Conservative television host Ainsley Earhardt, best known as a co-host on Fox & Friends, has lived through a deeply personal story about what motherhood really means—one that many don’t get to see behind the camera.
From not even thinking about having kids until her mid-thirties, to dreaming of a house full of children, and eventually suffering through loss, heartbreak, and finally hope—her journey is raw and real.
In a 2017 interview with Women’s Health, Ainsley shared, “It is a title that now defines me, but one I never truly desired until my mid-thirties.”
At that time in her life, she was focused on building her career. She wanted to earn her place at the anchor desk and wasn’t thinking seriously about starting a family. But somewhere in the back of her mind, the idea of having four children still tugged at her.
“I did love the idea of having four children. I imagined a home full of laughter, loads of fun, and kids chasing each other through the house,” she said.
Still, the reality of her life made that dream feel far away. Between long hours, constant travel, and living in small apartments, she knew having a big family would be tough.
“Four kids would be expensive and I could never step away from the anchor desk often enough to be an attentive mom to all of them.”
Ainsley was in her late 30s when she married her second husband, former football player Will Proctor, in 2012. A few years into their marriage, she felt ready. She truly wanted to become a mom.
But what followed wasn’t easy.
At first, there was joy. They received the news that she was pregnant. The couple even recorded their baby’s heartbeat on Will’s phone and couldn’t wait to share it with their families.
Then came the heartbreak.
During a follow-up appointment, the doctor couldn’t find a heartbeat. It was devastating. As Ainsley put it, they had to send their baby to the home of heaven. She later had to undergo surgery to remove the lifeless child, a moment she described as one of the most painful in her life.
But despite the pain of their loss, she and Will didn’t give up.
Their patience, hope, and faith were eventually answered. In March 2015, Ainsley found out she was expecting again.
“My body changed instantly. Our loyal FOX viewers started suspecting and after four months passed.”
That November, she welcomed her baby girl, Hayden. She was overjoyed—and ready to share her happiness with the world.
On November 6, 2015, she posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter) from the hospital, holding her newborn daughter with her then-hubby Will by her side.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome our new baby girl, Hayden, into this world. My husband and I are overjoyed!!” her caption read.
Ainsley Earhardt Says Daughter Hayden Is Her Greatest Gift
Hayden, Earhardt’s only child, means the world to her—and that’s not just something she says. It shows in everything she does. Hayden will be turning 10 this November, and for Ainsley, these past years have been the most meaningful of her life.
In that same interview with Women’s Health, she proudly said of her daughter,
“She is extremely smart and loves to read. She is not shy and always happy.”
The TV host tries to make every moment with her daughter count—whether it’s bedtime stories or milestone celebrations. She even went live with Hayden on Instagram in December 2022 to talk about her children’s book, I’m So Glad You Were Born—a project that was inspired by her own experience as a mom.
On National Daughters’ Day in 2024, she also shared a sweet video filled with photos of Hayden growing up.
“I can’t help falling in love with her. Prayed and prayed for a child & I received the best one for me. Happy National Daughters Day to my sweet Hayden,” she wrote in the caption.
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Co-Parenting Has Worked Well for Ainsley and Her Ex-Husband Will
Before her relationship with Will Proctor, Ainsley was married to Kevin McKinney from 2005 to 2009. She later tied the knot with the former Clemson quarterback in 2012, but despite their divorce in 2019, the two made their daughter, Hayden, the top priority.
They share joint custody and have worked to keep things peaceful and respectful for Hayden’s sake.
“We’re focusing on moving ahead and raising our daughter. We honestly wish each other nothing but the best, and we will remain friends for the rest of our lives because we share this precious, beautiful daughter together. She is our top priority,” Ainsley told People.
Since then, she’s moved forward in her personal life. Ainsley is now engaged to fellow Fox News host Sean Hannity, who has two children—Patrick and Merri—from his previous marriage to Jill Rhodes.
While balancing motherhood and her career, Ainsley has remained open to the idea of expanding her family.
“I would love to find love again and I want to demonstrate a loving relationship for Hayden one day,” she shared with People. “But I’m not sure when that will be.”
