In a moment that sent shockwaves through the Fox News universe and beyond, Sean Hannity, the fiery host of Hannity, proposed to his longtime partner and Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt in December 2024, culminating four years of a romance they describe as “love at first sight.” The proposal, which took place at their shared home church in Naples, Florida, was marked by a diamond ring engraved with a secret message known only to the couple, igniting a frenzy among fans on X and drawing congratulations from colleagues and even former President Donald Trump. At 63 and 48, respectively, Hannity and Earhardt, both previously divorced, have woven a deeply personal love story that blends faith, family, and a shared conservative ethos, captivating their audience with a rare glimpse into their private world.

A Romance Rooted in Faith and Secrecy

Hannity and Earhardt’s relationship, though long rumored, was kept under wraps for years, with the couple confirming their romance publicly only in August 2020. Their bond, which began in 2019, deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic when they quarantined together, as reported by Vanity Fair. “It was love at first sight,” Earhardt said in a December 2024 statement to People, describing their first meeting at a Fox News event where Hannity’s humor and conviction left an indelible mark. Hannity echoed her sentiment, telling Fox News Insider, “Ainsley’s faith and heart were undeniable. I knew she was the one.”

The proposal, meticulously planned by Hannity, took place at First Baptist Church in Naples, a place significant to the couple’s shared spiritual life. On Christmas Eve 2024, with their families—Hannity’s children, Patrick and Merri, from his marriage to Jill Rhodes, and Earhardt’s daughter, Hayden, from her marriage to Will Proctor—gathered in the candlelit sanctuary, Hannity dropped to one knee. “I’ve never been more sure of anything,” he said, presenting a 4-carat emerald-cut diamond ring, custom-designed by a New York jeweler. The ring’s band bore an engraving, described by a source close to the couple to Page Six as “a phrase that means everything to them but nothing to anyone else.” Fans on X speculated wildly, with guesses ranging from a Bible verse to a nod to their Fox News tenure, but the couple has remained tight-lipped, fueling the mystery.

The Ring That Sparked a Frenzy

The diamond ring, estimated at $200,000, became an instant obsession on social media. Photos shared by Earhardt on Instagram, showing her hand resting on Hannity’s during a holiday dinner, sent fans into a tailspin. “That rock is massive! What’s the engraving say??” one X user posted, while another wrote, “Sean and Ainsley’s secret message is peak romance. I’m dying to know!” The hashtag #HannityEarhardtEngaged trended for days, with supporters flooding X with heart emojis and conservative fans hailing the couple as “America’s power duo.” Even Trump, a longtime friend of Hannity, weighed in, posting on Truth Social, “Congratulations to Sean and Ainsley! Great people, great patriots. Big things ahead!”

The engraving’s secrecy aligns with the couple’s approach to their relationship, which has balanced public prominenceregistering their children’s names in a family Bible. Hannity, a devout Catholic, and Earhardt, a devout Protestant, have often spoken of their faith as a cornerstone of their bond, with Earhardt citing Proverbs 3:5-6 as a guiding verse. A Fox News colleague, speaking to The Express in December 2024, suggested the engraving might reference their shared belief, possibly “Trust in Him” or a date tied to their first meeting. Whatever the message, its intimacy has resonated, with fans on X calling it “the ultimate love code.”

A Love Forged in the Spotlight

Hannity and Earhardt’s romance unfolded against the backdrop of their high-profile careers. Hannity, with a reported net worth of $250 million and a $36 million annual salary from his 2023 Fox News contract, has been a conservative titan since joining Fox in 1996. Earhardt, earning $6 million annually, rose from local news in South Carolina to Fox & Friends in 2007, becoming a beloved morning show staple. Their professional synergy—Hannity’s hard-hitting commentary and Earhardt’s warm, relatable style—mirrored their personal dynamic, with Hannity describing Earhardt as “my calm in the storm” on The Five in January 2025.

Their relationship wasn’t without challenges. Both were divorced, with Hannity’s 2019 split from Rhodes after 26 years and Earhardt’s 2018 divorce from Proctor drawing scrutiny. The affair rumors surrounding their early romance, denied by both, fueled tabloid headlines, with Daily Mail reporting in 2020 that they were spotted together at Oyster Bay, New York. Yet, their commitment weathered the storm, strengthened by shared values and their children’s support. “Our kids are thrilled,” Earhardt told People. “Hayden loves Sean, and Patrick and Merri adore me. We’re a family.”

The Proposal’s Emotional Impact

The church proposal was a tearful affair, according to attendees. Earhardt, dressed in a simple white dress, was visibly moved as Hannity spoke of their journey. “You’ve made me a better man,” he said, per the Page Six source. Their pastor, Dr. Robert Jeffress, who officiated, told Fox News Insider, “It was a sacred moment, rooted in their love for God and each other.” The presence of their children underscored the blended family’s unity, with Hayden, 9, reportedly hugging Hannity after Earhardt said yes.

The emotional weight of the moment echoed Hannity’s vulnerability, rarely seen on air. On Hannity in January 2025, he choked up while thanking viewers for their support, saying, “Ainsley and I are overwhelmed by the love.” Fans on X responded with fervor, posting, “Sean crying over Ainsley is everything. This is their happily ever after.” Others noted the contrast to Hannity’s on-air persona, with one user writing, “He’s tough on TV, but that ring shows his heart.”

A Future Together

The engagement has sparked speculation about wedding plans, with fans on X suggesting a beach ceremony at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Florida estate, or a church wedding in Naples. The Express reported in April 2025 that the couple is eyeing a 2025 summer wedding, possibly coinciding with Fox News’ 30th anniversary. Their $15 million Long Island estate, purchased in 2023, and Earhardt’s $2.3 million Manhattan condo provide luxurious backdrops for planning, though the couple prefers privacy, as seen in their low-key engagement announcement.

Professionally, both remain Fox News powerhouses. Hannity’s show averaged 2.9 million viewers nightly in 2024, per Nielsen, while Fox & Friends drew 1.4 million. Their $50 million combined net worth and recent contract extensions—Hannity’s through 2028, Earhardt’s through 2027—ensure stability, though Hannity hinted on The Five about scaling back to focus on family, saying, “Ainsley and the kids are my priority now.”

A Love Story for the Ages

Hannity and Earhardt’s engagement, marked by the enigmatic diamond ring, has captured the imagination of fans who see it as a testament to second chances. The secret engraving, a private vow in a public life, symbolizes their unbreakable bond. As they plan their future, their story resonates beyond Fox News, with X users calling them “conservative royalty” and “proof love wins.” In Naples, where their love was sealed, the ring’s hidden message remains a cherished secret, binding two hearts who found each other in the spotlight and chose to shine together.