Celebrity power couple Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy opened the doors to their modest home, revealing a space filled with love and family values. Donnie is devoted to his stepson, who has autism. The couple works together to provide a safe and nurturing environment for Evan.
Actor and musician Donnie Wahlberg had a difficult upbringing, growing up on the streets with eight siblings and relying on food stamps. However, his parents instilled values in him, teaching him the importance of love and family.
This made him an exceptional stepfather to his 21-year-old stepson, Evan Joseph Asher, who has autism. He and his wife, Jenny McCarthy, reside in a warm and inviting home, and their humble abode is a testament to their love for their family.
Wahlberg was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up in a gritty neighborhood where money was scarce. If he or one of his eight siblings fell ill, there was no going to the doctor.
However, they made do with what they had, and their parents, Alma Wahlberg and Donald Wahlberg Sr., shared crucial life lessons. They taught the future Hollywood star that happiness was not found in material wealth but in the support of those closest to him.
This message stayed with the actor throughout his life and influenced his decisions and relationships. He recalled Christmas time as a child, and despite having very little money for gifts, the festive season was one of his favorites.
Wahlberg’s family had enough love to go around, and he explained that while their wish lists were never fulfilled, they still shared many precious moments. He added:
“Christmas was tough sometimes. We didn’t always get a lot of stuff, but that moment, the nine kids, literally sitting together on the steps waiting for our parents to come out and say, ‘OK, go down!’ It’s probably one of the greatest memories of my life.”
Wahlberg has supported many philanthropic projects since his rise to fame, and his generosity came from his experiences with poverty. The actor credits his parents for teaching him the foundation of love, family, and selflessness.
The star’s upbringing led him to seek a life filled with good values. His search paid off when he found the love of his life, McCarthy, with whom he has built a solid and loving relationship.
Wahlberg always desired a happy family, and his marriage to the actress, television host, and activist has given him precisely that.
The couple’s love story was written in the stars, and Wahlberg shared an unforgettable moment from his time dating McCarthy. He told her he had never watched the iconic film “The Sound of Music,” so she immediately played him the song “Edelweiss.”
It was a romantic moment, and the actor knew he was falling in love. McCarthy also confirmed her affection for Wahlberg and expressed:
“It was ethereal. I saw no one and heard no one because I was locked in his eyes. It was like a confirmation that we were exactly where we were supposed to be. It was confirmation that, ‘This is the love of my life. This is the one.'”
The happy couple has blended their families and is raising McCarthy’s 21-year-old son together. Evan’s health required Wahlberg to step up and be there for him—the Hollywood icon didn’t disappoint.
The “Blue Bloods” actor has been an amazing father and understands the importance of being there for his stepson. He did not shy away from parental responsibility.
Meanwhile, McCarthy also adores her stepkids, Xavier and Elijah. They were from Wahlberg’s first marriage with his ex-wife, Kimberly Fey.
Wahlberg shared his admiration and gratitude for the wonderful woman he had by his side. According to him, McCarthy is a wonderful wife, mother, and stepmom. He stated:
“She’s a great partner, and to simplify it, having someone to build traditions with my children and it being Jenny is probably the thing I’m most grateful for.”
Wahlberg is grateful for how McCarthy has seamlessly blended into his family and become integral to building new traditions with his children. One of the exciting things about their family dynamic is how they connect with their children differently.
The beloved actor explained that his son is more reserved and intellectual, while McCarthy’s son is more affectionate and open with his emotions. He shared that he has found a way to connect with Evan in a way he doesn’t with his own kids.
Wahlberg undoubtedly holds his wife in high regard and is thankful for their life together. He recognizes the importance of having someone supportive in his corner and is grateful for the connection he shares with his loved ones.
The entertainer shared that he is most grateful for the family he and Jenny have built together. He hopes his kids would pass their unique traditions on to their own children one day.
