Julie Banderas stunned viewers when she casually announced her divorce live on Gutfeld!—and she hasn’t looked back since. From a viral Valentine’s Day breakup to launching a new career as a children’s book author, the Fox News firebrand is proving she’s not just bouncing back—she’s thriving. With two empowering books under her belt and a post-divorce glow she cheekily attributes to “freedom,” Banderas is embracing single life, motherhood, and success with the same bold energy fans have come to love. Is this her most powerful chapter yet? All signs point to yes.

From On-Air Divorce Bombshell to Children’s Author: Julie Banderas Reinvents Herself

Julie Banderas has always been known for her bold, no-nonsense personality, and when it came time to reveal a life-altering moment, she did so in the only way she knew how: live, unscripted, and with her signature sharp humor. The longtime Fox News anchor shocked viewers in February 2023 with a casual yet incredibly public announcement about her divorce, all during a Valentine’s Day segment on Gutfeld! that would go viral.

A Valentine’s Day Announcement Like No Other

While most Valentine’s Day segments focus on the usual heart-shaped chocolates and romantic clichés, Banderas flipped the script and shared her personal truth in a way only she could. “Well, I am going to get a divorce. I am going to say it right here for the first time,” she declared, adding with a touch of sarcasm, “Thank you, everyone. Congratulations are in order! That is breaking news!”

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Her statement, delivered with biting wit, sent shockwaves across social media. “F* Valentine’s Day,” she continued on the broadcast, explaining that even during her marriage, she never really celebrated the day. “It is stupid — even when I was married, I didn’t get s***!” The candidness of her delivery immediately struck a chord with viewers, some of whom humorously commented, “You’re not an adult until you’ve been divorced once.” Banderas responded, “Yeah, like 13 years ago.”

The Truth Behind the Split

Banderas married Andrew Sansone, a financial advisor and media entrepreneur, in 2009. Together, they had three children—Addison, Melissa, and Avery—and appeared to live a picture-perfect family life for many years. However, by late 2022, things had clearly shifted, and Banderas began hinting at changes in her relationship. In December of that year, she referred to Sansone as her “soon-to-be ex” on Twitter, and his appearances on her Instagram became noticeably less frequent.

In December 2022, Sansone was arrested following an alleged incident where he reportedly threatened Banderas with a steak knife, but the charges were later dropped after the court found insufficient evidence. Despite the turmoil surrounding their marriage, Banderas has since said that she is now in a much better place, noting that the decision to end her marriage wasn’t a devastating heartbreak but rather a long-overdue change.

As she explained after her viral on-air announcement, the divorce marked the start of a new chapter in her life. A friend humorously texted her, “Not sure what I got you for a wedding gift, but I’d like it back now.” Banderas tweeted the exchange with a laugh, adding, “I love my friends lol.”

Embracing a New Chapter

As of May 2025, Julie Banderas is still single and has maintained a refreshing attitude toward her new life. She hasn’t been publicly linked to anyone new and instead has focused on her career and raising her kids. A familiar face on Fox News, she continues to use her platform to offer sharp takes on current events while also sharing relatable moments about motherhood, demonstrating her ability to balance professional and personal life with humor.

In response to compliments on her post-divorce glow-up, Banderas responded with her usual wit: “Thank you for noticing! It’s called, divorce.” Her ability to embrace the changes in her life with humor and grace only continues to solidify her status as a fan favorite.

A New Career Path: Publishing and Empowerment

Julie Banderas’ reinvention is not just limited to her career as a broadcaster; she has also ventured into publishing. Long before her divorce, Banderas had already started to establish herself as an author, with her first children’s book, Fiona’s Fantastical Fort, being published in 2022. The book focuses on the theme of perseverance through difficult times, a message that now holds even more weight in the context of her own personal journey.

In 2024, Banderas followed up with her second book, A Monumental Mistake, which explores the importance of respecting history and authority as part of the Freedom Island series from BRAVE Books. This new chapter in her career reflects a shift in Banderas’ voice from just reporting the news to inspiring and empowering the next generation. Her books encourage strength, resilience, and clarity, offering readers a dose of moral guidance in a world that often feels uncertain.

A Rising Star Who’s Thriving

Julie Banderas’ journey of reinvention has shown that she is not just surviving—she’s thriving. Whether it’s on-air, in her writing, or through her candid social media presence, Banderas continues to inspire and entertain, all while staying true to her unapologetic personality.

Her career shift, from the Today show co-anchor to a successful author and businesswoman, has proved that Banderas is more than just a news anchor. She is a resilient woman who is determined to navigate life on her own terms, making her mark not only in the media but in the world of children’s literature and empowerment.

As Banderas continues to embrace her evolving career, fans can look forward to more of her candid humor, bold personality, and inspiring messages. No matter what comes next, it’s clear that Julie Banderas is not just reinventing herself—she’s redefining what it means to thrive, even in the face of life’s biggest challenges.

Julie Banderas shocked the world when she announced her divorce live on air during a Valentine’s Day segment, showing the same bold, unapologetic energy that made her a fan favorite. But the Fox News anchor isn’t just surviving; she’s thriving. Now focusing on her career and children, Banderas has turned to publishing, releasing two children’s books that inspire strength and resilience. Her candidness, sharp wit, and ability to embrace change show that she’s not just reinventing her career—she’s owning her next chapter. Click to see how Julie is navigating life after the bombshell.