After winning his fourth Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers in 1988, Wayne Gretzky’s life was at an all-time high. But even as the celebrations unfolded on the ice, “The Great One” was already looking forward to something far more personal: his upcoming wedding to actress Janet Jones.
While most athletes would still be basking in their championship win, Gretzky had his eyes on the next big moment.
Wayne Gretzky Revealed How His Wedding Was the Next Big Thing in His Life
On July 16, 1988, Gretzky and Jones exchanged vows in a lavish ceremony at St. Joseph’s Basilica in Edmonton, Alberta. Dubbed “Canada’s royal wedding,” the event attracted over 700 guests and was broadcast live across the nation.
Thousands of fans lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the couple, highlighting Gretzky’s status not just as a sports icon but as a national treasure.
From fellow NHL stars to celebrities, the event was a blend of sports legacy and star-studded glamour. For Gretzky, it was not only a celebration of love but also the perfect close to an unforgettable chapter in his career.
Reflecting on this significant life event, Gretzky expressed his excitement:
“I’m excited about the wedding, and, you know, the wedding would have been a great day no matter what because it’s something I’ll treasure the rest of my life. But winning this will make it even more exciting.”
Janet Jones is an American actress best known for her roles in movies like The Flamingo Kid, A League of Their Own, and Police Academy 5. Before marrying the hockey legend, she was already gaining recognition in Hollywood.
The two met while filming the dance show Dance Fever and quickly became one of sport and entertainment’s most talked-about couples.
There was a dual significance of that period in Gretzky’s life, celebrating both professional triumph and personal joy.
However, the euphoria was short-lived. Less than a month after the wedding, Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. The move shocked the hockey world and had a profound impact on Canadian fans, who saw Gretzky as an embodiment of national pride.
Despite the abrupt change, Gretzky and Jones embraced their new life in Los Angeles. They welcomed their first child, Paulina, in December 1988, marking the beginning of a new chapter both personally and professionally.
Together, Wayne and Janet have five children: Paulina, Ty, Trevor, Tristan, and Emma. Each of them has found their path, from modeling and acting to baseball and golf.
The Gretzkys are known for being a tight-knit family who split their time between Los Angeles and other homes. Though they lead a more private life today, Janet and Wayne occasionally attend public events and remain beloved figures in both the sports and entertainment worlds.
