“This Was Never an Easy Goodbye” — Ainsley Earhardt Says Farewell to Fox & Friends and Reveals the ‘Real Reason’ Behind Her Emotional Exit

In a deeply emotional moment that resonated with longtime viewers, Ainsley Earhardt officially said goodbye to Fox & Friends, the program that defined a major chapter of her career. On her final broadcast December 26, 2025, the beloved co-host fought back tears as she addressed the camera directly, thanking the audience that had become like family over nearly a decade on the morning show.

Earhardt, who joined Fox & Friends as a full-time co-host in 2016, reflected on years of early mornings, meaningful conversations, and the powerful bond she built with both her co-hosts and the audience. Sitting alongside Steve Doocy, Brian Kilmeade, and Lawrence Jones on the iconic curvy couch one last time, she shared heartfelt memories—from covering historic elections to lighter segments featuring pets, cooking demos, and holiday celebrations. “These early wake-ups, the laughter behind the scenes, the tough news days—we’ve shared it all,” Earhardt said, her voice cracking. “You’ve invited me into your homes every morning, and that’s a privilege I’ll never take for granted.”

The South Carolina native’s journey to Fox News began in 2007 after stints in local markets, quickly rising through the ranks with her warm on-air presence and faith-centered perspective. She became a staple of the top-rated morning program, conducting high-profile interviews, hosting segments like “Ainsley Across America,” and authoring bestselling books that often tied into her personal stories shared on air. Her Christian faith has been a cornerstone of her public persona, resonating deeply with viewers who appreciated her uplifting messages amid daily headlines.

But it was her candid revelation about the “real reason” for stepping away that truly stopped viewers in their tracks. Earhardt opened up about prioritizing her family, particularly her 10-year-old daughter, Hayden, as the driving force behind her decision. “The real reason—it’s my little girl,” she confessed emotionally. “These 4 a.m. alarm clocks mean missing bedtime stories, school events, and those precious everyday moments that go by so fast. I’ve prayed about this for a long time, and God has made it clear: it’s time to be the mom Hayden needs full-time right now.”

Earhardt, who has been open about balancing a demanding career with single motherhood following her 2019 divorce, emphasized that the choice wasn’t made lightly. Recently engaged to fellow Fox News host Sean Hannity, she hinted at exciting new chapters ahead but stressed that family comes first. “This was never an easy goodbye,” she added. “Fox & Friends* has been my home, my passion. But Hayden is growing up, and I want to be there for every milestone without the pull of the studio.”

Co-hosts paid tribute throughout the show. Doocy called her “the heart of our family here,” while Kilmeade joked through tears about her infectious positivity. Jones praised her mentorship, noting how she embodied grace under pressure. The network aired a montage of highlights: Earhardt’s interviews with presidents, her joyful holiday segments, and vulnerable moments discussing faith and loss, including the passing of her mother in 2022.

Viewers flooded social media with support, sharing how Earhardt’s segments inspired their own family routines. Many expressed understanding, with parents relating to the tug-of-war between career ambitions and child-rearing. “You’ve earned this time with your daughter,” one fan wrote. “We’ll miss you but cheer you on.”

Fox News has not announced a permanent replacement, with rotating hosts filling the seat in the interim. Earhardt plans to continue contributing occasionally through FOX Nation and other projects, including her Bible study series. As she signed off, hugging her co-hosts and blowing a kiss to the camera, Earhardt left with words of gratitude: “Thank you for letting me be part of your mornings. Keep the faith, hug your loved ones, and know that brighter days are always ahead.”

For millions, the curvy couch won’t feel the same without her Southern charm and steadfast optimism. Yet Earhardt’s exit underscores a universal truth: sometimes the hardest goodbyes lead to the most fulfilling hellos—in her case, more time with the little girl who means everything.