Donnie Wahlberg’s Family, Relationships, and Friends: Everything You Need to Know
Donnie Wahlberg was born in Boston in 1969. He became known for his roles in music and film. For him, family, relationships, and friends have shaped much of his life both publicly and privately.
Family and Background
Donnie Wahlberg grew up in a large family in Boston, Massachusetts, as the eighth of nine children. His parents, Alma Elaine and Donald Edmond Wahlberg Sr., raised their children in a close-knit home until their divorce in 1982.
His siblings include Mark, Robert, and Paul, who are known in the entertainment and culinary industries. Donnie often spoke about the importance of family while balancing his career in entertainment.
Wahlberg married Jenny McCarthy, an actress and comedian, on August 31, 2014. They met in 2013 on the set of her VH1 talk show, The Jenny McCarthy Show. Their wedding took place in St. Charles, Illinois.
Donnie has two sons, Xavier and Elijah. His children are from his previous marriage to Kimberly Fey, which lasted from 1999 to 2010. Both children are biological. Jenny McCarthy has a son from her own previous relationship.
Family members have careers across acting, music, and food businesses, making for a varied household background.
| Name | Relation | Birth Year |
|---|---|---|
| Alma Elaine | Mother | 1942 |
| Donald E. Wahlberg Sr. | Father | 1930 |
| Mark Wahlberg | Brother | 1971 |
| Robert Wahlberg | Brother | 1967 |
| Paul Wahlberg | Brother | 1964 |
| Xavier Alexander Wahlberg | Son | 1993 |
| Elijah Hendrix Wahlberg | Son | 2001 |
| Jenny McCarthy | Wife | 1972 |
Relationships in His Life
Wahlberg married Kimberly Fey in 1999. She was an audio engineer and singer. The couple had two children together, Xavier and Elijah. They met through mutual work in music and started dating before marrying. Their relationship ended in divorce in 2010 due to irreconcilable differences.
After his divorce, Donnie met Jenny McCarthy in 2013. Their professional encounter on her talk show turned into a romantic partnership, leading to their marriage in 2014. Jenny is known for her television, film, and advocacy work.
Donnie has no publicly known boyfriends or male partners. His marriages have both been to women in the entertainment business and have drawn media attention.
Both of his serious relationships produced children—two sons with Kimberly. Donnie and Jenny have joined families but do not have children together.
| Name | Relationship Type | Time Period |
|---|---|---|
| Kimberly Fey | Ex-wife | 1991-2010 |
Friends and Companions
Wahlberg’s closest friends include Danny Wood, his high school friend and fellow New Kids on the Block member. Their friendship began during their teenage years at Copley High School, where they started a rap group.
Jordan Knight and Jonathan Knight also became friends through the formation of New Kids on the Block. These bonds extended beyond music and continue to this day. The lifelong friendships often blend personal and professional lines.
Mark Wahlberg, Donnie’s brother, is also a close companion. Although they have separate careers, they have shared public support. These relationships have remained mostly unchanged over the years.
In the entertainment world, Wahlberg’s friendships often overlap with his career, fostering lasting connections. There are no known reasons for the end of any key friendships in his public life.
| Name | Known Since | Profession |
|---|---|---|
| Danny Wood | 1980s | Musician |
| Jordan Knight | 1980s | Musician |
| Jonathan Knight | 1980s | Musician |
| Mark Wahlberg | 1971 (birth) | Actor |
