When you think of Wayne Gretzky, the first thing that comes to mind is likely hockey greatness. The NHL legend, known as “The Great One,” holds unbreakable records, including most goals, assists, and points in league history. But behind the all-time great is a woman who has been there every step of the way—Janet Jones, his wife of over 35 years. Their story isn’t just one of sports stardom, but of enduring love, shared passions, and family-first values.
A Love Story That Started in Hollywood and Took Root in Hockey
Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones first crossed paths in 1981, when they were both 19 years old, on the set of the dance competition show Dance Fever. At the time, Jones was a dancer and rising actress, while Gretzky was invited as a celebrity judge. Though sparks didn’t fly immediately, fate had other plans.
Fast forward to 1987, when the two reconnected at a Los Angeles Lakers game. Jones was attending with a friend, and Gretzky was seated nearby with his pal, actor Alan Thicke. The group decided to go out for dinner after the game—and the rest, as Wayne put it, “was history.”
A Royal Wedding Fit for a Hockey King
Just a year later, in July 1988, Wayne and Janet tied the knot in a lavish ceremony at St. Joseph’s Cathedral Basilica in Edmonton, Alberta. Dubbed a “royal wedding” by CBC, the event drew massive crowds and media attention. More than 700 guests attended the ceremony, while thousands lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the couple. The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra even volunteered to play, a tribute to Gretzky’s contributions to local charities.
Their connection was instant and deep. “Our goals were the same in life,” Gretzky said in an interview. “Family was of number one importance.”
Who Is Janet Jones?
Born and raised in Missouri, Janet Marie Jones grew up in a sports-loving family and was one of seven siblings. Her father, Robert, worked in the aviation industry and battled cancer for much of her early life before passing away when she was 15. That loss pushed Jones to pursue her dreams in entertainment.
At just 16, she won the Miss Dance of America contest, which led to a role on Dance Fever. She soon appeared in several 1980s films including Staying Alive, A Chorus Line, The Flamingo Kid, and Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach. She also had a notable role in American Siege (2022), acting alongside Bruce Willis and her son, Trevor Gretzky.
Despite her successful career, Jones always put family first. “Whether it’s golf, charades, or playing gin, we’re very competitive,” she once said. “But family is everything.”
Raising a Family of Athletes and Entertainers
After marrying in 1988, Wayne and Janet wasted no time starting a family. Their first child, Paulina Gretzky, was born just five months after the wedding, on December 19, 1988. Now a model, actress, and influencer, Paulina is married to professional golfer Dustin Johnson, a two-time major champion and one of the most successful golfers of his generation.
The Gretzkys went on to have four more children:
- Ty Gretzky (b. July 9, 1990) founded the Gretzky Hockey School alongside his father, teaching the fundamentals of the game to young players.
- Trevor Gretzky (b. September 14, 1992) was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and played minor league baseball before switching to acting. He has appeared in films like Mile 22 and Spiral.
- Tristan Gretzky (b. August 2, 2000) is a golfer who played for Pepperdine University before transferring to NYU, with interests in real estate.
- Emma Gretzky (b. March 28, 2003) is an accomplished tennis player who played for Southern Methodist University and has dabbled in acting like her mom.
Now grandparents, Wayne and Janet are lovingly known as “Honey and Papa” by their grandchildren. Janet often shares heartwarming posts about her grandkids on social media, including sweet birthday tributes and family photos.
Balancing Fame and Family Life
While Wayne was dominating the NHL and setting seemingly unbreakable records, Janet held down the fort at home. In interviews, Gretzky has credited her as the disciplinarian and the glue that held their family together.
“We had dinner together every night. Janet was the disciplinarian. If she said, ‘Wait till your dad gets home,’ they’d laugh,” he once joked. “She ran the show.”
Despite the demands of fame, the Gretzkys maintained a grounded, family-oriented lifestyle. They lived in Edmonton during Wayne’s early career and later moved to Los Angeles when he was traded to the Kings—a moment that shocked the hockey world but opened up new opportunities for both Wayne and Janet.
Net Worth and Legacy
As of 2025, Wayne Gretzky’s estimated net worth is around $250 million, stemming from his iconic NHL career, endorsement deals, coaching roles, and business ventures. Janet, while no longer active in film, continues to be involved in philanthropy and family-run initiatives.
Together, the couple has become an enduring symbol of love, loyalty, and longevity in a world where relationships often crack under the spotlight.
Final Thoughts
From their early days on the set of Dance Fever to raising five children and becoming grandparents, Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones have built a life rooted in mutual respect, love, and family values. While Wayne will forever be known as “The Great One” on the ice, at home, it’s clear Janet is equally legendary in her own right.