A year after becoming an overnight internet sensation, Vanna White’s son, Nikko Santo Pietro, has once again made headlines by confirming he is in a new relationship, shifting from his previous status as the internet’s most eligible bachelor.
The internet loves a good surprise, and a year ago, it found one in Vanna White’s son, Nikko Santo Pietro. After a simple cooking video with his mother went viral, Nikko was quickly crowned the internet’s new boyfriend. Now, over a year later, the 31-year-old is back in the spotlight, revealing an update on his personal life that will undoubtedly pique the interest of his legions of fans.
The Unexpected Rise to Internet Stardom
In December 2024, a casual Instagram post changed everything for Nikko Santo Pietro. His mother, the iconic Vanna White of Wheel of Fortune, shared a video of them cooking white wine chicken thighs together. What was meant to be a fun family moment quickly exploded across social media, with fans swooning over Nikko’s good looks and charming demeanor.
Comments flooded in, proclaiming him “gorgeous” and “very easy on my eyes.” This spontaneous act of cooking earned Nikko nearly 24,000 Instagram followers and the unofficial title of “internet’s boyfriend.” The Los Angeles-based real estate agent quickly found his new-found fame beneficial for his business, mixing real estate content with occasional cooking videos.
“I’ve been recognized multiple times, which is really odd to me just walking into the grocery store and people saying my name and shaking my hand and I’m like, ‘That’s crazy how big the reach was,’” Nikko shared with People in an October 2025 interview.
Nikko’s Evolving Relationship Status: A Timeline
Initially, after his viral fame, Nikko Santo Pietro confirmed he was off the market. Shortly after the December 2024 cooking video, he revealed to Entertainment Tonight that he had an “amazing girlfriend,” singer-songwriter Easa E. He proudly mentioned they had been together for a year, and she had even written a song about him. This news, however, didn’t stop fans from continuing to express their admiration.
Fast forward to October 2025, and Nikko’s relationship status has undergone a change. In his recent interview with People, the 31-year-old candidly shared, “I am seeing someone.” He elaborated, “So we started dating somewhat recently. So I would say right now things are moving well into the direction of me having a girlfriend.” This update suggests that his previous relationship with Easa E has concluded, and he is now navigating a new romantic chapter.
Vanna White’s Enduring Relationship Advice
Throughout Nikko’s journey, his mother, Vanna White, has remained a supportive and insightful presence. The 68-year-old Wheel of Fortune co-host, who shares Nikko and daughter Gigi (28) with ex-husband George Santo Pietro, offered timeless wisdom on relationships.
“I just say be yourself, listen to your heart, don’t listen to anybody else,” White told People. “I think we all know if you really listen to yourself, you know if it’s the right person or the wrong person, you just have to stay focused and be happy as long as you’re happy and healthy and that person makes you feel good and you feel good.”
White also emphasized her hands-off approach to her children’s dating lives: “I don’t ever put any pressure on my kids about who they’re dating. It’s their life and it’s their personality and their connection. So, I’m supportive in whatever choices they make.” Nikko playfully admitted he doesn’t “really think about my mother when I’m navigating my love life,” to which Vanna heartily agreed, adding, “Good answer.”
Lessons from a TV Icon
While Nikko Santo Pietro may navigate his romantic life independently, he acknowledges the invaluable lessons learned from his mother’s public presence. “She is always in good grace with the camera and the way that she carries herself,” he stated. “So the biggest lesson that I’ve learned is really, number one, be yourself, which means be authentic and speak your truth, and then just be ready for anything.”
This philosophy of authenticity has served him well, both in his personal life and in handling the unexpected surge of public attention. From being a private real estate agent to a recognizable public figure, Nikko’s journey highlights the unpredictable nature of viral fame and the importance of staying true to oneself.
What’s Next for the Internet’s Formerly Single Sweetheart?
As Nikko Santo Pietro continues to build his real estate career and navigate a new relationship, his fans will undoubtedly be watching. His story is a testament to how quickly social media can catapult an ordinary individual into the spotlight, transforming them from a familiar face in a family photo to a genuine internet phenomenon. While he may no longer be the “internet’s boyfriend” in the single sense, his charm and genuine nature suggest his connection with the online community will endure.
