A Love Rekindled: Bret Baier’s On-Air Proposal to Amy on Their 21st Anniversary

In the wake of the 9/11 tragedy, amidst a world gripped by uncertainty, a blind date in September 2001 sparked a love story that would become a beacon of hope in American media. Bret Baier, then a Pentagon correspondent for Fox News, and Amy Hills, a Chicago-based media planner for Calvin Klein, were brought together by mutual friends at a Rolling Stones concert. Neither expected the evening to change their lives. Bret, constantly on the move with his demanding career, and Amy, a strong, independent Chicago native wary of long-distance romance, seemed an unlikely match. Yet, their connection was undeniable. Bret’s sincerity won Amy over, and he began flying to Chicago every weekend for stolen moments together, laying the foundation for a bond that would endure for over two decades.

By Thanksgiving 2003, Bret proposed, and on October 9, 2004, they married in Chicago, embarking on a partnership defined by resilience and devotion. Together, they faced life’s highs and lows, from raising two sons—Paul and Daniel—to navigating the emotional rollercoaster of Paul’s congenital heart defect, which required multiple surgeries, including a critical open-heart procedure in 2008. Amy’s strength shone through as she became a tireless advocate for congenital heart disease, chairing efforts at Children’s National Hospital, where the couple was honored with the Joseph E. Robert Jr. Award in 2014. Bret chronicled their journey in his 2014 memoir, Special Heart: A Journey of Faith, Hope, Courage and Love, dedicating it to Amy and Paul, his “Mama Baier” and “Baby Baier.”

On October 9, 2025, as they celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary, Bret did something that left even longtime Fox News viewers stunned: he proposed to Amy again, live on air. During a broadcast, the seasoned anchor paused, his voice softening as he turned the moment into a heartfelt tribute. “Amy, you took a chance on me 21 years ago,” he said, his eyes gleaming with emotion. “You’ve been my rock through every storm. Will you marry me again?” The studio fell silent, and viewers at home were captivated by the raw sincerity of the moment. Amy, watching from home, later shared her joy on Instagram, writing, “Forever blessed because of you @bretbaier! Happy 21st Anniversary!” The post, liked by thousands, reflected the public’s awe at the couple’s enduring love.

Described as a “miraculous gesture of gratitude,” Bret’s on-air proposal was more than a romantic flourish—it was a testament to a partnership that has weathered unimaginable challenges. From the chaos of post-9/11 reporting to the demands of Bret’s role as Fox News’ chief political anchor, Amy has been his unwavering support. Their shared faith, rooted in Bret’s Catholic upbringing, and Amy’s Midwestern values of family and resilience have anchored them. As Bret prepares to release his latest book, To Rescue the American Spirit, on October 21, 2025, their story continues to inspire. What began as a hesitant blind date has become a legacy of love, proving that even in the darkest times, a single moment can spark a lifetime of devotion.