In the fast-paced world of cable news, few faces are as synonymous with reliability and gravitas as John Roberts. As the Chief White House Correspondent for FOX News, Roberts has been a staple on American television for decades, delivering sharp analysis on everything from presidential elections to international crises. His calm demeanor, deep voice, and unflinching pursuit of the truth have endeared him to millions of viewers. But beyond the studio lights, Roberts is a man of profound personal depth—a devoted husband, father, and survivor of unexpected health challenges.

Recently, news broke that Roberts had been hospitalized with a severe case of malaria, sending shockwaves through the media community and his loyal audience. The illness, which he suspects he contracted during a July trip to Indonesia, forced the veteran journalist off the air temporarily, but his recovery has been swift and inspiring. Thankfully, Roberts is now back to full health, resuming his duties with the same vigor that has defined his career. This close call not only highlighted the vulnerabilities even the most seasoned travelers face but also reignited interest in Roberts’ personal life. For those who follow him closely, it’s a reminder that behind the anchor desk is a family man whose story is as compelling as the headlines he reports.

Central to Roberts’ life is his marriage to fellow journalist Kyra Phillips, a dynamic reporter and anchor whose own career spans major networks like CNN and ABC News. The couple’s union is a testament to love finding its way in the unlikeliest of places—the high-stakes environment of broadcast journalism. Engaged in 2010 after both had navigated divorces, Roberts and Phillips have built a blended family that includes twins born in 2011. Their relationship, forged amid professional pressures and personal reinvention, defies the ordinary rom-com narrative. They didn’t meet at a glamorous gala or a chance airport encounter; instead, their paths crossed in the newsrooms of CNN, where ambition and shared passion for storytelling sparked an enduring bond.

This article delves into Roberts’ illustrious career, his harrowing battle with malaria, and the intimate details of his life with Phillips. From their unexpected meeting to the joys of parenthood and Phillips’ current role at ABC News, we’ll explore how two divorced journalists found happiness against the odds. At over two decades into their professional journeys, both continue to shape the media landscape while cherishing a private life rich with love and resilience.

John Roberts: From Canadian Roots to FOX News Powerhouse

John David Roberts was born on November 15, 1956, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, into a family that valued education and public service. Growing up in a middle-class household, young John developed an early fascination with current events, influenced by the turbulent 1960s and 1970s. He attended the University of Toronto, graduating in 1978 with a degree in English, but his true calling lay in the world of broadcasting. Roberts’ career began humbly in the late 1970s as a radio newsman in his hometown, where he honed his skills reporting local stories for stations like CFTR.

By the early 1980s, Roberts had transitioned to television, joining Citytv in Toronto as a reporter and weekend anchor. His big break came in 1985 when he moved to MuchMusic, Canada’s answer to MTV, where he served as a video jockey (VJ). This role, unconventional for a future hard-news anchor, showcased Roberts’ versatility and charisma. He interviewed rock stars and covered pop culture, but his ambition pushed him toward serious journalism. In 1989, he jumped to CTV, Canada’s largest private network, as a national correspondent, covering major events like the Gulf War and Canadian politics.

Roberts’ international profile soared in 1992 when he joined CBS News in New York as a correspondent. Based in the U.S., he reported for the CBS Evening News and contributed to 60 Minutes II. His coverage of the 1996 U.S. presidential election and the Oklahoma City bombing earned him praise for his on-the-ground tenacity. However, it was his move to CNN in 2001 that catapulted him to stardom. As a senior national correspondent, Roberts anchored American Morning and covered the 9/11 attacks, the Iraq War, and the 2004 election with unflagging precision.

In 2006, amid CNN’s internal shifts, Roberts made a pivotal decision: he joined FOX News as a chief White House correspondent. This move aligned him with a network known for its conservative leanings, though Roberts has always maintained a reputation for balanced reporting. Over the years, he has moderated presidential debates, including the 2012 Republican primary, and provided live coverage of historic moments like the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Today, at 68, Roberts co-anchors America Reports alongside Sandra Smith, dissecting policy and politics with the insight of someone who has witnessed history unfold.

What sets Roberts apart is his adaptability. From VJ to war correspondent, he embodies the evolution of news media. Colleagues describe him as meticulous and kind, a mentor to younger reporters. His Canadian politeness tempers his probing questions, making him a formidable yet fair interviewer. Off-air, Roberts is an avid golfer and reader, hobbies that provide solace amid 24/7 news cycles. His net worth, estimated at $5 million, reflects a career marked by steady success rather than flash. Yet, for all his professional accolades, it’s the personal trials—like his recent health scare—that humanize him most.

