A Partnership Forged Before Fame

Jana Blythe Donlin, born on December 22, 1985, in Rhode Island, USA, leads a life largely shielded from the public eye, a stark contrast to that of her husband, Derrick Levasseur. The couple's story began not under the glare of television cameras, but in the academic halls of Mitchell College in New London, Connecticut, around 2004 or 2005. Both were pursuing associate's degrees in criminal justice, and their shared Rhode Island roots and academic interests fostered a strong connection that would become a lifelong partnership. After years of dating, Derrick proposed to Jana at their alma mater in 2010, a place of significance for their relationship.

From Law Enforcement to Public Life

The couple married on April 30, 2011, at the Newport Marriott in Rhode Island, celebrating with over 200 guests before honeymooning in Aruba. They settled in Central Falls, Rhode Island, where Derrick was a decorated police sergeant. Their family grew with the birth of their first daughter, Tenley Rose, in 2012. During this period, Derrick worked as a police officer, a demanding job that sometimes involved undercover operations, while Jana focused on creating a stable home life. The family's life took a dramatic turn in 2014 when Derrick Levasseur was cast in the 16th season of the American reality television show *Big Brother*. He concealed his profession as a police officer from his fellow contestants, a strategy that contributed to his victory and the $500,000 grand prize. This win catapulted him to national fame.

Navigating the Spotlight

Following his reality TV success, Derrick's career shifted. He retired from the police force in 2017 to launch his own private investigation firm, the Break Investigative Group. He also became a prominent figure in the true-crime genre, hosting and producing television shows like *Breaking Homicide* and co-hosting popular podcasts such as *Crime Weekly*. As Derrick's public profile grew, Jana continued to maintain her privacy. The family, which welcomed a second daughter, Peyton, in 2016, moved to the quieter town of Cumberland, Rhode Island. While Derrick often shares glimpses of their family life on social media, Jana's professional path beyond her criminal justice degree is not publicly known, and she is primarily described as a dedicated mother.

Unconfirmed Reports and Current Status

In 2023, speculation regarding the couple's marital status arose among fans online. These rumors were based on observations such as Derrick allegedly being seen without his wedding ring and mentions of moving to a new apartment. However, as of early November 2025, neither Derrick Levasseur nor Jana Donlin has publicly confirmed any separation. The couple has remained quiet on the matter, and their legal marital status appears unchanged. Their journey from college sweethearts in Rhode Island to a family navigating the complexities of public life continues to be a subject of interest for followers of Derrick's career.