Jillian Michaels, the renowned fitness expert, has always been an advocate for living life to its fullest, both in fitness and in personal relationships. Since her marriage to DeShanna Marie Minuto in 2022, the couple has become a prominent example of love, commitment, and adventure. Michaels and Minuto’s relationship has been a whirlwind of emotional milestones, from a private wedding in Africa to their lavish celebration in Venice, Italy. Here’s everything to know about Jillian Michaels’ wife, DeShanna Marie Minuto, and their beautiful journey together.
How Jillian Michaels and DeShanna Marie Minuto Met
Jillian and DeShanna’s love story began on Raya, the exclusive celebrity dating app. In 2018, shortly after Jillian’s split from her ex-fiancé Heidi Rhoades, she met DeShanna. The two quickly bonded, and by Christmas that year, Minuto shared a heartfelt black-and-white selfie of them enjoying wine together. Their relationship blossomed from there, with DeShanna posting on Instagram, “I ❤️ YOU @jillianmichaels,” marking a significant milestone in their journey.
DeShanna Marie Minuto: Fashion Designer and Former D1 Athlete
DeShanna Marie Minuto, originally from New York City, is a multi-talented individual. She is a former Division 1 (D1) college athlete who, despite her athletic background, initially found Jillian’s fitness routines a challenge. Michaels, ever the motivating trainer, created a custom workout routine for Minuto, who soon went from struggling with soreness to running a mile in under eight minutes, much to Jillian’s pride.
Apart from her athletic abilities, DeShanna is also a fashion designer. In 2019, she launched her own clothing line, Letterino, which specializes in custom-reconstructed vintage jackets. Minuto’s entrepreneurial spirit and creative talent have made her a rising star in the fashion world.
A Shared Passion for Animals and Adventure
Beyond their professional lives, DeShanna and Jillian share a love for animals and adventure. DeShanna enjoys horseback riding and even has a fear of swimming with sharks—one that Jillian helped her conquer while diving in Belize. Minuto’s post about her experience swimming with sharks demonstrated how Jillian encourages her to push boundaries and embrace new experiences.
The couple shares their home with several pets, including two dogs and a cat that DeShanna rescued from an abandoned highway in Miami. Their mutual love for animals reflects their compassionate and caring personalities.
The Engagement: A Commitment to Forever
In 2021, Jillian Michaels proposed to DeShanna with a stunning 7-carat emerald-cut diamond ring, designed by a family friend at H&H Jewels in Miami. Michaels shared her joy with the world on Instagram, writing, “1153 days… here’s to thousands more. She said ‘yes.’” Their engagement was not just about the ring; it was a reflection of the deep connection they share.
Jillian spoke about their relationship in an interview with People, saying, “It’s easy to stay together when everything is going great, but when real life sets in and things get messy, challenging, scary, and even downright ugly—that’s when the truth reveals itself.” For Jillian, DeShanna had proven herself to be strong, wise, and loving beyond her wildest dreams.
A Private Elopement in Africa
Following their courthouse wedding in Miami in 2022, Jillian and DeShanna took a romantic trip to Namibia in Africa to elope. The couple chose to marry in a private ceremony with the Himba Tribe, a cultural experience that was both intimate and meaningful to them. The ceremony, which took place “under the stars,” was officiated by the tribe’s chief, and around 100 members of the Himba village joined the celebration. For Jillian, this was a deeply special experience, as she had never imagined that they would be welcomed into such a community, especially considering the cultural barriers regarding same-sex marriages.
In a post-wedding message, DeShanna expressed her joy, writing, “We did it! 👰♂️ Jillian Michaels, I love you madly. And I’m right where I belong, home where the heart is with you, Lukensia & Phoenix.”
A Dreamy Wedding Celebration in Italy
Their love story continued to unfold with a grand three-day wedding celebration in Venice, Italy, in June 2023. The festivities were held at the Aman hotel, a palazzo on the Grand Canal, and saw DeShanna in a breathtaking Zuhair Murad gown while Jillian wore a black dress with sheer sleeves. The wedding was a culmination of their love, marking a beautiful chapter in their relationship. Jillian expressed her love for her wife, saying, “She’s beautiful, she’s funny, and she’s so creative. But all that shiny stuff in the beginning doesn’t last. So what makes you say to yourself, ‘I want to walk alongside this human for the rest of my life’?”
Becoming Stepmoms and Building a Family
Jillian has two children, Lukensia and Phoenix, from her previous relationship with ex-fiancé Heidi Rhoades. DeShanna, as a stepmother, has had to navigate the challenges of blending families, which Jillian has spoken about on her podcast Keeping it Real. Although the beginning was tough, DeShanna has come through, and their family dynamic has strengthened over time. The couple’s love for their children and each other is evident as they build a life together.
Traveling the World Together
Jillian and DeShanna’s relationship has been filled with adventure, including traveling to various destinations around the world. From the beaches of the Galapagos Islands to the deserts of Namibia, their travels have been a testament to their shared love for exploration. The couple also enjoys snowboarding and horseback riding in Colorado and Wyoming. Jillian often shares their memories on Instagram, where she expressed her admiration for her wife on her birthday, highlighting their journeys together—from Ultra Miami to Yankee Stadium and everywhere in between.
A Future Full of Love and Adventure
Jillian and DeShanna’s love story is one of deep commitment, adventure, and mutual growth. Their relationship has blossomed through shared experiences, from fitness challenges to international travel, and their recent wedding celebrations show that they are in it for the long haul. As Jillian continues to be an influential voice in the world of fitness and DeShanna builds her fashion empire, the couple remains a shining example of love, support, and shared passion. Whether it’s a quiet moment at home or an adventure abroad, Jillian Michaels and DeShanna Marie Minuto are ready for whatever comes next, hand in hand.