Fox News stars Dana Perino and Karoline Leavitt opened up about their unique marriages and life lessons in a heartwarming live chat during a special Fox Nation event. From love at first flight to navigating careers in the spotlight, the two powerful women shared touching details and powerful advice. What surprising personal stories did they reveal about balancing love and ambition? Find out how their unorthodox relationships and shared values continue to shape their journeys in the public eye!

Karoline Leavitt Opens Up About Marriage, Motherhood, and Mentorship from Dana Perino

Fox News stars Dana Perino and Karoline Leavitt shared an unforgettable evening in Washington, D.C., offering fans an intimate look into their lives during a candid conversation about marriage, motherhood, and the pressures that come with public roles. The two powerhouse women, both serving as White House Press Secretaries, have charted unique paths in Washington, but during this special Fox Nation event, they bonded over shared experiences, personal stories, and valuable life lessons.

The event, held on April 30, was in celebration of Dana Perino’s new book I Wish Someone Had Told Me. It brought together the first and youngest women ever to serve as White House Press Secretary for the Republican Party. Perino introduced Leavitt with high praise, saying, “She’s a real pistol. She’s taken the country by storm.”

At just 27 years old, Leavitt has already made a name for herself in Washington, rising quickly from assistant press secretary under Kayleigh McEnany to becoming the White House Press Secretary during Donald Trump’s reelection campaign. A former congressional candidate who earned the Republican nomination for New Hampshire’s 1st District in 2022, Leavitt’s rapid ascent has only continued, including her return to work just days after giving birth to her first son, Niko, in 2024.

During the event, Leavitt expressed her admiration for Perino, describing her as a “mentor” and someone who had been an inspiration to her throughout her own journey. “You’ve been such an amazing mentor to me and so many other young women,” Leavitt said, grateful for Perino’s guidance. “I’m excited I get to ask you questions tonight.”

Love, Relationships, and Unconventional Bonds

Beyond their professional lives, Perino and Leavitt shared a powerful connection over the topic of love and relationships that defy the norm. Perino, 52, fondly recalled how she met her husband, Peter McMahon, 18 years her senior, on a flight over two decades ago. “We talked the entire time,” Perino said. “We call it ‘love at first flight.’”

Leavitt, who recently married 60-year-old real estate entrepreneur Nicholas Riccio, could relate to Perino’s experience. The couple welcomed their son, Niko, in 2024, and during the conversation, Leavitt expressed her deep affection for Riccio. “He’s my rock,” Leavitt said with a smile, “He’s probably embarrassed I just called him out, but he’s amazing.”

Leavitt further explained how Riccio’s successful career and unwavering support have been instrumental in her own career. “He’s built a very successful business himself, so now he’s fully supportive of me building my success in my career,” she said. “He’s the father of my child, and he’s the best dad I could ever ask for. And he is so supportive, especially during a very chaotic period of life. I say, ‘I walked into your life, and it’s been a circus ever since,’ but God bless him because he’s fully on board.”

The heartfelt moments between the two women were a testament to the strength of their marriages and the importance of having a partner who supports both personal and professional ambitions.

Navigating Career Challenges: From Quarter-Life Crisis to Career Comebacks

Perino also shared candid insights into her own personal journey, particularly her struggles with balancing ambition and uncertainty. “I had a quarter-life crisis at 25,” Perino admitted, a sentiment that resonated with Leavitt, who nodded in understanding. Perino recalled her doubts about her career path in the early days, saying, “I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to work in TV.”

Leavitt, who had similar struggles early in her career, nodded as Perino shared her challenges. Leavitt herself has faced her own public moments of doubt and tension, including a viral moment in 2024 when her microphone was abruptly cut off after she questioned CNN moderators Dana Bash and Jake Tapper during a debate. Despite these challenges, both women have continued to rise to the occasion, becoming influential voices in conservative media.

Advice That Sticks: Valuable Lessons for the Next Generation

At the end of the event, Perino shared advice that has guided her personal and professional life since her time in the White House. “Ask yourself: Do I get paid? Does it help a cause I care about? And do I want to do it?” Perino said. “If it’s not two out of three, say no.” This simple but powerful mantra has been central to her decision-making process, helping her maintain focus on what truly matters.

Leavitt echoed this sentiment, noting that the ability to remain authentic and focused on values has been a key component of her success. Both women emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself, especially when navigating high-pressure environments like politics and media.

Mentorship and Sisterhood: Empowering the Next Generation of Women

One of the central themes of the evening was mentorship and empowering young women to rise through the ranks, just as Perino and Leavitt have done. The relationship between the two women is a powerful example of how mentorship can shape careers, build confidence, and create opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

Leavitt expressed how much she appreciated Perino’s guidance, both professionally and personally. As a rising star in the political and media world, Leavitt has taken many of Perino’s lessons to heart, recognizing the importance of staying grounded, being intentional in decision-making, and always prioritizing family.

“Thank you for being an incredible mentor,” Leavitt said, acknowledging the role Perino has played in her own journey. “I hope I can be half the mentor to other women that you’ve been to me.”

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Both Women

As Perino and Leavitt’s conversation concluded, it was clear that both women are paving the way for a new generation of powerful female voices in conservative politics and media. Whether in the press room or on television, both have proven that leadership, resilience, and the ability to inspire others are qualities that can shape the future of political discourse.

Leavitt’s rise to prominence as the youngest White House Press Secretary and her continued influence on Fox News have made her a role model for many young women in politics. With Perino’s support, Leavitt is poised to continue her journey in both media and politics, offering a shining example of the power of mentorship, friendship, and shared values.

As they both continue to make their mark, one thing is certain: the legacies of Dana Perino and Karoline Leavitt are still unfolding, and their impact will resonate for years to come, empowering countless women to follow in their footsteps.