Jenny McCarthy is married to actor and singer Donnie Wahlberg. The couple tied the knot on August 31, 2014, in a ceremony held at the Hotel Baker in St. Charles, Illinois. Since then, they have remained one of Hollywood's most visible pop-culture couples, frequently sharing details of their relationship through reality television and public appearances.
Understanding McCarthy's personal life requires looking beyond her current marriage to examine a broader history of high-profile relationships, past marriages, and co-parenting dynamics. Public curiosity often blends her current life with past partnerships, creating confusion about who she has wed over the years.
Donnie Wahlberg: The Current Husband
Donnie Wahlberg is widely recognized as a founding member of the iconic 1980s and 90s boy band New Kids on the Block and as a star of the long-running television drama Blue Bloods. He comes from a large, prominent Boston entertainment family, featuring actor brother Mark Wahlberg.
The pair crossed paths professionally over the years before connecting on a deeper level. Their romance officially sparked in July 2013 after McCarthy appeared as a guest on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, where Wahlberg was mentioned, leading to text messages and their first official date.
Relationship Milestones and Reality Television
After dating for less than a year, Wahlberg proposed to McCarthy with a massive yellow sapphire ring, with help from McCarthy's son, Evan. Their wedding was documented and later celebrated through various media platforms.
The couple even starred in their own A&E reality docuseries, Donnie Loves Jenny, which premiered in 2015. The show offered viewers an unfiltered look at their blended family life, wedding fallout, and the everyday adjustments of two high-profile public figures living together. They have maintained a strong public bond, often renewing vows or celebrating milestone anniversaries with grand themed parties.
Previous Marriage to John Mallory Asher
Before her marriage to Wahlberg, McCarthy was married to actor and director John Mallory Asher. The two met in late 1998 while working on the film Diamonds and married on September 11, 1999.
During their marriage, they welcomed their son, Evan Joseph Asher, born in May 2002. Evan's later diagnosis with autism became a defining advocacy cornerstone for McCarthy, who shifted much of her public platform toward autism awareness and alternative health research.
The marriage to Asher ended in divorce in September 2005. Despite the split, both parents remained dedicated to co-raising Evan through his developmental years.
The Jim Carrey Relationship: Clarifying Common Confusion
A frequent point of confusion in searches regarding Jenny McCarthy's marital history involves actor Jim Carrey. Many casual observers assume the two were married because of their long-term, high-visibility partnership.
McCarthy and Carrey began dating in December 2005, shortly after her divorce from Asher. They maintained a prominent romance for five years, frequently appearing on red carpets together and advocating side-by-side for autism awareness causes.
However, they were never legally married. McCarthy famously noted on talk shows during their relationship that they preferred cohabitating without a marriage certificate, stating they did not need a piece of paper to validate their commitment. The couple ultimately announced their amicable split via social media in April 2010.
Blended Family Dynamics
Both McCarthy and Wahlberg entered their 2014 marriage with children from prior relationships, creating a dynamic modern family.
- Evan Asher: McCarthy's son with John Asher, born in 2002. He has been central to McCarthy's life, with both she and Wahlberg sharing pride in his growth into adulthood.
- Wahlberg's Children: Donnie Wahlberg shares two sons, Xavier and Elijah, with his ex-wife Kim Fey, whom he was married to from 1999 to 2008.
The family structure requires balancing bicoastal schedules, television production commitments, and touring requirements for New Kids on the Block, yet the couple frequently emphasizes open communication as the bedrock of their household stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jenny McCarthy still married to Donnie Wahlberg?
Yes. The couple married on August 31, 2014, and remain married, frequently sharing updates about their relationship on social media and television.
How many times has Jenny McCarthy been married?
Jenny McCarthy has been married twice. Her first marriage was to director John Mallory Asher from 1999 to 2005, and her second marriage is to Donnie Wahlberg, whom she wed in 2014.
Did Jenny McCarthy ever marry Jim Carrey?
No. While McCarthy and Jim Carrey were in a serious relationship for five years from 2005 to 2010, they were never married.
How did Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg meet?
Though they crossed paths briefly in professional settings over the years, their romance officially ignited after McCarthy talked about Wahlberg on Watch What Happens Live in July 2013, prompting him to reach out and set up a date.