Donnie Wahlberg built two careers from scratch. He started as a boy band singer and grew into a respected television actor.
He co-founded New Kids on the Block in the 1980s. Decades later, he’s known just as well for playing a detective on Blue Bloods.
Music Career with NKOTB
Wahlberg helped form New Kids on the Block while still a teenager in Boston. The group became one of the biggest pop acts of its era.
Massive tours and chart-topping albums followed quickly. The band’s success gave Wahlberg a platform long before his acting career began.
NKOTB has reunited for tours well into recent years. Wahlberg still performs with the group, balancing music alongside his television work.
Acting Career and Blue Bloods
Wahlberg transitioned into film roles during the 1990s. Saw II and Ransom helped establish him as a serious dramatic actor.
His biggest role came later with Blue Bloods. He plays a New York police detective, a part that’s run for well over a decade.
The show turned him into a recognizable face for an entirely new audience. Many fans know him only as the Blue Bloods detective, not the former boy band member.
Donnie Wahlberg’s First Marriage
Before Jenny McCarthy, Wahlberg was married once before. That marriage shaped much of his family life today.
He married Kimberly “Kim” Fey in August 1999. They divorced in September 2010 after eleven years together.
Married Kim Fey on August 20, 1999
Welcomed son Xavier in 1993, before their marriage
Welcomed son Elijah in 2001, during their marriage
Divorced on September 28, 2010
Both sons remain close with their father today
Who Is Donnie Wahlberg’s Wife
Jenny McCarthy is Donnie Wahlberg’s wife. They’ve been married since 2014. McCarthy built her own career long before meeting Wahlberg. She worked as a model, actress, and television host across multiple decades.
Jenny McCarthy’s Career Background
McCarthy first gained public attention through modeling work in the early 1990s. That exposure opened doors into television soon after.
She hosted her own talk show for several years, building a loyal daytime audience. That same show eventually became the place where she met her future husband.
McCarthy later joined The Masked Singer as a judge. The role introduced her to a younger generation of viewers unfamiliar with her earlier career.
How Donnie and Jenny Met
Their love story didn’t start at a party or through mutual friends. It started live, on television. Wahlberg appeared as a guest on The Jenny McCarthy Show in 2013. The two had an instant, flirty chemistry on camera.
Both had recently come out of previous relationships at the time. That shared timing made the connection feel natural rather than rushed.
Marriage Timeline
Their relationship moved fast once it started. Within a year, they went from dating to married.
Milestone
Date
First met
2013
Got engaged
April 2014
Got married
August 31, 2014
Years married (2026)
Almost 12 years
Engagement happened just months after going public
Wedding took place less than a year and a half after meeting
Donnie and Jenny didn’t keep their wedding entirely private. They allowed cameras to document the lead-up and the ceremony itself.
The special aired on A&E under the title Donnie Loves Jenny. It gave fans a rare look into their relationship before the wedding day.
The show highlighted their playful dynamic and growing bond. It also set the tone for how openly the couple would share their life together going forward.
Their Unique Relationship Traditions
Most couples mark anniversaries quietly. Donnie and Jenny do something different every single year.
They renew their wedding vows annually instead of just celebrating with dinner. By recent counts, they’ve done this more than ten times since marrying.
Vow renewal happens every anniversary without fail
Tradition started shortly after their original wedding
Surprises occasionally accompany the renewal ceremony
The tradition has continued for over a decade
The Pillow Wall and Snoring Story
Not everything about their marriage is polished and romantic. Jenny has openly joked about one very real nightly struggle.
She’s mentioned building what she calls a “Great Wall of China” out of pillows between them at night. The barrier exists for one simple reason: his snoring.
Jenny has also said she wears large headphones to bed to block out the noise. The story has become one of their most relatable, talked-about quirks.
Family Life Together
Marriage brought more than just two people together. It blended two separate families into one household.
Xavier Wahlberg, Donnie’s older son
Elijah Wahlberg, Donnie’s younger son
Evan McCarthy, Jenny’s son from a previous relationship
A combined family of three children total
Donnie has spoken warmly about his role as a stepfather to Evan. He’s described Jenny as a devoted mother who balances all three children with care.
Faith and Shared Values
Faith plays a noticeable role in their relationship today. Donnie has referred to Jenny as his “sister in faith” in public comments.
Their date nights reportedly include watching faith-based programming together at home. Simple takeout dinners often replace big nights out, favoring comfort over spectacle.
Public Affection and Tributes
Donnie doesn’t shy away from public displays of affection online. His tributes to Jenny tend to draw attention every time he posts one.
For her birthday, he’s called her his “favorite girl” and “soul mate” in heartfelt posts. Fans frequently point to these tributes as relationship goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Donnie Wahlberg’s wife?
Jenny McCarthy, actress and former talk show host.
When did Donnie Wahlberg get married?
He married Jenny McCarthy on August 31, 2014.
Did Donnie Wahlberg have a previous wife?
Yes, he was previously married to Kim Fey.
How many children does Donnie Wahlberg have?
Two sons, Xavier and Elijah, plus stepson Evan.
How did Donnie and Jenny meet?
They met in 2013 on her talk show.
Conclusion
Donnie Wahlberg’s marriage to Jenny McCarthy has lasted over a decade, built on humor, faith, and yearly vow renewals. Their relationship blends two families and two very public careers into one steady partnership. From a televised wedding to playful stories about snoring, their marriage stays grounded in honesty and affection.
Hayat has 10 years of experience creating content on prayers, Bible and blessings. She runs celemagzines.com, sharing simple and meaningful spiritual guidance.
