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The Two Wives: Unpacking Donnie Wahlberg's Complete Marriage History And Blended Family Life

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Donnie Wahlberg, the multi-talented star of Blue Bloods and founding member of the iconic boy band New Kids on the Block, has had two significant marriages that have shaped his personal life and public image. As of late 2025, Wahlberg is famously and happily married to television personality, actress, and author Jenny McCarthy, a relationship that has become a staple of pop culture and a subject of frequent media coverage.

However, before his highly publicized union with McCarthy, the Boston native was married for over a decade to his first wife, Kimberly Fey, with whom he shares his two biological sons. Understanding the full scope of his romantic life requires a look at both women who have stood by the entertainer through different phases of his successful, decades-long career.

Donnie Wahlberg: A Quick Biography and Profile

Donald Edmond Wahlberg Jr. was born on August 17, 1969, in Dorchester, Massachusetts. He is the eighth of nine children, including younger brother and fellow actor Mark Wahlberg.

  • Full Name: Donald Edmond Wahlberg Jr.
  • Born: August 17, 1969 (Age 56 in 2025)
  • Birthplace: Dorchester, Massachusetts, U.S.
  • Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Producer
  • Known For: New Kids on the Block (NKOTB), Detective Danny Reagan on Blue Bloods, the Saw film franchise, and the reality show Wahlburgers.
  • First Wife: Kimberly Fey (m. 1999; div. 2010)
  • Current Wife: Jenny McCarthy (m. 2014)
  • Children: Xavier Alexander Wahlberg and Elijah Hendrix Wahlberg (with Kim Fey), and Stepson Evan Asher (Jenny McCarthy's son).

The First Chapter: Marriage to Kimberly Fey (1999–2010)

Donnie Wahlberg’s first wife was Kimberly Fey, a professional American recording engineer. Their relationship began long before they officially tied the knot, with the couple dating for eight years before their wedding.

A Private Union and the Birth of His Sons

Wahlberg and Fey were married on August 20, 1999, in a private ceremony. Their marriage was a relatively quiet affair, especially compared to the high-profile nature of his current relationship. They welcomed two sons during their time together: Xavier Alexander Wahlberg and Elijah Hendrix Wahlberg.

  • Xavier Alexander Wahlberg: Born in 1993, Xavier is the eldest son.
  • Elijah Hendrix Wahlberg: Born in 2001.

Their sons have reportedly inherited their father’s passion for music and have even begun to carve out their own paths in the entertainment industry. The initial marriage lasted for nine years before the couple decided to separate.

The Divorce and Co-Parenting Arrangement

Wahlberg and Fey both filed for divorce in August 2008, citing irreconcilable differences. The legal proceedings concluded in 2010, marking the end of their marriage. Despite the split, the former couple share joint custody of their two sons and have maintained a stable co-parenting relationship, prioritizing the well-being of Xavier and Elijah.

The Second Chapter: A High-Profile Romance with Jenny McCarthy

Following his divorce, Donnie Wahlberg entered a new, highly visible relationship with actress, model, and television host Jenny McCarthy. The two first met in July 2013 when Wahlberg appeared as a guest on McCarthy’s talk show, The Jenny McCarthy Show. Sparks immediately flew, and their chemistry was undeniable, leading to a whirlwind romance.

The Wedding and Decade of Partnership

After a year of dating, the couple announced their engagement and were married shortly thereafter. Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy tied the knot on August 31, 2014, in a beautiful ceremony at the Hotel Baker in St. Charles, Illinois. The wedding was a star-studded event, further cementing their status as one of Hollywood's power couples.

As of late 2025, the couple has been married for over 11 years, and their relationship appears to be stronger than ever. They often share glimpses of their life together on social media, showcasing their fun-loving dynamic and mutual support for each other's careers, including McCarthy's role as a "cheerleader" for Wahlberg's ventures like the spin-off show Boston Blue.

Building a Blended Family

One of the central themes of their marriage is the successful integration of their children from previous relationships, forming a happy blended family. Donnie brought his two sons, Xavier and Elijah, into the marriage, while Jenny brought her son, Evan Asher, from her previous marriage to actor John Asher. The couple has often spoken publicly about the challenges and rewards of merging their families, emphasizing open communication and mutual respect as keys to their success.

The Wahlberg-McCarthy blended family is frequently featured in their social media posts, demonstrating a close bond between the siblings and the supportive parenting partnership between Donnie and Jenny. They have made a conscious effort to ensure all three boys feel loved and equally prioritized.

What Makes Their Current Marriage So Strong?

The longevity of Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy’s marriage, especially in the entertainment world, is often attributed to several key factors that they have openly discussed in recent interviews:

  • Mutual Support: Wahlberg has credited McCarthy with helping him find peace and a new perspective, especially regarding his work and past mistakes. McCarthy, in turn, is his biggest supporter, famously calling herself his "kite strings" that keep him grounded while he soars.
  • Shared Humor and Chemistry: Their relationship is defined by a playful, high-energy chemistry that was evident from their first meeting. They are known for their lively interactions and shared sense of humor.
  • Prioritizing Quality Time: Despite their hectic schedules with NKOTB tours, Blue Bloods filming, and Jenny's television work, they make time for each other, often celebrating their anniversary with romantic getaways.
  • Acceptance of His Past: Wahlberg has noted that McCarthy is not jealous of his devoted New Kids on the Block fanbase, a level of acceptance that has contributed to a stable and trusting partnership.

In summary, Donnie Wahlberg’s romantic journey has involved two distinct marriages: the decade-long, private partnership with recording engineer Kimberly Fey, which resulted in his two sons, and his current, highly visible, and deeply supportive marriage to Jenny McCarthy, which created a loving blended family. Both relationships are integral to the man and public figure he is today.

who was donnie wahlberg married to
who was donnie wahlberg married to

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