A Sudden Health Scare: Roberts’ Battle with Malaria

In late August 2025, FOX News viewers noticed something amiss during a broadcast of America Reports. Roberts, mid-sentence, began shivering uncontrollably, a symptom that would soon reveal a dire diagnosis: severe malaria. The anchor, known for his steady presence, excused himself from the set, and the network confirmed he had been rushed to a Washington, D.C., hospital.

Malaria, a mosquito-borne parasitic infection, is rare in the U.S. but can be life-threatening if untreated. Roberts traced his exposure to a July reporting trip to Indonesia, where he covered regional politics amid dense, tropical environments teeming with Anopheles mosquitoes. “I somehow came down with a severe case of Malaria. I can honestly say that I am the only person in the hospital with Malaria,” he later shared, blending humor with the gravity of his situation.

Upon admission, Roberts was treated with IV artesunate, the gold-standard therapy for severe cases in the United States. Symptoms included high fever, chills, and fatigue, hallmarks of Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous strain. Medical experts noted that prompt intervention was crucial; without it, complications like organ failure could arise. Roberts spent several days under observation, supported by his family, including wife Kyra Phillips, who stood vigil by his side.

The incident sparked widespread concern and support. Fellow FOX personalities like Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham sent well-wishes, while social media trended with #GetWellJohn. Public health advocates used the moment to remind travelers of prophylaxis measures—antimalarial drugs and insect repellents—that Roberts admitted he had overlooked in his haste to report the story.

By early September 2025, Roberts was discharged and returned to work, sharing his experience to educate others. “It was a wake-up call,” he said in a follow-up interview. “Malaria doesn’t discriminate, and neither should our vigilance.” This episode not only tested his resilience but also underscored the risks journalists face in global hotspots. For Roberts, it was a brief detour in a career defined by perseverance, reminding fans that even anchors are human.

Kyra Phillips: A Trailblazing Journalist in Her Own Right

If John Roberts is the steady hand of FOX News, Kyra Phillips is the tenacious voice of investigative reporting. Born on August 8, 1968, in San Diego, California, Phillips grew up in a military family, moving frequently due to her father’s service. This nomadic childhood instilled in her a curiosity about the world and a drive to tell underrepresented stories. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Southern California in 1991, followed by a master’s in the same field from Boston University.

Phillips’ career ignited in 1994 at KIDY-TV in San Angelo, Texas, where she started as a general assignment reporter. Her big-league debut came in 1997 at KABC-TV in Los Angeles, covering breaking news like the Northridge earthquake aftermath. But it was her 2000 move to CNN that transformed her into a national figure. As a New York-based correspondent, Phillips reported on the 2001 anthrax attacks and the Enron scandal, earning an Emmy for her Wall Street coverage.

From 2001 to 2006, she anchored the CNN Newsroom and covered the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, embedding with NASA teams. Phillips’ on-air style—empathetic yet incisive—resonated during sensitive stories, like her 2004 interview with Terri Schiavo’s family amid the right-to-die debate. She also co-anchored Live From… and contributed to Anderson Cooper 360°.

In 2007, Phillips took on the role of Pentagon correspondent, a high-pressure post amid the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. She traveled to war zones, interviewing troops and analyzing military strategy, all while navigating the ethical tightrope of embedded reporting. Her book, The Whole Life Fertility Plan (2010), drew from personal experiences, offering guidance on balancing career and family in a demanding profession.

After leaving CNN in 2014, Phillips joined ABC News in April 2018 as a correspondent. Based in Washington, D.C., she anchors ABC News Live from 1 to 5 p.m. ET weekdays, covering White House briefings, investigations, and breaking news. As of 2025, Phillips remains a key player in ABC’s political coverage, often reporting on women’s issues and national security. Her recent work includes in-depth pieces on the 2024 election aftermath and climate policy, earning her a Peabody Award nomination.

Phillips’ career parallels Roberts’ in its breadth, but she stands out for her focus on human stories. A proud member of Delta Gamma sorority, she advocates for women’s empowerment in media. With a net worth around $3 million, she balances high-profile anchoring with authorship and philanthropy. Yet, her greatest story, many say, is the one she shares with her husband.

