Donnie Wahlberg has spent decades in the public eye, shifting from a pop icon in New Kids on the Block to a gritty television detective in Blue Bloods. Yet, outside of his professional career, public interest centers heavily on his personal life and relationship status. If you're wondering about Donnie Wahlberg's love life and who holds the title of his wife, the answer is actress, model, and television personality Jenny McCarthy.
The couple has built one of Hollywood's most visible yet surprisingly resilient marriages. Beyond the red carpets and reality TV appearances, their relationship involves a blend of blended family dynamics, public scrutiny, and a deeply committed partnership that defies typical celebrity timelines.
Who Is Donnie Wahlberg Married To?
Donnie Wahlberg is married to Jenny McCarthy. The pair tied the knot on August 31, 2014, in an intimate ceremony held at the Hotel Baker in St. Charles, Illinois. Unlike many whirlwind celebrity romances that fizzle out within months, Wahlberg and McCarthy have maintained a steady union spanning over a decade.
Jenny McCarthy brought her own established career to the relationship. First rising to prominence in the 1990s as a model and host on MTV's Singled Out, McCarthy transitioned into acting, writing, and hosting. Today, she is widely recognized for her role as a panelist on Fox's hit singing competition series The Masked Singer.
How Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy Met
The romance began in July 2013 when both appeared as guests on Andy Cohen's late-night Bravo talk show, Watch What Happens Live. Sparks flew during their appearance, leading Wahlberg to ask McCarthy out on a date.
At the time, both were navigating post-divorce life and raising children from previous relationships. Wahlberg was previously married to Kim Fey from 1999 to 2008, with whom he shares two sons, Xavier and Elijah. McCarthy was previously married to director John Mallory Asher, with whom she shares her son, Evan. When they connected, they immediately bonded over their shared Midwestern roots, strong work ethics, and dedication to parenthood.
The Secret Behind Their Annual Vow Renewals
One of the most unique aspects of Donnie and Jenny's marriage is their tradition of renewing their wedding vows. While many couples reserve vow renewals for major milestones like a 25th or 50th anniversary, Wahlberg and McCarthy renew their vows every single year.
McCarthy revealed on Kelly Ripa's podcast that Donnie initially pushed for the tradition to keep their bond fresh and intentional. What started as a surprise gesture has turned into a decade-long streak. Wahlberg frequently orchestrates elaborate, secret setups—sometimes catching McCarthy completely off guard while she's wearing sweatpants and no makeup—complete with an officiant and a violinist.
Family Life and Blended Dynamics
Balancing demanding entertainment schedules with family life isn't always simple, but the couple has prioritized creating a stable home for their children. McCarthy has frequently spoken about how hands-on Wahlberg is as a stepfather to Evan, who was diagnosed with autism as a toddler.
The family splits their time between bustling production sets and a quieter home life, focusing heavily on mutual support. In recent years, the couple has also shared glimpses of their spiritual life together, highlighting shared milestones such as participating in personal baptisms and leaning on their faith to ground them amid Hollywood pressures.
You can read more about Donnie's television career and background on the CBS Blue Bloods Page or explore Jenny's current projects via Fox The Masked Singer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy been married?
They got married on August 31, 2014. They celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary in 2024 and continue to add to their streak of annual vow renewals.
Was Donnie Wahlberg married before meeting Jenny McCarthy?
Yes. Donnie was previously married to Kim Fey from 1999 until their divorce was finalized in 2008. They share two sons together.
Do Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy have children together?
They do not have biological children together, but they share a blended family. Donnie has two sons from his first marriage, and Jenny has a son from her previous marriage to John Mallory Asher.
Where do Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy live?
While their work often requires travel to New York, Los Angeles, and various tour locations, the couple primarily maintains a home base in the Chicago area, closer to McCarthy's extended family.
