Megyn Kelly went from corporate lawyer to one of the highest-paid names in American broadcast journalism — and then walked away from a $69 million NBC deal to build something even bigger on her own terms.
Today, Megyn Kelly net worth stands at an estimated $45 million in 2026. But the dollar figure alone doesn’t tell the full story. What makes Kelly’s financial journey remarkable is how she built it — through bold career pivots, savvy contract negotiations, and the willingness to bet on herself when no network was signing her checks.
This guide covers everything: her biography, age, education, career timeline, salary history at Fox News and NBC, how she earns money today, her husband and family, her height and physical stats, and a full income breakdown you won’t find anywhere else.
Megyn Kelly — Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Megyn Marie Kelly |
| Date of Birth | November 18, 1970 |
| Age | 55 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Champaign, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Irish (father’s side), Italian and German (mother’s side) |
| Religion | Catholic (raised) |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 125 lbs (57 kg) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Education | B.A. Political Science, Syracuse University (1992); J.D., Albany Law School (1995) |
| Profession | Journalist, Political Commentator, Podcaster, Attorney |
| First Husband | Daniel Kendall (m. 2001 – div. 2006) |
| Current Husband | Douglas Brunt (m. 2008 – present) |
| Children | Edward Yates (b. 2009), Yardley Evans (b. 2011), Thatcher Bray (b. 2013) |
| Net Worth | $45 million (2026 estimate) |
| Annual Income | $5–7 million (current estimate) |
| @megynkelly | |
| YouTube | The Megyn Kelly Show |
Early Life and Family Background
Growing Up in New York
Megyn Marie Kelly was born on November 18, 1970, in Champaign, Illinois, but she grew up in upstate New York. Her family moved to Syracuse when she was young, and then to Delmar, a suburb of Albany, when she was nine years old.
Her father, Edward Francis Kelly, was a professor of education at the State University of New York at Albany (SUNY Albany). Her mother, Linda (née DeMaio), worked as a homemaker and later as a nurse. Megyn was the youngest of three children, with an older sister, Suzanne (1964–2022), and an older brother, Pete.
She is of Irish descent on her father’s side and Italian and German descent on her mother’s side. She was raised in a Catholic household, a faith that shaped her values and sense of discipline from an early age.
A Defining Loss at Age 15
When Megyn was just 15 years old, her father died suddenly of a heart attack. The tragedy hit the family hard. Her mother returned to work as a nurse to support the household, and Megyn — by her own account — channeled the grief into drive.
That loss is something Kelly has spoken about repeatedly over the years. It gave her an independence and toughness that would define her career as a journalist who never shied away from difficult conversations.
Her mother later remarried a man named Peter Kirwan, giving Megyn a step-sister and a step-brother. The family remained close-knit throughout Megyn’s rise to fame.
School and Childhood
Kelly attended Bethlehem Central High School in the Albany suburbs, where she was active in athletics and student government. She was recognized for her academic achievements and competitive spirit — qualities that carried directly into her law and journalism careers.
Education
Syracuse University
After graduating high school, Kelly enrolled at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, one of the most respected schools of political science in the United States. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1992.
Syracuse University is also where she developed the analytical framework for understanding political issues — a skill that would later make her one of the sharpest interviewers in cable news.
Albany Law School
Determined to build a serious career, Kelly went on to pursue a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at Albany Law School, graduating in 1995. The school later honored her with an Alumni Achievement Award in 2010 for her 15th class reunion, recognizing her impact on American media.
Her legal education gave her something rare in broadcast journalism: the ability to cut through spin, identify inconsistencies in arguments, and remain composed under pressure during live television — all skills she honed in courtrooms before she ever stood in front of a camera.
Career Timeline
Legal Career (1995–2003): The Foundation
After law school, Megyn Kelly worked as a corporate defense attorney for nearly a decade. She joined prestigious firms including Jones Day in Chicago and Bickel & Brewer in Washington, D.C.
By her late twenties, she had built a solid legal reputation — but something was missing. Kelly had always been drawn to public life, and in the early 2000s, she made a decision that surprised people who knew her: she walked away from a stable legal career to pursue journalism.
That pivot was far from guaranteed. She had no formal journalism training, no television experience, and was starting over in a completely new industry in her early thirties. It was exactly the kind of bold move that would come to define her.
WJLA-TV Washington D.C. (2003–2004): First Steps in Broadcast
Kelly joined WJLA-TV, an ABC affiliate in Washington D.C., as a general assignment reporter in 2003. It was entry-level work — covering local news, showing up wherever the story was — but she learned quickly.
During this period, she covered major events including the 2004 Beltway sniper attack follow-up coverage and the 2004 Presidential election, developing her on-camera confidence and hard-news instincts.
Fox News (2004–2017): Building the Brand
In 2004, Fox News hired Megyn Kelly as a general assignment reporter. What followed was one of the most remarkable rises in cable news history.
She co-anchored “America’s Newsroom” with Bill Hemmer and hosted “America Live” from 2010 to 2013, steadily building a loyal audience. Then came the show that made her a primetime star.