An Unlikely Romance: How Two Divorced Journalists Found Love

The love story of John Roberts and Kyra Phillips is a modern fairy tale wrapped in the chaos of news deadlines. Both had weathered divorces—Roberts from his first wife, Michele McPherson, in 2008 after a marriage that produced two children, and Phillips from pilot John Assad in the same year, following an eight-year union with no children. Single and focused on their careers at CNN, they weren’t actively seeking romance. But fate intervened in 2009, when their professional orbits aligned.

It started subtly in the CNN newsroom. Roberts, then anchoring American Morning from New York, and Phillips, a rising Pentagon correspondent, crossed paths during shared assignments. Colleagues recall casual chats in the hallways turning into deeper conversations about the grind of journalism. “We bonded over the absurdity of our jobs,” Phillips later shared in an interview. The turning point came in March 2009, when Phillips traveled to Toronto for Roberts’ induction into the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame. What was meant to be a professional courtesy visit evolved into their first date. Spotted arm-in-arm at events, whispers of romance spread through media circles.

Their connection deepened quickly. Both in their early 50s, they appreciated the maturity the other brought—no games, just genuine companionship. Roberts, a Canadian transplant navigating U.S. politics, found in Phillips a partner who understood the expatriate’s perspective; she, with her military upbringing, admired his global worldview. Dating amid 24-hour news cycles was challenging—late-night edits, travel disruptions—but it strengthened their bond. They kept it low-key, avoiding office gossip, but by summer 2009, they were inseparable.

The proposal came on April 25, 2010, at a golf course—one of Phillips’ favorite spots. Roberts, ever the romantic, popped the question after a round, presenting a ring that symbolized their shared future. “It was perfect—outdoors, relaxed, just us,” Phillips recounted. The engagement made headlines in media trades, marking a rare union of two CNN stars.

Their wedding, though not publicly dated, occurred shortly after, in a private ceremony attended by close family and colleagues. By then, Phillips had left CNN for HLN, and Roberts was solidifying his FOX role. The nuptials were understated, reflecting their preference for privacy amid public careers. What made their story “anything but ordinary” was the blending of lives post-divorce. Roberts’ two children from his first marriage—whose names he keeps private—adjusted to the new family dynamic, while Phillips embraced stepmotherhood with grace.

Challenges arose, as they do in second chances. Balancing demanding jobs meant missed anniversaries and relied-upon nannies, but communication was key. “Journalists are trained to ask questions; we use that at home,” Roberts joked in a 2018 profile. Their shared profession became an asset, fostering empathy during tough assignments. As Phillips transitioned to ABC, their D.C. base allowed more family time, turning potential rivalry into mutual support.

Building a Family: Twins, Blended Lives, and Lasting Happiness

The pinnacle of Roberts and Phillips’ journey arrived on March 15, 2011, with the birth of fraternal twins Sage Ann and Kellan Clay. Sage, born first at 12:03 a.m. weighing 5 lbs. 15 oz., was followed minutes later by Kellan at 5 lbs. 14 oz. The couple, then engaged or newlyweds, welcomed the newborns amid Phillips’ fertility struggles detailed in her book. IVF and holistic approaches led to this miracle, a story Phillips shared to inspire others.

Parenthood transformed them. Roberts, already a father to two teens from his first marriage, drew on experience to navigate twin life. The older children, now young adults, integrated the twins seamlessly, creating a blended family of four kids total. Family outings—golf games, D.C. museum visits—became sacred. Phillips, who had no children from her prior marriage, embraced motherhood fully, balancing ABC shifts with school runs.

Today, the twins are 14, thriving teens. Sage shares her mother’s journalistic curiosity, while Kellan mirrors Roberts’ love for sports. Recent family moments highlight their grounded life, like a Chick-fil-A run gone awry due to D.C. crime. Phillips’ website features family photos, portraying a united front.

Their marriage, now 15 years strong, weathers media scrutiny. In 2018, they made history as the first married couple in the White House press briefing front row—Roberts for FOX, Phillips for ABC—symbolizing inter-network harmony. Through Roberts’ malaria bout, Phillips was his rock, coordinating care while anchoring her show.

A Partnership That Endures

As of September 2025, John Roberts and Kyra Phillips continue to thrive. He anchors at FOX, she at ABC, their homes a hub for media power couple vibes. Their story—from newsroom sparks to family joys—proves love can flourish in unexpected places. Roberts’ recovery reinforces their resilience, a narrative as engaging as any they report.