Miguel Angel Rosich Abandoned Vanna White as a Kid – What We Know about Him

Miguel Angel Rosich was Vanna White's biological father, who was married to her late mother, Joan Marie Nicholas White. Joan later remarried Herbert Stackley White Jr., who would adopt Vanna as his own.

From a young age, Vanna White knew she wanted to be a TV star. She pursued that dream in her early 20s, and by 25, she got her big break on "Wheel of Fortune" as host, a role she's held down for decades.

Having become accustomed to living under the spotlight, Vanna has shared insight into her background and personal life. She was born in her mother's first marriage to Miguel Angel Rosich in 1957. Vanna initially went by Vanna Marie Rosich, but that was until after her father left.

Miguel Angel Rosich's Little Known Involvement in Vanna White's Life

Miguel drew his first breath in Ponce, Puerto Rico, in 1926. He and Joan separated when Vanna was a baby, and he wasn't a part of their lives afterward. It's unknown if he and Vanna ever attempted to cultivate a relationship, but Miguel died in 1987 in his early 60s.

Little else is known about his life, but Joan moved on and married Herbert Stackley White Jr., who raised Vanna and remained close to her until he died in early 2022. Herbert Jr. was a real estate agent and the owner of White's Realty. He lived in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

"He lived a full and happy life and will be remembered as one of the kindest and most wonderful human beings of North Myrtle Beach. I love you so much, Dad. RIP," Vanna wrote of Herbert on the morning of his death in April.

Vanna White's Enduring Relationship with Herbert Stackley Jr.

Vanna lost her mother to ovarian cancer in July 1980. Joan was born in Syracuse, New York, on June 2, 1936. She was the adoptive daughter of Luther Nicholas and Albertene Nicholas. In addition to Vanna, she had a son named Chip White.

Joan was still married to Herbert when she died. According to online public records, she was cremated, and her ashes were scattered at sea. Her husband later found new love and married Paulina Bayne White.

Herbert had more children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, but his bond with Vanna remained strong. In 2021, Vanna revealed she still called him every morning to wish him a good one and to tell him she loved him.

She frequently shared sweet memories and tributes in Herbert's honor. "#HappyFathersDay to my amazing 95-year-old dad and to ALL the wonderful fathers celebrating today!" she wrote in June 2021. She posted another Father's Day tribute in 2023, penning:

"Happy Father's Day to all the dads in the world! And to my sweet dad… I miss you every day."

Miguel Angel Rosich's Grandchildren Born to Vanna White

Vanna was married to George Santo Pietro between 1990 and 2002, after which George moved on to Melissa Mascari. The pair welcomed two children, their son, Nikko Santo Pietro, born in June 1994, and their daughter, Giovanna "Gigi" Santo Pietro, born in July 1997.

Nikko graduated with a Bachelor's in Agricultural Sciences. In June 2023, shortly after celebrating his 29th birthday, he revealed he had quit his job and was considering joining the real estate sector, among other options. Giovanna, now a tattoo artist, studied photography.