“The Kelly File” debuted in October 2013 and quickly became one of the highest-rated shows on Fox News — at its peak, rivaling Bill O’Reilly’s ratings. The show was known for Kelly’s sharp, balanced interviewing style and her willingness to challenge guests across the political spectrum.
Her career at Fox reached a defining moment during the 2015 Republican Primary Debate, when she questioned Donald Trump directly about his remarks toward women. Trump’s response — and the controversy that followed — thrust Kelly into the national spotlight in a way few journalists experience.
By the time she left Fox News in January 2017, Kelly was earning a peak salary of $8 million per year, making her one of the highest-paid employees at the network. Her final episode of The Kelly File aired on January 6, 2017.
In 2014, she was named to Time magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People — recognition that put her in a class with world leaders and cultural icons.
NBC News (2017–2019): The Gamble That Didn’t Pay Off
In early 2017, Kelly made headlines by leaving Fox for NBC News in a deal reportedly worth $69 million over three years — roughly $23 million per year. It was one of the richest contracts in broadcast news history for a journalist.
NBC gave her a multi-platform role: a daytime show called “Megyn Kelly Today”, a Sunday night newsmagazine, and major event coverage. On paper, it looked like a career-defining upgrade.
In practice, it didn’t work. The morning show format didn’t suit Kelly’s sharp, debate-oriented style. Ratings struggled, and the audience that loved her combative political commentary didn’t follow her to lifestyle television.
The relationship with NBC broke down completely in October 2018 after Kelly made controversial comments about Halloween blackface costumes during a panel discussion on her show. NBC cancelled the show, and Kelly departed in January 2019.
Here’s what most articles miss: Kelly didn’t leave empty-handed. Because NBC cancelled her contract early, she was entitled to the remaining balance — reportedly around $30 million — paid out in full. It was a massive exit package for a show that never found its footing.
Independent Media (2020–Present): Betting on Herself
Rather than accept another network offer, Kelly chose independence. In 2020, she launched “The Megyn Kelly Show” as a podcast and audio program, distributed through SiriusXM and digital platforms.
It was a risk — no network backing, no guaranteed audience, no corporate safety net. But it worked.
The show grew rapidly into one of the most popular political podcasts in the United States. Key milestones include:
- Over 4 million YouTube subscribers as of 2026
- IHeartRadio Award for Best Political Podcast (March 2025)
- Named to Time’s 100 Most Influential People for a second time in 2025
- Signed an exclusive distribution deal with SiriusXM worth an estimated $10–15 million annually (announced October 2025)
- Launched AM Update with Megyn Kelly, a daily news digest podcast (February 2025)
- Founded MK Media in March 2025, a podcast and video network featuring independent creators like Mark Halperin and Maureen Callahan
In 2025, she also delivered remarks at Donald Trump’s rally the night before his second inauguration, cementing her position as one of the most influential voices in conservative media.
Megyn Kelly Net Worth 2026 — Full Income Breakdown
This is the section that most competitor articles skip entirely. Here is a detailed breakdown of where Megyn Kelly’s $45 million net worth comes from and how she continues to earn today.
Historical Earnings
| Period | Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2004–2017 | Fox News (13 years) | $50–60 million total |
| 2017–2019 | NBC News contract | $69 million contracted |
| 2019 exit | NBC early departure payout | ~$30 million |
| 2016 | Book deal — Settle for More | $10+ million |
Current Annual Income Sources (2026)
| Income Source | Estimated Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| SiriusXM channel deal | $10–15 million |
| YouTube ad revenue | ~$1.2 million/year |
| Podcast sponsorships | $2–3 million |
| Speaking engagements | $500K–$1 million |
| MK Media / production | Equity + revenue share |
| Total estimated | $5–7 million+ per year |
Real Estate Portfolio
Kelly has made smart real estate investments over the years:
- Rye, New York mansion — purchased in 2020 for approximately $3.6 million; a 4,000+ sq ft colonial-style home
- Hamptons summer home — estimated value around $5.2 million
What Most Articles Get Wrong About Her NBC Payout
Several biography sites report her NBC salary as “$15–20 million per year” and leave it at that. What they miss is that when NBC cancelled her contract early, Kelly was legally entitled to the remaining contract value. That exit payout — widely reported as approximately $30 million — is one of the most significant single payouts in television history for a departure that lasted less than two years.
In other words, Megyn Kelly got paid $30 million not to work at NBC. That payout alone would put most people on any “richest journalists” list.
Personal Life: Husband, Children, and Family
First Marriage to Daniel Kendall
Megyn Kelly married Daniel Kendall, an anesthesiologist, in 2001. The couple divorced in 2006, with both parties describing the split as amicable. Kelly has rarely spoken publicly about this chapter of her life.
Marriage to Douglas Brunt
In 2008, Kelly married Douglas Brunt, whom she met on a blind date in 2006. Brunt is a former cybersecurity executive who later became a novelist. His books include The Means and Trophy Son.
The couple has spoken openly about building their life together through significant career changes on both sides — Douglas leaving his tech career to write, Megyn leaving Fox for NBC and then going independent. They divide their time between homes in the New York area.
