The world of broadcast journalism was sent into a frenzy when David Muir, the charismatic anchor of ABC World News Tonight, announced he would be taking a rare three-month leave of absence. Known for his relentless dedication to delivering the news, Muir’s decision to step away from the anchor desk has sparked intense speculation about his plans. Adding fuel to the fire, when pressed about whether marriage is on the horizon, the 51-year-old journalist offered a tantalizingly vague response: “I think you’re about to get your answer.” What does this cryptic comment mean for one of America’s most eligible bachelors? Is Muir, who has fiercely guarded his private life, finally ready to settle down, or is there more to this break than meets the eye?

David Muir has long been a household name, captivating millions with his polished delivery and incisive reporting. Since taking over as the lead anchor of ABC World News Tonight in 2014, he has transformed the program into the most-watched evening newscast in the United States. His career is a testament to his work ethic, having reported from global hotspots like Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Fukushima, earning multiple Emmy Awards and the prestigious Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism. Yet, while his professional life is an open book, his personal life remains shrouded in mystery, making his recent announcement all the more intriguing.

The news of Muir’s three-month hiatus caught fans and colleagues by surprise. Muir has rarely taken extended time off, often seen jetting across the globe to cover breaking news or anchoring special events like presidential elections. His decision to step back suggests a significant shift in priorities. Sources close to the anchor indicate that this break is a deliberate choice to focus on personal matters, a rare moment for Muir to step out of the spotlight and into his own life. But what exactly does he have planned?

Speculation about Muir’s intentions has been rampant, fueled by his enigmatic comment about marriage. For years, fans have been curious about the anchor’s relationship status. Despite his status as a heartthrob—named one of People’s Sexiest Men Alive in 2014 and 2017—Muir has kept his romantic life under wraps. He has never publicly confirmed a relationship, and his Instagram feed, filled with photos of his beloved dog Axel and his nieces and nephews, offers few clues. The absence of a wedding ring and his silence on the matter have only deepened the mystery, leading to endless rumors about his personal life.

Muir’s coy response, “I think you’re about to get your answer,” has sent fans into a tailspin. Could this be a hint that the anchor is preparing to tie the knot? The timing of his leave has led some to wonder if he’s planning a private wedding, perhaps at his stunning lakeside property in Syracuse, New York, where he grew up. Others speculate that the break could be for a honeymoon or even a period of reflection as he contemplates a major life change. The ambiguity of his words has only amplified curiosity, with social media buzzing about whether Muir is finally ready to settle down.

While marriage rumors dominate the conversation, Muir’s hiatus could also signal other ambitions. The anchor has always been passionate about his roots, often sharing glimpses of his visits to his sister Rebecca’s farm in Borodino, New York. Could this break involve spending more time with family, reconnecting with his “squad” of nieces and nephews, or even exploring new personal ventures? Muir’s love for his German shorthaired pointer, Axel, is well-documented, and some fans jokingly suggest he might be planning an extended “dog dad” retreat by the lake. More seriously, Muir’s commitment to philanthropy, evidenced by his reporting that raised millions for the World Food Program, suggests he might be dedicating time to charitable causes close to his heart.

The speculation about Muir’s personal life is not new. Over the years, he has been linked to various individuals, though none have been confirmed. In 2015, a satirical blog post by former Jezebel deputy editor Kate Dries playfully referred to Muir as her “boyfriend,” sparking rumors that quickly fizzled out. Another wave of gossip tied him to ABC colleague Gio Benitez, but those rumors were dispelled when Benitez married his partner in 2015. More recently, whispers of a connection to a swimwear brand executive named Sean surfaced, but like all previous rumors, these lacked substantiation. Muir’s ability to keep his private life out of the headlines is a testament to his discipline in an era where public figures are under constant scrutiny.

What makes Muir’s hiatus particularly compelling is its timing. At 51, he is at the peak of his career, with World News Tonight dominating ratings and Muir himself named to the 2025 Time 100 list. Yet, the demands of his job—long hours, frequent travel, and the pressure of delivering nightly news to millions—leave little room for personal fulfillment. His decision to take three months off suggests a desire to reclaim time for himself, whether that means starting a family, pursuing a passion project, or simply stepping back to recharge.

Muir’s cryptic comment about marriage also raises broader questions about his personal values. Raised in a Roman Catholic family in Syracuse, New York, Muir has spoken fondly of his upbringing and the influence of his parents, who divorced when he was young but co-parented him and his siblings. His close bond with his sister and extended family suggests that family is a priority, even if his career has often taken precedence. If marriage is indeed part of his plans, it would mark a significant milestone for a man who has prioritized his professional life for decades.

Fans are also intrigued by Muir’s friendships with high-profile figures like Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, with whom he has vacationed in places like Greece. Ripa, in her memoir Live Wire, praised Muir as a “moral compass,” hinting at the depth of their bond. Could these close connections play a role in his personal plans? Perhaps Muir is drawing inspiration from his friends’ stable family lives as he contemplates his own future.

As the anchor steps away from the spotlight, the public is left to speculate about what lies ahead. Will Muir return with a wedding ring on his finger, or will he surprise fans with an entirely different revelation? His three-month leave could be a chance to write a new chapter, one that balances his public persona with private aspirations. For now, Muir’s cryptic hint keeps the world guessing, ensuring that his absence will be as captivating as his presence on screen.

Whatever Muir’s plans, one thing is certain: his loyal viewers will be eagerly awaiting his return, hoping for a glimpse into the personal life of a man who has spent years telling their stories. Until then, the question remains: what answer is David Muir about to give?