Ainsley Earhardt Talks Faith, Motherhood, & Her Fox News Ascent

Story by Patricia Patnode

Photography by Andrea Hanks

On a chilly November morning not unlike this one, Fox News host Ainsley Earhardt sat in a rocking chair in her nursery, caressing her newborn baby girl. Across from her stood a TV camera, streaming from her uptown apartment directly to Fox News HQ. Though she just gave birth, Earhardt couldn’t wait to share her new angel with her supportive colleagues and dedicated audience.

“When they put her in your arms, it’s unbelievable, your heart changes forever,” a glowing Earhardt said. 

A few years later, there would be pain behind those eyes as she navigated a difficult divorce. Earhardt’s preexisting strong foundation of faith got her through the storm and gave her the confidence to be a single mother. One song by Christian singer Lauren Daigle, “Rescue,” was a spiritual reminder of God’s providence amid chaotic, unchartered waters.

“You’re not defenseless,” Daigle cries out. “I’ll be your shelter. I’ll be your armor.”

Earhardt sits fireside in her cozy living room, telling The Conservateur about the wisdom and fellowship she’s found in her women’s Bible study. It’s gifted her deep friendships, meaningful accountability, and a daily reading routine (available here). 

We are sitting in her Manhattan living room, Daigle’s lush vocals playing in the background, as Earhardt tells us about the life she’s built for her and her daughter, Hayden. She’s fresh off the Fox set, her Carolina-blue eyes sparkling as she greets us in a sleek, pastel dress. Generous in her words and deeds, Earhardt personifies Christian charity. 

Amid marital turmoil, Earhardt said she felt the Fox job was “God’s way of saying: ‘I gotcha! You can take care of yourself. You’re going to be a single mom, but I’m giving you a fabulous job and it’s going to make you very happy. You have this daughter and this job that you just love. And that’s enough. That’s enough. And you have Jesus.”

From her sitting room in her Manhattan apartment, Earhardt talks about the treasured people who make this space home. Designed by renowned Dallas-based designer Lisa Henderson, the interiors beautifully reflect Earhardt’s southern heritage and charm.

Ainsley is refreshingly open about her faith on the show she co-hosts, Fox and Friends. 

“I really believe that I am in my position at Fox because of the Lord,” she said. “And He knew I would be bold, and He knew that I was only doing it because I love everybody, and I want them to see Him and meet Him and have a chance to go to heaven.”

FOX Nation’s just released a new vertical, FOX Faith, that includes a glimpse into “Ainsley’s Bible Study” as well as the highly anticipated multipart docudrama, Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints, hosted, narrated and executive produced by Martin Scorsese.

Little appeals to heaven in the form of cross tokens and bibles are nestled into nooks and crannies around Earhardt’s apartment, an oasis of Southern glamor and sweetness juxtaposed by a severe skyline. While she was raised by faithful parents, Earhardt’s intimate relationship with Christ blossomed during her college years— at a frat party, of all places! She delves into this transformative experience in her book, The Light Within Me.

In the book, Ainsley recounts her first major furniture investment— a bed frame carved with rice stalks on the posts. All of the pieces in her enchanting nest are thoughtfully curated and arranged, cultivating both serenity and playfulness for her and Hayden. Family photos of her parents, Hayden, and her beloved boyfriend, longtime Fox News host Sean Hannity, complete the layout.

In the TV studio and as a nurturing mother to a little girl, Ainsley puts her best foot forward in all her endeavors.

Earhardt’s home is like an elevated Palm Beach jungle, filled with leopard, zebra, and other whimsical patterns, exotic antique pottery, and stylish drapes, tassels, and needlepoint pillows that blend southern charm with New York City sophistication to create a cohesive, uplifting space. A portrait painting of Earhardt and Hayden, a touch of old-world tradition, looks out over the sitting room.

When asked about her most treasured belongings, she immediately ran to her bedside to present a well-loved black leather Bible embossed with her name.

“If there’s ever a house fire, that’s the first thing I’m grabbing!” she exclaimed. 

Though life has been unkind to her at times, Earhardt is a self-assured woman of humility, poise, and fortitude. It was these qualities that attracted First Lady Melania Trump, who chose Earhardt to sit down with for her first interview since the 2020 election. Kindred spirits, the two conversed organically, one courageous soul to another. Despite her striking beauty, demure wit, and impressive modeling career, Melania was denied a cover in a prominent flagship fashion magazine. It is still a great disappointment, Earhardt agrees. 

“She’s just so beautiful and polished,” Earhardt said. “She definitely deserves a spot.”

Picture perfect: Beyond Ainsley’s stunning profile lies a great sense of humor and attitude on life. She warmly recounts classic New York City memories, leaving everyone smiling.

Between these exclusive segments and being Hayden’s mother, Earhardt takes none of her blessings for granted. Shortly before becoming pregnant with Hayden, she miscarried a baby girl. Despite lingering grief, she is sanguine about the divine plan. She is certain it includes a joyous reunion.

“I understood why I had that miscarriage,” she said confidently. “I’ll meet her in heaven. And now I have my Hayden, and I wouldn’t have Hayden if I hadn’t had that miscarriage.”

From her struggles, Earhardt emerged a devoted follower of Christ. With God’s grace, Earhardt has found a man who encourages her in her walk with Him. 

In the formal dining room, Ainsley invites the team to play her most intimately loved worship song, “Rescue” by Lauren Daigle. The moving melody brings tears to our eyes as it resounds through the space, adorned with Iksel wallpaper— a truly serene setting.

“We share the same faith, and we talk for hours sitting in front of a fireplace, in our swivel chairs with our Bibles… I feel like God redeemed me and fixed that broken road,” she said. “And I wasn’t sure if that would ever happen.”

Earhardt’s earnest prayer for young women is that they seek partners who view them the way their creator does: as gifts. 

“My message for women is, know your worth, and know that because of God, you are worthy,” she said. “He loves you. He created you. You are worthy of finding love and of being happy.”

Now, despite seasons of colder weather, love and happiness have found Ainsley. 

Patricia Patnode works in Washington D.C. and is a regular contributor for The Cedar Rapids Gazette and The Conservateur, among other publications. She received a B.A. from Loras College in her home state of Iowa.

Andrea Hanks is a former model and Fashion Week-turned-Trump White House photographer best known for capturing First Lady Melania Trump’s exquisite style. She can be found on Instagram @ahanksphoto.