Fox News star Ainsley Earhardt has opened up about her engagement to colleague Sean Hannity, revealing the affectionate nickname he uses for her and reflecting on their journey from friendship to love. The couple, who confirmed their relationship in 2020, got engaged in a romantic candlelit church ceremony just before Christmas 2024. Earhardt, 48, shared how Hannity, 63, supported her through her toughest moments, including her 2019 divorce and the loss of her mother in 2022. Their story, rooted in faith and resilience, has captivated fans. This article explores their heartwarming bond, Earhardt’s post-divorce journey, and their plans for a private wedding.

A Love Born in Support

Ainsley Earhardt, co-host of Fox & Friends, and Sean Hannity, host of Hannity, have become a beloved media couple. In a candid Daily Mail interview from her Park Avenue apartment, Earhardt revealed Hannity’s nickname for her: “Sunshine.” “He calls me that because I wake up America and I’m always smiling,” she said, her warmth evident. The nickname reflects their bond, which blossomed after both endured divorces—Earhardt from Will Proctor in 2019, and Hannity from Jill Rhodes in 2019 after separating in 2015.

Their relationship, kept private initially, grew from a shared understanding of personal challenges. “I didn’t know Sean had gone through a divorce at first,” Earhardt admitted. “It was very private.” Hannity’s quiet support during her divorce and her mother’s passing in 2022 deepened their connection. “He was just there for me when I was going through a really hard time,” she shared. “We enjoyed each other’s company, and I fell in love with him.”

Ainsley Earhardt and her daughter holding a Fox & Friends microphone.

The Engagement and Future Plans

Hannity proposed in December 2024 in a church adorned with candles, a moment Earhardt described as “perfect.” The couple, who split time between New York City and Hannity’s $23.5 million Palm Beach home, plans a small wedding with only their children—Earhardt’s daughter Hayden, 9, and Hannity’s two adult children. “There will definitely be a prenup,” Earhardt noted pragmatically. “It’s not romantic, but divorce happens.” Their discretion, a hallmark of their relationship, included seeking their boss’s approval early on. “I said, ‘I really want your support because I’m crazy about this guy,’” Earhardt recalled.

Their lifestyle blends Manhattan’s bustle with Florida’s calm. “We do a family brunch after church on Sunday, then Hayden and I fly back,” Earhardt said. “I love my New York life too.” This balance reflects their commitment to family and each other, with Hayden at the heart of their plans.

Ainsley Earhardt smiling on Fox & Friends.

Rebuilding After Divorce

Earhardt’s journey to this happiness was hard-won. Her 2019 divorce from Proctor, a former NFL quarterback, followed a 2012 marriage and the birth of Hayden in 2015. “I was a strong Christian, and I wanted to be married forever,” she said. “Life didn’t work out that way.” Faith sustained her through the split and her mother’s death. “Even in the bad times, I felt God’s presence… it carried me through,” she told The Daily Mail. She and Proctor co-parent Hayden, with him handling school drop-offs and Earhardt managing pick-ups, prioritizing a “happy home” for their daughter.

Her openness about life’s challenges resonates with fans. “I learned not to be judgmental,” she said. “Things happen, and you roll with the punches.” This resilience shines in her Fox & Friends role, where her positivity uplifts viewers.

Hannity’s Storied Career

Sean Hannity, America’s longest-running cable news host, marked 25 years, six months, and 15 days on air in April 2022, surpassing Larry King’s record. Joining Fox News in 1996 with Hannity & Colmes, he outrated King’s CNN slot and has solo-hosted Hannity at 9 p.m. since 2009. “I’m grateful to Fox News Media and our loyal viewers,” he said. His support for Earhardt, both professionally and personally, underscores their partnership, with fans noting their chemistry at events like the FOX Nation Patriot Awards.

Public Response and Viral Support

Since their engagement went public, fans have flooded social media, particularly X, with congratulations. “Ainsley and Sean’s love story is so inspiring—Sunshine is perfect!” one user wrote. Another posted, “Their faith and strength through tough times are beautiful.” Photos from their engagement and Fox & Friends segments, including a heartwarming video of Earhardt with Hayden, have trended, amplifying their story’s reach.

The couple’s helicopter entrance at Pete Hegseth’s wedding in 2020, reported by Vanity Fair, hinted at their romance, but their discretion kept speculation at bay until now. Fans admire Earhardt’s balance of motherhood and career, with one X comment noting, “Ainsley’s positivity is contagious—she’s a role model.”

Broader Context

Earhardt’s story highlights the challenges of public life and personal reinvention. Her faith, central to her Ainsley’s Bible Study segments, mirrors her resilience, resonating with viewers facing their own struggles. The engagement, following high-profile divorces, offers hope for second chances. Hannity’s steady presence, both on air and in Earhardt’s life, underscores the power of quiet support in high-pressure careers.

A Bright Future

Ainsley Earhardt and Sean Hannity’s engagement, marked by his “Sunshine” nickname, celebrates a love forged in adversity. Their plans for a private wedding and blended family reflect a commitment to what matters most. As Earhardt thrives on Fox & Friends and Hannity leads cable news, their story inspires, proving love and faith can light even the darkest paths. Fans eagerly await their next chapter, cheering for a couple whose bond shines brightly.