Carley Shimkus Returns to Work After Maternity Leave, Welcomed by Colleagues and Fans

Carley Shimkus, co-host of Fox & Friends First, has made her highly anticipated return to the studio after a four-month maternity leave. Known for her sharp reporting, energetic personality, and engaging presence on the show, Shimkus’ return was met with excitement not only by her colleagues at Fox News but also by her loyal fanbase. And this time, her return is more meaningful than ever, as it marks a new chapter in her life as a mother, which has captured the hearts of many.

Just a few weeks after her return, Shimkus shared an adorable moment on Instagram with Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a fellow Fox News contributor, who posted a picture of the two of them smiling on set. The photo, which was taken during a busy day at the studio, showed the two women standing together in front of some camera equipment. While Dr. Nesheiwat had her eyes closed, Karley looked radiant and carefree, giving a glimpse into her positive spirit. Dr. Nesheiwat captioned the photo: “A busy day at the studio!” to which Carley reposted the photo on her own Instagram Story, adding the heartfelt message: “I love you sooo much.”

A Heartfelt Return After Baby Edward’s Arrival

For Carley Shimkus, the past few months have been an emotional rollercoaster. The Fox News anchor, who welcomed her son Edward Brock on February 3, 2025, has had to navigate the challenges of motherhood while balancing her career. However, despite the whirlwind of sleepless nights and new experiences with her baby, Shimkus was eager to return to her role on Fox & Friends First.

Her return was emotional, with Carley expressing her gratitude toward her colleagues for the tremendous support she received during her time away. On June 2, she posted on Instagram, “It feels great to be back! A sincere thank you to everyone at Fox for being so supportive while I was on maternity leave. The kindness means more to me than you’ll ever know.” Her words reflected not only her excitement to return to her work but also the personal growth she had experienced during her time off as a new mom.

Balancing Life as a New Mom and TV Anchor

Carley’s maternity leave was a time of reflection, as she embraced the joys and challenges of motherhood. During her time away from Fox News, she shared several photos of her baby son, including one special image with her husband Peter Buchignani. In the picture, Carley is gazing down lovingly at Edward, who was wearing a yellow onesie, his little gums showing as he smiled up at his mom. Peter stood beside them, smiling at the camera, the picture radiating warmth and the bond the family shares.

While she was away from the spotlight, Carley often posted behind-the-scenes glimpses of her life as a mother, with fans expressing their joy and admiration for her as she navigated this exciting new chapter. It was clear from her posts that motherhood had brought out a new side of Carley, one that was filled with tenderness, patience, and love for her little one. Despite the challenges that come with being a new mom, Carley has been incredibly open about her journey and the adjustments she’s had to make, sharing relatable moments that resonate with her audience.

Who Is Peter Buchignani?

Peter Buchignani, Carley’s husband of several years, has been an incredibly supportive partner during this transition. He has played an essential role in their family’s journey, providing the balance and support that every new mom needs. Peter is a businessman and a Princeton University alum, where he earned a degree in political science. He has a background in athletics, playing football during his high school and college years, which adds to the multi-faceted life they share.

Although Peter prefers to stay out of the media spotlight, his presence behind the scenes is an integral part of Carley’s personal and professional balance. The couple has been together for over a decade, dating back to 2013 and marrying in 2015. Through it all, Peter has been a rock for Carley, and their love story continues to evolve as they raise their beautiful son together.

Carley’s Journey to Fox & Friends First

Carley Shimkus has always had a passion for media and communication. Her career journey has seen her evolve from an intern at Fox News to a full-fledged anchor on Fox & Friends First. Joining the program in October 2021, Carley quickly gained a following for her refreshing perspective and dynamic presence.

Her journey to becoming a prominent news anchor, however, wasn’t without its challenges. Before making her mark on television, Carley worked in various roles within the media industry, always striving to find her voice. Today, her voice is heard not just in political commentary but as a trusted figure in the homes of millions of viewers across the nation.

Her role as a co-host has allowed her to reach a broad audience, discussing everything from current events to human interest stories, and offering her unique insights into the world of politics, media, and entertainment. Through it all, she has continued to earn the trust and admiration of her audience for her authenticity and relatability.

The Future: Carley Shimkus and Her Growing Family

Now that she is back on air, Carley continues to juggle her busy career while raising her young son. The challenges of motherhood are still fresh, but her passion for work and family drives her to balance both roles as seamlessly as possible. With her husband Peter’s support, Carley is determined to make the most of every moment, both in her personal life and on Fox & Friends First.

Fans of Carley have eagerly awaited her return to the show, and now that she’s back, they can look forward to seeing more of her personal journey as she embraces motherhood on the airwaves. It’s clear that Carley’s ability to balance her career and family life with grace is something her fans admire and can relate to.

What’s Next for Carley?

As Carley continues her journey in the public eye, there’s no doubt that she will continue to inspire others, especially young mothers trying to balance their own careers and families. Her story is a powerful reminder that, even in the fast-paced world of news and media, the love of family and the support of a strong partner can make all the difference.

While her return to Fox & Friends First is a major milestone in her career, it’s the way she has embraced motherhood that will be remembered by her fans. Whether discussing breaking news or sharing her personal experiences, Carley Shimkus has proven that she is not just a successful news anchor, but also a dedicated and loving mother, making her mark in both worlds.