Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg met after their long marriages ended. They formed a close family and stayed deeply in love. Wahlberg enjoys being a stepdad to Evan Asher, his autistic stepson and supports him in college and music.
Jenny McCarthy started as a model and is now an actress and beloved TV personality. She met her first husband, John Asher, on the set of the movie “Diamonds” in 1999. Things went fast between them; they married that same year and soon had their first son, Evan.
After six years of marriage, McCarthy filed for divorce in 2005, citing irreconcilable differences. In her book, “Louder than Words: A Mother’s Journey in Healing Autism,” she shared the details that led to the end of her marriage.
Before her son’s autism diagnosis, doctors believed he had epilepsy, a belief McCarthy shared until another doctor confirmed Evan’s autism. The actress admitted she couldn’t believe the diagnosis initially, but she accepted it. Though it was heartbreaking, she was determined to do whatever it took to help her son.
McCarthy researched and discovered that autism could be treated. This realization gave her the strength to find the right help for Evan, her son. Despite being unaware of Evan’s condition initially, he remained the sweet boy who loved giving hugs and kisses.
To support Evan’s well-being, McCarthy introduced a diet free from wheat, dairy, and artificial additives to cleanse his body. Throughout this challenging journey, McCarthy emphasized that hope, faith, and recovery were the driving forces that kept her going.
While grappling with Evan’s diagnosis, McCarthy also faced challenges in her marriage. Eventually, the couple decided to separate, with Asher moving out, and McCarthy taking on the responsibility of paying for her son’s medical bills alone.
During this time, McCarthy was solely focused on Evan’s recovery, not caring about getting married or finding love again. Her primary concern was imagining a future where Evan could say, “I love you, mommy.”
Recalling the moment when Asher moved out and informed their son about living in another house, McCarthy shared that Evan was upset and simply stared at his father.
Switching to the love story of Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg, the musician and New Kids on the Block founding member fell for McCarthy in 2012. However, he only asked her out a year later when they crossed paths again on “The Jenny McCarthy Show.”
McCarthy and Wahlberg fell in love swiftly, tying the knot in 2014. In 2021, marking their seventh anniversary, the couple chose to commemorate the occasion with a vow renewal.
Wahlberg, a dad to two sons, Xavier Alexandra and Elijah Hendrix, from his prior marriage to Kimberly Fey that concluded in 2010, praised McCarthy’s exceptional parenting skills. He expressed gratitude for having her as a life partner, creating family traditions, and demonstrating love to their kids.
Despite facing challenges as a single parent, Wahlberg couldn’t be more pleased that his children witnessed his growth from past relationships, evolving into a better husband and father. Now a father of three, he aims to pass down these valuable lessons.
Announcing her engagement on “The View,” McCarthy couldn’t contain her joy, wanting the world to share in the excitement of Wahlberg’s proposal. Wahlberg, thoughtful as ever, involved McCarthy’s son Evan in the special moment, creating a memory as they sat together, appreciating their happiness.
Evan handed her a paper with “Will,” then came back with another saying “You,” and McCarthy realized what was happening. The last paper had “marry,” with a misspelling that made it adorable. Wahlberg, wearing a shirt saying “Me?” proposed with a yellow sapphire diamond ring. McCarthy, already in tears, became emotional when her son shouted, “I am going to have a new daddy!”
This became a cherished memory for the blended family, followed by the wedding, where Evan played a crucial role. Wahlberg assisted Evan in getting ready, and the proud son walked his mother down the aisle, considering it the most important job.
Since Wahlberg became part of their lives, McCarthy and Evan have grown closer. The rapper taught his stepson things the actress couldn’t. Evan, now 20, receives love and support from both his stepfather, Wahlberg, and his biological father, Asher, who wants to be a better father after realizing his shortcomings.
Wahlberg’s support extends to helping with Evan’s college tuition, relieving McCarthy of a significant responsibility. Grateful, she acknowledged Wahlberg’s understanding of the challenges of single motherhood.
On “Donnie Loves Jenny,” McCarthy shared the relief of having Wahlberg engage in “boy things” with Evan. Wahlberg emphasized the importance of prioritizing marriage for a strong family foundation.
Celebrating Evan’s birthday, graduation, and achievements, Wahlberg expressed his love for his sons and shared family moments. Wahlberg, a successful musician since the 1980s, remains active in NKOTB, and Evan is following his steps with his first single, “It Doesn’t Matter.”
Wahlberg’s humility at autism events, standing as a stepfather, moved McCarthy. Although hesitant due to others’ efforts, he became an advocate, acknowledging the acceptance he received as a present stepfather with grace.
