“He Says It Every Morning… and Somehow, It Still Makes Me Cry” — Ainsley Earhardt Breaks Down Walls with a Rare Glimpse into the Quiet Love Story Behind Fox News’ Most Private Duo

In a rare and emotional moment that has left viewers stunned, Fox News’ Ainsley Earhardt peeled back the layers of her carefully guarded personal life on the set of Fox & Friends on August 20, 2025. Known for her poised demeanor and unwavering professionalism, Earhardt, co-host of the network’s flagship morning show, shared a deeply personal insight into her relationship with fellow Fox News star Sean Hannity. The revelation came amid a candid segment, where the usually reserved anchor broke down, offering a glimpse into the quiet love story that has fueled years of speculation and whispers behind the scenes.

A Journey Through Heartbreak

Earhardt’s path to this moment has been anything but smooth. The 48-year-old South Carolina native has weathered two divorces, first from Kevin McKinney in 2009 and later from Will Proctor in 2019, with whom she shares a nine-year-old daughter, Hayden. Each separation brought its share of public scrutiny and private pain, with tabloids often speculating about her personal life. Yet, through it all, Earhardt maintained a public facade of resilience, channeling her energy into her career and her role as a devoted mother. Her faith, a cornerstone of her identity, became a public talking point, especially as she navigated the emotional aftermath of her second marriage’s collapse amid rumors of infidelity.

It was during this tumultuous period that whispers of a connection with Hannity, the network’s long-standing primetime host, began to surface. In 2020, outlets like Vanity Fair and People reported that the two had been quietly dating, a claim both denied at the time. Hannity, 63, who finalized his own divorce from Jill Rhodes in 2019 after more than two decades of marriage, was equally protective of his privacy. The pair’s discretion only fueled the intrigue, with their relationship becoming an “open secret” among Fox News insiders, as sources later confirmed.

The Turning Point

The turning point came in December 2024, when Hannity proposed to Earhardt at their home church in Palm Beach, Florida, a moment she described as “surreal” in a statement to Fox News. The engagement, blessed by their children and supported by their ex-spouses, marked a public acknowledgment of their bond. Yet, it was not until this week’s Fox & Friends broadcast that Earhardt offered a raw, unfiltered look at what sustains their relationship.

As she sat alongside co-hosts Lawrence Jones and Charles Hurt, Earhardt’s voice trembled as she recounted a morning ritual that has become the heartbeat of their partnership. “He says it every morning… and somehow, it still makes me cry,” she began, pausing to compose herself. The “it” turned out to be a nickname— “Sunshine”—whispered by Hannity each day as they start their long-distance routine. With Hannity based in Florida and Earhardt in New York, the term, first revealed in a 2025 Daily Mail interview, carries the weight of their shared struggles and unwavering support.

A Nickname Born from Pain

The origin of “Sunshine” is as poignant as its delivery. Hannity coined the nickname during Earhardt’s “dark times,” a period marked by her divorce from Proctor and the grief following her mother’s death. In a 2025 interview with Daily Mail, Hannity explained that Earhardt’s ability to “wake up America” with her radiant on-air presence inspired the moniker. For Earhardt, it’s more than a pet name—it’s a lifeline. “It’s not for show,” she emphasized on air. “It’s a reminder of who I am, even when I feel lost.”

This revelation has struck a chord with viewers, many of whom have followed Earhardt’s journey from a newcomer at Fox News in 2007 to a household name. Her vulnerability contrasts sharply with the polished personas often seen on cable news, offering a humanizing glimpse into a relationship built on loyalty and mutual respect. The nickname, soft as a prayer, underscores a love story that thrives despite physical distance and public scrutiny.

The Quiet Love Story

Earhardt and Hannity’s relationship has been defined by its low-key nature. Since their engagement, they have maintained a long-distance dynamic, with weekend trips bridging the gap between New York and Florida. Both have long-term contracts with Fox News, ensuring their professional commitments remain intact. Earhardt has made it clear she will continue co-hosting Fox & Friends in Manhattan, where her daughter thrives, while Hannity hosts Hannity from West Palm Beach. This arrangement, she noted with a smile, “works because we make it work.”

Their bond, rooted in shared faith, was evident in the church proposal, a setting that reflects their values. Earhardt’s emotional recounting of Hannity’s daily call—where “Sunshine” is delivered with coffee in hand—paints a picture of intimacy rarely seen in the spotlight. It’s a stark departure from the headline-grabbing antics often associated with media personalities, offering instead a narrative of quiet strength.

Public Reaction and Reflection

The segment has sparked a global outpouring of support. Social media platforms like X have buzzed with reactions, with fans praising Earhardt’s authenticity. “This is the kind of love that heals,” one user posted, while another noted, “Ainsley showing her heart makes me respect her even more.” The story has transcended Fox News’ audience, resonating with those who admire resilience in the face of personal trials.

Critics, however, have questioned the timing of the revelation, suggesting it might be a calculated move to bolster their public image. Yet, those close to the couple, including sources cited by People in 2024, insist that their privacy has always been paramount. This moment, they argue, is less about strategy and more about Earhardt’s desire to share a truth that has sustained her.

A Deeper Connection

Beyond the nickname, Earhardt’s breakdown hints at a deeper connection forged through adversity. Hannity’s support during her “hard times,” as she described in the 2025 Daily Mail piece, included quiet gestures—phone calls, weekend visits, and a steadfast presence amid media storms. For Earhardt, who once told People in 2019 that she hoped to “demonstrate a loving relationship” for Hayden, this relationship offers a redemptive arc to her story.

The couple’s decision to involve their ex-spouses and children in their engagement planning further highlights their commitment to harmony. Earhardt’s amicable co-parenting with Proctor and Hannity’s positive relationship with Rhodes reflect a maturity that underpins their partnership. This, combined with their shared faith, has created a foundation that Earhardt now shares with the world.

Looking Ahead

As Earhardt wipes away tears on air, the moment serves as a bridge between her public and private selves. The nickname “Sunshine,” once a private whisper, now symbolizes a love that endures distance, heartbreak, and headlines. For viewers, it’s a reminder that behind the cameras, even the most public figures harbor stories of vulnerability and hope.

The road to their wedding, still undated, promises more chapters in this evolving narrative. For now, Earhardt’s