wahlberg Jr.
• Date of Birth: August 17, 1969
• Place of Birth: Dorchester, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
• Age (as of late 2024): 55
• Spouse: Jenny McCarthy (m. 2014)
• Previous Marriage: Kimberly Fey (m. 1999; div. 2008)
• Career Highlights: Founding member of New Kids on the Block (NKOTB), Star of *Blue Bloods*, Star of *Band of Brothers*, Executive Producer of *Wahlburgers*.
• Children: Xavier Alexander Wahlberg and Elijah Hendrix Wahlberg (from his first marriage). He is also a stepfather to Jenny's son, Evan Asher.
• Notable Siblings: Actor and producer Mark Wahlberg.

Wahlberg’s career spans decades, beginning with his rise to global fame with NKOTB in the late 1980s. He successfully transitioned into a respected dramatic actor, securing major roles in films like *The Sixth Sense* and the popular *Saw* franchise, before landing his long-term role on *Blue Bloods* in 2010.

From Chaotic Interview to Blended Family: The Wahlberg-McCarthy Love Story

The origin story of Jenny and Donnie's romance is as unconventional as their personalities. They first met in 2013 when Donnie was a guest on Jenny McCarthy's VH1 talk show, *The Jenny McCarthy Show*.

Their on-air chemistry was immediate, palpable, and famously raunchy. McCarthy later described the interview as "sparks" and "electric," noting that their flirtation was so intense it was almost NSFW.

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Despite the fireworks, Donnie initially took his time, not calling her immediately after she slipped him her number. However, the connection was too strong to ignore.

The Surprise Proposal That Included Her Son

After less than a year of dating, Donnie orchestrated a heartwarming and inclusive proposal. He involved Jenny’s son, Evan Asher, whom she shares with her first husband, John Mallory Asher.

Donnie first gave Evan a card asking, "Will you help me ask your mom to marry me?" The proposal itself involved Evan walking into the room holding a series of signs that read: "Will," "You," "Marry," and finally, "Me?"

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McCarthy announced the engagement live on *The View* in April 2014, lifting her hand from under the desk to flash the stunning yellow sapphire ring. The couple married just a few months later on August 31, 2014, in a small, intimate ceremony at the Hotel Baker in St. Charles, Illinois, just outside of Chicago.

The "Secret Reboot" and Annual Vow Renewals: How They Keep the Spark Alive in 2024

In a world where celebrity marriages often falter, the relationship between Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg has proven to be incredibly resilient. They have been open about the work and dedication it takes, recently sharing the "secrets" to their decade-long success.

Prioritizing the Marriage Over Everything

One of the couple's most consistent public messages is the importance of prioritizing their marriage above all else—even their children. They have stressed that a happy, strong marriage is the best foundation for a happy family, a philosophy that has helped them successfully manage their *blended family*.

Donnie is a father to two sons, Xavier and Elijah, from his previous marriage to Kimberly Fey, and a devoted stepfather to Evan Asher. Jenny has praised Donnie for his deep connection with Evan, who is on the autism spectrum, noting that Donnie treats him as his own.

The Power of the Annual Vow Renewal

A unique tradition for the couple is their commitment to renewing their wedding vows every single year. This isn't just a grand gesture; it's a symbolic "reboot" of their marriage, as they described it in late 2024.

This annual event forces them to pause, reflect on their journey, and consciously recommit to each other, ensuring they don't take their relationship for granted. It’s a deliberate effort to keep the romance fresh and the communication lines open.

The Role of Past Trauma in Their Connection

In candid interviews leading up to their 10th anniversary, the couple revealed that their shared experiences with *past trauma* and relationship failures have actually strengthened their bond. They both entered the marriage with a deep understanding of what they didn't want, leading to a profound level of emotional intimacy and honesty.

McCarthy and Wahlberg have stated that their willingness to be vulnerable and discuss their past challenges has been the key to building a relationship that is both passionate and deeply stable.

The Wahlberg-McCarthy Empire: Shared Projects and Entities

Beyond their personal lives, the couple has frequently collaborated, further solidifying their status as a Hollywood power duo. These collaborations not only bring them closer but also create a web of shared professional entities:

• *The Masked Singer*: Jenny McCarthy is a long-standing judge on the hit Fox reality competition, a role that keeps her in the public eye.
• *Blue Bloods*: Donnie Wahlberg’s role as Detective Danny Reagan is a cornerstone of his career.
• *Wahlburgers*: Donnie is an executive producer and star of the reality show centered on his family's restaurant business, which often features Jenny.
• SiriusXM Radio: Jenny hosts her own show, *The Jenny McCarthy Show*, where she frequently shares updates on her marriage and family life.
• New Kids on the Block (NKOTB): Jenny is a vocal supporter of the band and often tours with Donnie, integrating herself into the "Blockhead" fan community.

Their ability to maintain separate, high-profile careers while actively supporting each other's endeavors is a testament to their strong partnership. They have successfully navigated the demands of a bicoastal relationship—Donnie filming *Blue Bloods* in New York and Jenny working on *The Masked Singer* in Los Angeles—by making their time together a non-negotiable priority.

A Decade of Dedication: Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter

As Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg move into their second decade of marriage, their story continues to inspire. Their 2024 updates prove that their love is not a static, picture-perfect image, but a dynamic partnership that requires conscious effort, annual re-evaluation, and a commitment to radical honesty.

For fans of the famous couple, the annual vow renewals and the public sharing of their relationship "reboot" secrets offer a refreshing glimpse into the reality of a celebrity marriage. They have shown that with the right combination of passion, communication, and a willingness to put the marriage first, a lasting Hollywood romance is entirely possible.