The Love Story Between Wayne Gretzky and His Wife Janet Jones

Wayne Gretzky, often regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, and Wayne Gretzky's wife, Janet Jones, have been a power couple since their marriage in 1988. Gretzky, famously nicknamed "The Great One," left an indelible mark on the NHL, smashing records—including the most career points—while Jones made her name as an actress and dancer. The two first crossed paths when Gretzky was a judge on the TV dance competition Dance Fever, though their romance didn't spark until a few years later.

Over the years, they've supported each other's careers while creating a strong and loving family bond. Whether it's cheering on their kids, attending charity events or making appearances at major sports functions, this iconic couple continues to show the world what partnership looks like.

Want to know more about this famous couple and their journey together so far? Dive into Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones' relationship timeline, including details about their engagement, unforgettable wedding and the lives of their five children.

• Wayne Gretzky is married to Janet Jones. They have been together since 1987.
• Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones met in 1981 on the television show Dance Fever.
• Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones got married on July 16, 1988 in the Canadian city of Edmonton, Alberta.
• Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones share five children: Paulina Gretzky, Ty Gretzky, Trevor Gretzky, Tristan Gretzky and Emma Gretzky.

In this article:

• Who is Wayne Gretzky's Wife, Janet Jones?
• How Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones Met
• Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones' Relationship Timeline
• Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones' Engagement
• Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones' Wedding
• Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones' Children

Who is Wayne Gretzky's Wife, Janet Jones?

Wayne Gretzky's wife, born on January 10, 1961, in Bridgeton, Missouri, is an American actress and dancer known for her roles in 1980's films such as The Flamingo Kid and Saturday Night Fever. She gained further prominence as an "NHL wife" through her marriage to Gretzky in 1988. More recently, she appeared alongside her son, Trevor Gretzky, and Bruce Willis in American Siege (2022).

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"We both love sports. It's wonderful that her and I watch hockey together, baseball, football and basketball. She loves going to games," Gretzky said on the This Past Weekend podcast in 2023. "We think the same way ... we were born 16 days apart. We have a lot in common."

Jones is the second youngest of seven siblings. Her father, Robert, worked in the aviation industry. According to a 2016 interview with Chatelaine Magazine, he had cancer for most of her life and passed away when Jones was 15.

How Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones Met

Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones first met in 1981 when they were both 19 years old. Gretzky was a celebrity guest judge on the television show Dance Fever, where Jones was a contestant.

Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones' Relationship Timeline

1987: Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones reconnect at a Lakers Game

Gretzky and Jones reconnected at a Los Angeles Lakers game, where they discovered they had a lot in common. This chance encounter sparked a romance that quickly became serious.

"We got along very well the first time we sat and actually chatted with each other," Gretzky said in reports by People. "Mindset was very similar and our goals were the same in life. We started off that night where we were both on the same page. It makes life that much more simple."

January 1988: Wayne Gretzky proposes to Janet Jones

Gretzky popped the question over the phone, while Jones was away for work.

July 1988: Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones tie the knot

Gretzky and Jones tied the knot in a lavish ceremony at St. Joseph's Basilica in Edmonton, Alberta, on July 16, 1988.

August 1988: Wayne Gretzky is traded to the LA Kings

Gretzky was traded from the Edmonton Oilers (who won four Stanley Cups in 1983-84, 1984-85, 1986-87 and 1987-88) to the Los Angeles Kings.

December 1988: Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones welcome their first child

The couple welcomed a daughter, Paulina, on December 19, 1988. Paulina is a model and actress married to professional golfer Dustin Johnson.

July 1990: Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones welcome their second child

The couple welcomed their second child, Ty Gretzky, on July 9, 1990. Ty later pursued a career in sports and played golf at the collegiate level.

September 1992: Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones welcome their third child

Two years after Ty, Gretzky and Jones welcomed another son. Trevor Gretzky, born on September 14, 1992, followed his passion for baseball and became a professional player, signing contracts with teams like the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Angels.

February 1998: Gretzky competes in the Winter Olympic Games

Gretsky competed as a player for Team Canada in the Nagano Games, the first Olympics to feature NHL players. Despite high expectations, Canada finished fourth after a semifinal loss to the Czech Republic and a subsequent defeat by Finland in the bronze medal game.

1999: Wayne Gretzky retires from professional hockey

Gretzky retired from the NHL, concluding his illustrious career with numerous records, including the most career goals and assists. He retired at the age of 38 (the same age Patrice Bergeron was when he retired from the NHL).

August 2000: Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones welcome their fourth child

The couple welcomed their fourth child, Tristan Gretzky, on August 2, 2000.

March 2003: Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones welcome their fifth child

Their youngest child, Emma Gretzky, was born on March 28, 2003. She plays tennis and acts.

August 2005: Wayne Gretzky becomes head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes

Gretzky became head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, transitioning into a leadership role off the ice. He was their coach until he resigned in September 2009.

September 2014: Toronto International Film Festival appearance

Gretzky and Jones attended the premiere of The Sound and the Fury at the Toronto International Film Festival, showcasing their involvement in the arts.

April 23, 2022: Paulina Gretzky gets married

On April 23, 2022, the couple's eldest daughter, Paulina, married professional golfer Dustin Johnson.

July 2024: Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones celebrate 37 years of marriage

On July 16, 2024, Gretzky and Jones celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary.

Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones' Engagement

According to an interview on In Depth with Graham Bensinger, Gretzky proposed to Jones over the phone while she was away for work. "It was just one of those things where you were chatting on the phone, and basically I was like, 'well, why don't we get married,'" he said. "So we did it on the phone. When she got back, we had a proper dinner."

Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones' Wedding

On July 16, 1988, the hockey legend married Janet Jones in a grand ceremony at St. Joseph's Basilica in Edmonton, Alberta. Dubbed "a wedding of royal proportions" by CBC, the event was attended by over 700 guests, with thousands of onlookers surrounding the area. While their wedding may have been smack-dab in the middle of the public eye, they made sure to plan a private honeymoon where they could enjoy some time together out of the spotlight.

Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones' Children

Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones have five children, each carving unique paths in sports and entertainment. Their eldest, Paulina Gretzky, is a model who gained fame through her social media presence. She married professional golfer Dustin Johnson in April 2022, with whom she has two sons, Tatum and River.

Ty Gretzky played hockey at Shattuck-Saint Mary's before transitioning to a career in coaching and sports management and is married to Sara Cusick.

Trevor Gretzky pursued baseball, playing in the minor leagues with teams like the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Angels, and has also acted in films such as Mile 22 (2018).

Tristan Gretzky has combined his passions for golf and acting, playing for Pepperdine University and appearing in the 2006 film Two Tickets to Paradise.

Their youngest, Emma Gretzky (born March 28, 2003), focused on tennis during her high school years and also explored acting, with a role in the 2013 film Palo Alto.