LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: ‘Wheel of Fortune’ longtime host Vanna White recently shared rarely seen photos of her daughter, Gigi Santo Pietro, following her 26th birthday. The TV personality has reportedly been pushing the 'Wheel of Fortune' producers for a well-deserved pay raise after Ryan Seacrest hosted the show.
Following the announcement of Ryan Seacrest as the successor host of 'Wheel of Fortune,' longtime letter-turner Vanna White has hired a lawyer to demand an increase in her salary. Despite taking this bold action, the co-host to Pat Sajak on the popular game show has shared heartwarming photos of herself with her daughter, Gigi Santo Pietro. Vanna shares Gigi with her former partner and businessman, George Santo Pietro.
Sneak-peak to ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Vanna White’s daughter
The 66-year-old host, Vanna White, recently shared four heartwarming photos with her daughter, Gigi Santo Pietro, to celebrate Gigi's 26th birthday. In the pictures, Vanna appeared joyful, wearing a patterned top, while her brunette daughter looked radiant in white. Vanna took to social media to express her love for her beautiful, sweet, and talented daughter, Gigi, with the caption, “Happy 26th Birthday to my beautiful, sweet and talented daughter! I love you Gigi!”
Vanna shares her two children, 26-year-old Gigi and 29-year-old son Nikko, with her ex-husband George Santo Pietro, who is a restaurant owner. The couple divorced in 2002. Since 2012, Vanna has been in a relationship with contractor John Donaldson, whom she describes as, “He is kind, understanding and lets me be kind,” according to Closer Weekly. Meanwhile, Gigi works at a tattoo studio in Venice, California, where she showcases her stick-and-poke illustrations on her Instagram account. Despite their busy lives, Vanna and Gigi share a special bond and continue to cherish their mother-daughter relationship, as seen through their social media posts.
Vanna White goes big
Recent reports have been making headlines about Vanna White's future on Wheel of Fortune. It was announced that Ryan, aged 48, will take over as the show's host, replacing the current host Pat Sajak, who is 76, in June 2024. News outlets have also reported that Vanna wishes to continue her role on the show alongside Ryan and is seeking a pay raise. According to TMZ, Vanna's current salary is around $3 million per year, which has reportedly remained the same for the past 18 years. In contrast, Pat is said to earn approximately $15 million annually. Negotiations between Vanna and Sony have become reportedly "very difficult," with an insider emphasizing that "after 41 years as a model employee and being more of the face of the show than him [Pat], asking for 50 percent of what he makes seems like a no-brainer." Another source claimed that the hostess "feels like it's a statement for all women" and is reportedly negotiating for "a fair minimum."
To address the pay discrepancy, Vanna has reportedly enlisted the services of high-powered litigator Bryan Freedman, who is known for representing individuals such as former ‘Jeopardy!’ producer-turned-brief host Mike Richards. According to Entertainment Weekly, the co-hosts are currently in negotiations, and as of now, no deal has been reached.
