In a deeply emotional moment on Fox News’ Outnumbered, former White House Press Secretary and beloved television host Kayleigh McEnany revealed a heart-wrenching update about her newborn daughter, Avery Grace. The 37-year-old, who welcomed her third child with husband Sean Gilmartin in June 2025, disclosed that the infant has been in and out of the hospital due to an undisclosed illness. The announcement, made during a live broadcast on August 15, 2025, left her co-hosts and viewers visibly moved, as McEnany’s usual poise gave way to raw vulnerability.
McEnany, known for her steadfast demeanor during her tenure as press secretary under President Donald Trump, has often shared glimpses of her personal life, balancing her high-profile career with motherhood. Her two older children, five-year-old Blake and two-year-old Nash, have frequently been mentioned in heartwarming anecdotes on air. However, the joy of welcoming Avery Grace, announced with fanfare on June 30, has been overshadowed by the infant’s ongoing medical challenges. “It’s been a tough few weeks,” McEnany said, her voice trembling. “Avery is a fighter, but she’s been in and out of the hospital. We’re trusting in God and our incredible doctors.”
While McEnany did not specify the nature of Avery’s illness, citing a desire for privacy, she emphasized her daughter’s resilience. “She’s so strong, just like her name suggests—‘Grace’ under pressure,” she shared, referencing the biblical inspiration behind the name. The lack of detailed medical information has sparked concern among fans, with social media platforms like X flooded with messages of support. Hashtags such as #PrayForAvery and #McEnanyStrong trended within hours, reflecting the public’s affection for the family.
The news comes amid a challenging year for McEnany. In March 2025, she announced her third pregnancy on Outnumbered, delighting viewers with a gender reveal featuring her daughter Blake biting into a pink-frosted cupcake. However, reports of a health scare during a live broadcast in May—when McEnany fainted, prompting an emergency delivery—hinted at complications. Sources close to the family now confirm that Avery’s condition, while serious, is being managed at a leading pediatric hospital in Florida, where the family resides.
McEnany’s openness about her faith has been a cornerstone of her public persona, and she leaned heavily on it during her announcement. Quoting Psalm 46:1, she said, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Her co-host Harris Faulkner, visibly emotional, praised McEnany’s courage, stating, “Kayleigh is showing us what it means to walk through the fire with faith.” The outpouring of support from colleagues, including Fox News anchors like Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham, underscores McEnany’s influence within the network and beyond.
This health crisis adds another layer to McEnany’s already complex journey. In 2021, she detailed her preventative double mastectomy due to a BRCA2 gene mutation, a decision driven by her family’s history of breast cancer. Her candidness about that experience inspired many, and her current vulnerability is likely to resonate similarly. “As a mother, you want to protect your child from everything,” she said. “But sometimes, you have to surrender and trust.”
The McEnany family’s ordeal has sparked broader conversations about pediatric healthcare and parental resilience. Experts note that such public disclosures by high-profile figures can reduce stigma around childhood illnesses and encourage families to seek support. For now, McEnany has scaled back her on-air appearances, transitioning to a senior contributor role at Fox News to focus on her family, as announced in May 2025. “This isn’t goodbye,” she reassured viewers. “It’s just a season of prioritizing my babies.”
As the McEnanys navigate this uncertain chapter, the public’s response has been overwhelmingly compassionate. From prayer vigils organized by fans to messages from political figures across the spectrum, the family is enveloped in support. McEnany ended her announcement with a plea: “Please keep Avery in your prayers.” For a woman who has faced the spotlight’s glare with unwavering strength, this moment of vulnerability has only deepened her connection with her audience.