Vanna White Dips Her Toes into Ink: "Wheel of Fortune" Star Gets First Tattoo at 68
Vanna White, the beloved co-host of the iconic game show "Wheel of Fortune," has officially ticked off a major item from her bucket list: getting her first ever tattoo. The 68-year-old television personality took to Instagram to share the exciting milestone with her fans, posting a heartwarming video of the experience alongside her daughter, tattoo artist Giovanna "Gigi" Santo Pietro.
The video captures the lead-up to the momentous occasion, starting with White assuring her followers that this wasn’t a case of familial pressure. "She’s not making me do this. It’s my choice," White playfully states in the video, setting a lighthearted tone for the adventure ahead. Mother and daughter then ventured into Lincoln Tattoo Company in Venice, California, where Gigi expertly wields her tattoo gun.
The behind-the-scenes footage reveals the sentimental motivation behind White’s decision. She explained to Gigi that she chose a heart design on her wrist so that she could see it every day and be reminded of her daughter, the artist behind the ink. This touching gesture underscored the strong bond between the two women and the enduring power of maternal love. White shares Gigi, 28, and son Nikko, 30, with her ex-husband, George Santo Pietro.
The process of selecting the perfect heart was filled with a mix of excitement and understandable nervousness. As they discussed the shape and color, White confessed, "I’m shaking," revealing a touch of pre-tattoo jitters. After careful consideration, she opted for a delicate pink outline for the heart, describing it as having "a little salmon in it too."
Despite initial reservations about watching the needle at work, White quickly adapted to the experience. "I don’t if I can watch. I might pass out," she initially quipped. However, as Gigi began the tattooing process, White surprised herself by mouthing "I don’t feel anything" to the camera. When asked by her daughter about the sensation, she confirmed she felt "nothing," seemingly proving her initial anxiety unfounded.
Overcome with joy and excitement, White exclaimed, "I’ve been wanting to do this for a really long time. I really have. I’m so happy." Upon completion, she was visibly thrilled with the result, declaring, "It looks perfect. It’s just what I wanted." She further expressed her heartfelt sentiment in the Instagram caption, writing, "I will think of her every time I look at it."
The post quickly garnered attention and support from fans and colleagues alike. Among those chiming in was White’s "Wheel of Fortune" co-host, Ryan Seacrest, who commented, "Love it. Now this is making me want one…" His enthusiastic response highlights the contagious nature of White’s excitement and the growing popularity of tattoos as a form of self-expression.
This heartwarming tattoo experience comes on the heels of another viral moment for the White family. Recently, White’s son, Nikko, unexpectedly became an internet sensation after she shared a video of them cooking dinner together on her Instagram account. The video sent fans into a frenzy, with many expressing their admiration for Nikko’s looks.
"I recently posted a video of me and my son, Nikko, cooking, and it got a lot of response," White recounted on a recent episode of "Wheel of Fortune," clearly amused by the attention. Seacrest jokingly intervened, explaining to White that "the kids are calling Nikko a thirst trap," noting that the white shirt he wore in the video was a little snug. He playfully suggested that Nikko had purchased the shirt from the "Baby Gap."
He assured White that the online reaction was overwhelmingly positive, telling her that people "found him strikingly good-looking." Comments under White’s post included declarations like "Vanna where have you been hiding Nikko? He’s GORGEOUS," and "Your son is hot!!!"
Nikko himself addressed the unexpected attention in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, calling the response "flattering." "People see me as this heartthrob, and they’re thirsty for me and all this stuff," he explained with a good-natured laugh. He added, "I love it all, but at the same time, it’s really good to remember the meaningful things in life and just kind of dial it back, doing a lot of charity work, working hard every day."
Nikko’s thoughtful response underscores the importance of staying grounded despite online fame and using one’s platform for good. His dedication to charity work and hard work sets a positive example for his generation and showcases the values instilled in him by his mother.
Vanna White’s decision to get her first tattoo at 68 is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to pursue new experiences and embrace personal milestones. Her willingness to share this intimate moment with her fans further solidifies her reputation as a relatable and beloved figure in the entertainment industry. The tattoo, a small pink heart, serves as a permanent reminder of her love for her daughter and the special bond they share. And with her son Nikko capturing hearts online, it’s clear that the White family is continuing to make waves and bring joy to audiences around the world.