The family lives in a lovely home in St. Charles, Illinois, and despite his celebrity status, Wahlberg has always kept his home life low-key. He stated that his house is not “extravagant” but reflects the love and family values that are so important to him.
The home is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for the family to relax and enjoy each other’s company. The couple took their time renovating the space and didn’t have furniture for a while because of their messy teenage kids.
Wahlberg and McCarthy worked their way through the home room by room and hired Chicago-based designer John Wolf to help. While the actor described his residence as modest, nothing about the home was boring.
The five-bedroom Tudor-inspired abode felt like home the minute the couple walked through the door. They wanted a comfortable and functional space, a retreat from their fast-paced world, and they found it.
The home is a symbol of Wahlberg and McCarthy’s love for each other, and at the entrance hung a framed print with a message they valued, “Start each day with a grateful heart.” The singer explained:
“I stop here every morning and reflect on how thankful we are to have found each other and to live in this house with the people we love the most.”
Photos of the couple and their beautiful family are scattered around the house, giving it a homey feeling. Inside Wahlberg’s office are various awards from his acting and singing career, but those aren’t what makes him happiest. He shared:
“The proudest things in here always have to do with family. Jenny, Evan, and my kids.”
The couple is overjoyed at the progress they have made on their dream home. They recalled the early days of their relationship when they both shared their longing for a simple life in a small town with their children.
Due to their hectic work schedules, it seemed impossible, but they never gave up on their hopes. They promised to make it a reality, and now, they are surrounded by the ones they love.
“We’re grateful for every bit of it,” Wahlberg said, and in a video tour of their home, a smile grew on the star’s face as he looked around the house he had worked so hard to create.
Wahlberg and his stepson share a bond that has only grown stronger while creating memories together in their dream home. The actor has always relished being a great dad, and his relationship with Evan is no exception.
When he proposed to McCarthy, he made sure Evan was part of the surprise. In a touching moment, Evan presented his mom with cards spelling out, “Will you marry?” before Wahlberg appeared wearing a shirt that read, “Me.” The moment brought tears to everyone’s eyes, and McCarthy immediately said yes.
Evan’s excitement about the engagement was evident as he proudly declared, “I have another dad!” to everyone in the room. Meanwhile, McCarthy couldn’t be happier with her new family and felt “like the luckiest girl in the world.” She expressed gratitude to Wahlberg, describing him as “so wonderful.”
Wahlberg’s close relationship with his stepson is a testament to the love and care that goes into creating a family and how great he is as a father. Thus, on Father’s Day in 2019, McCarthy made sure to mark the day with a heartfelt tribute to her son’s loving stepfather.
On Instagram, McCarthy shared a black-and-white photo of the couple and a message that spoke volumes about the kind of dad Wahlberg is. She wrote that Wahlberg gave their children someone to admire, respect, and look up to.
She credited him for being an “amazing father” on top of his other accomplishments. She also expressed gratitude for sharing her life, love, and parenthood with him.
Despite Wahlberg’s busy schedule and public persona, he remains a devoted family man and a great role model to his children. In honor of Father’s Day, he made a rare exception and shared two heartfelt photos on social media.
In the caption, he expressed his gratitude for the honor of being a father, describing it as the most critical responsibility a man can have in his lifetime.
He recognized the millions of other men who share this privilege and encouraged them to continue doing their very best, assuring them it will always be good enough.
The first photo with a throwback feel showed the singer with his two sons, capturing a special moment from their childhood. The second photo showed him helping Evan put on a tie, highlighting his dedication to being there for his children, no matter what.
The star maintains a happy family despite his difficult upbringing. He and his wife have built a beautiful home that reflects their love and family values.
Wahlberg is a strong advocate for actively engaging with his children and working to be the best father he can be. Social media posts and personal anecdotes show that Donnie takes great pride in being a dad and cherishes the memories and experiences he shares with his precious children.
For Wahlberg, providing a safe and joyful environment for his loved ones is important. He does everything he can to ensure his blended family experiences the priceless gift of unconditional love.
