Jenny McCarthy has been married to actor and singer Donnie Wahlberg for over 11 years, following their wedding on August 31, 2014. Their relationship stands as one of Hollywood's more enduring high-profile partnerships, contrasting sharply with the intense media scrutiny and public breakups that characterized earlier chapters of McCarthy's romantic life.
Understanding the full scope of Jenny McCarthy's marital history requires looking at her first marriage to actor/director John Asher, her high-profile multi-year romance with Jim Carrey, and the foundational elements that helped her relationship with Wahlberg survive over a decade in the public eye.
The Marriage to Donnie Wahlberg: Timeline and Milestones
Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg crossed paths initially in 2012 during appearances on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, though Wahlberg didn't ask her out right away. They reconnected in March 2013 when Wahlberg appeared as a guest on The Jenny McCarthy Show. Chemistry sparked immediately, leading to a public romance.
- April 2014: McCarthy announced her engagement to Wahlberg live on The View, detailing a sweet proposal involving her son, Evan.
- August 31, 2014: The couple tied the knot at the historic Hotel Baker in St. Charles, Illinois, in front of roughly 90 guests. McCarthy's son walked her down the aisle.
- August 2024: The couple celebrated their 10-year wedding anniversary by returning to the Hotel Baker to renew their vows in a ceremony reflecting on a decade together.
Previous Marriages and Significant Relationships
Before finding stability with Wahlberg, McCarthy navigated several high-profile relationships and a prior marriage.
Marriage to John Asher (1999–2005)
McCarthy married actor and director John Asher in September 1999. The couple welcomed their son, Evan Joseph Asher, in May 2002. McCarthy and Asher separated in August 2005, finalizing their divorce later that year. Throughout their split, both maintained a primary focus on co-parenting and supporting their son, who was later diagnosed with autism—a journey McCarthy documented extensively in her books and public advocacy.
The Jim Carrey Era (2005–2010)
Following her divorce from Asher, McCarthy began a high-profile relationship with comedian Jim Carrey. The couple stayed together for nearly five years, becoming a fixture of tabloid headlines and advocating jointly for autism awareness. They announced their amicable split via social media in April 2010. While they shared a deep bond, they never married, and the relationship eventually dissolved due to personal paths drifting apart.
Donnie Wahlberg's Marital Background
Donnie Wahlberg brought his own family history into the relationship. He was married to Kim Fey for nine years, from 1999 until their split in 2008. Together, they share two sons, Xavier and Elijah. When Wahlberg and McCarthy united, they successfully blended their respective families, a factor McCarthy frequently cites as vital to their long-term compatibility.
Secrets to Longevity in Hollywood
Maintaining a Hollywood marriage for over a decade requires intentional effort. McCarthy and Wahlberg have been vocal about the practical strategies they use to keep their bond strong amidst busy touring, acting, and hosting schedules.
- Proactive Couples Therapy: Rather than waiting for a crisis, the couple opted to work with a therapist early on to establish healthy communication tools and understand how each other handles conflict.
- Prioritizing Quality Time: Despite demanding television schedules—including McCarthy's role on The Masked Singer and Wahlberg's extensive career in music and television—they carve out dedicated downtime away from cameras.
- Public Humor and Transparency: The couple leans into transparency, often sharing humorous glimpses of their daily life and public displays of affection, which helps demystify celebrity culture for their fan base.
You can read more about Donnie Wahlberg's career on Wikipedia or explore updates on TV Insider.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg been married?
They have been married since August 31, 2014, marking over 11 years of marriage.
Was Jenny McCarthy married before Donnie Wahlberg?
Yes, McCarthy was previously married to actor and director John Asher from 1999 to 2005.
Did Jenny McCarthy marry Jim Carrey?
No, McCarthy and Jim Carrey were in a long-term relationship from 2005 to 2010, but they never married.
Do Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg have children together?
They do not have children together, but they share and co-parent children from their respective previous relationships.
