Vanna White’s 2 Kids: Quotes About Nikko and Gigi

Since joining Wheel of Fortune in the 1980s, Vanna White has become a sweetheart of television and a fan-favorite of viewers from all over the world. The Vanna Speaks author has also taken on the rewarding role of being a mom to her two children, Nicholas “Nikko” Santo Pietro and Giovanna “Gigi” Santo Pietro, with her ex-husband, George Santo Pietro. Whether it’s sharing sweet selfies with her kids or gushing about them on television, it is clear that Vanna prides herself in being a mom.

She was previously engaged to Young and the Restless actor John Gibson before he died in a plane crash in 1986. After hearing the devastating news, Vanna leaned on the support of Wheel of Fortune fans during her time of grief.

“I heard from so many people who had shared the same experience of losing someone instantly in an accident, and that really helped me,” the South Carolina native told People in October 2019. “I didn’t feel like I was alone. Because when something like that happens, you immediately think you’re the only one.”

The Goddess of Love actress found love again with George. She married the film director in 1990. Vanna announced her first pregnancy on television in the form of a puzzle in 1992. She later revealed that she suffered a miscarriage. In 1994, Vanna gave birth to her first child with John, son Nikko. Their daughter, Gigi, was born in 1997. The couple divorced in 2002 and the game show cohost has remained close to her children through it all.

The television personality moved on with real estate developer John Donaldson. The pair were introduced by a mutual friend in 2012. They hit it off after talking all night and started dating soon after. Though they have not walked down the aisle, Vanna feels like her relationship with John is rock solid.

“We’ve been together for eight years and it seems to be working so we’re both happy, so in my eyes, I feel — in both of our eyes — we feel married,” she told Closer in December 2019. “So I don’t think you necessarily have to have a piece of paper unless you want to. Everybody’s different, so for each his own.”

Keep scrolling to see Vanna’s sweetest quotes about being a mom of two.

On a Sweet Gesture

In a May 2021 episode of Wheel of Fortune, Vanna revealed an extremely sentimental gift that she has given her children. Host Pat Sajak particularly “admires” the sweet gesture.

“I’ve kept a journal for my children. And then when they turn 21 years old, I gave it to them,” the Graduation Day actress said on air. “So 21 years of everything that happened in their life. Not necessarily daily but just things that were important, or little things, with pictures too.”

On Her Kids’ Personalities

Both of Vanna’s kids have a taste for art and inherited their mother’s sense of creativity. They are not pursuing careers in entertainment like their mother, however, both Nikko and Gigi have found interests that make them happy.

“[Gigi is] graduating college this year and my son is an organic farmer,” Vanna told Closer in December 2019. “[Nikko] loves growing vegetables and fruits and that kind of thing. So they’re kind of on their path.”

On Loving Motherhood

Though her rise to fame has been a whirlwind and her schedule has remained busy for more than three decades, Vanna has maximized spending time with her children.

“Kids grow up so fast, and I don’t want to miss a thing! Plus, I enjoy it. Being a mom is my favorite job — it’s the hardest but the most rewarding,” she told Family Circle.

On a Special Surprise

Vanna pulled off the best surprise ever in June 2018 to celebrate Nikko’s birthday. She posted a video on Twitter of the exciting moment that she shared with her son.

“I surprised Nikko in Seattle to celebrate his 24th birthday!” she captioned the video of the pair hugging. “What a surprise it was! Happy birthday my sweet son! I love you!”