Kelly has said that Brunt’s support was central to her ability to take professional risks. “Doug sees the woman behind the mic,” she told Vanity Fair in 2024.
Their Three Children
Megyn and Douglas have three children, all conceived through IVF — something Kelly has discussed publicly as part of her advocacy for transparency around fertility:
- Edward Yates Brunt — born September 2009
- Yardley Evans Brunt — born April 2011
- Thatcher Bray Brunt — born July 2013
Kelly has spoken about the emotional complexity of IVF on air, connecting with audiences going through similar experiences. “Fertility struggles are our superpower,” she said on her show in 2025.
Height, Weight, and Physical Stats
Megyn Kelly stands 5 feet 6 inches tall (168 cm) and weighs approximately 125 pounds (57 kg). She has blue eyes and blonde hair, and has maintained a consistently polished on-camera presence throughout her career.
Her appearance has occasionally been a topic of public commentary — something she has addressed directly, noting that female broadcasters face a level of physical scrutiny that their male counterparts rarely encounter.
Megyn Kelly’s Social Media Presence (2026)
Kelly has built one of the most engaged audiences in independent political media:
- YouTube: 4+ million subscribers; The Megyn Kelly Show channel
- Instagram: @megynkelly — active with personal and professional content
- SiriusXM: The Megyn Kelly Channel (launched November 2025)
- Spotify / major podcast platforms: The Megyn Kelly Show available across all major apps
The show’s YouTube channel recorded over 116 million views in a single month (July 2023), demonstrating the scale of her independent reach.
What Makes Megyn Kelly Different From Other News Anchors
Most cable news hosts build their careers within a network system and stay there. Kelly has done something rarer: she walked away from two major networks — Fox and NBC — and came out financially stronger each time.
A few things that set her apart:
Legal background: Her corporate law training gives her a prosecutorial approach to interviews. She doesn’t accept non-answers, and she spots logical gaps quickly.
Brand independence: Where most journalists are tied to their network’s brand, Kelly owns her platform. MK Media, The Megyn Kelly Show, AM Update — these are businesses she controls.
Audience loyalty: Despite leaving Fox and then NBC, her core audience followed her across every platform transition. That kind of loyalty is unusual in media and represents genuine personal brand strength.
Willingness to take positions: Whether you agree with her or not, Kelly rarely hedges. On her podcast, she’s criticized politicians on both sides, including Donald Trump on military policy in 2026 — a move that generated enormous backlash but also drove massive engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Megyn Kelly net worth in 2026?
Megyn Kelly’s net worth is estimated at $45 million as of 2026. This wealth comes from her Fox News salary (up to $8 million/year), her NBC payout (~$30 million exit), book royalties from Settle for More, and her current podcast and SiriusXM earnings.
How much did Megyn Kelly earn at Fox News?
At the height of her Fox News career, Megyn Kelly earned approximately $8 million per year. Over her 13 years at the network (2004–2017), her total Fox News earnings are estimated at $50–60 million.
How much did Megyn Kelly make at NBC?
Kelly signed a contract with NBC reportedly worth $69 million over three years ($23 million/year). When NBC cancelled her show early, she reportedly received approximately $30 million as an exit payout.
How does Megyn Kelly make money now?
Kelly earns primarily through her SiriusXM channel deal (estimated $10–15M/year), podcast sponsorships, YouTube ad revenue, and speaking engagements at $100,000+ per appearance. She also earns from her MK Media network.
Who is Megyn Kelly husband?
Megyn Kelly has been married to Douglas Brunt since March 1, 2008. Brunt is a former cybersecurity executive and published novelist. The couple has three children together.
How tall is Megyn Kelly?
Megyn Kelly is 5 feet 6 inches tall (168 cm).
How old is Megyn Kelly?
Megyn Kelly was born on November 18, 1970, making her 55 years old as of 2026.
Does Megyn Kelly still have a show?
Yes. The Megyn Kelly Show airs daily on SiriusXM’s Triumph channel and is available on YouTube (4M+ subscribers), Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. She also hosts AM Update with Megyn Kelly, a daily news digest launched in February 2025.
What book did Megyn Kelly write?
Kelly published her autobiography “Settle for More” in November 2016. The book was part of a deal with HarperCollins worth more than $10 million and became a bestseller.
What happened with Megyn Kelly and NBC?
Kelly joined NBC in 2017 with a $69 million contract. Her morning show, Megyn Kelly Today, struggled with ratings. After controversy over comments about Halloween blackface costumes in October 2018, NBC cancelled the show. Kelly departed in January 2019 and reportedly received ~$30 million in remaining contract payments.
Final Thoughts
Megyn Kelly’s story is not a simple “rags to riches” biography. It is a story about someone who repeatedly chose discomfort over safety — leaving law for journalism, leaving Fox for NBC, and then leaving NBC for a podcast with no guaranteed audience.
Each of those moves came with enormous risk. Each one paid off in a way that her critics didn’t predict.
At 55, with a $45 million net worth, a growing media company, and an audience that has followed her across every platform transition, Megyn Kelly remains one of the most consequential voices in American political media — whether you agree with her or not.