Carley Shimkus, the vibrant co-host of Fox & Friends First, has long been a familiar face to millions of Americans who tune in for their morning dose of news. Known for her sharp wit, engaging presence, and relatable charm, Shimkus has built a career that many aspire to, rising from a production assistant at Fox News to a prominent on-air personality. But in a rare and deeply personal moment, the 38-year-old journalist shared a confession that left her fans and viewers speechless. It wasn’t about her meteoric rise in broadcast journalism, her cookbook Cooking with Friends: Eat, Drink & Be Merry, or her glamorous life in the spotlight. Instead, it was a raw, honest reflection on what truly keeps a marriage alive—and how stepping back from her relentless career ambitions may have saved not just her marriage to Peter Buchignani, but their entire family.

In a candid interview, Shimkus revealed the one person who changed everything for her and her husband: their son, Brock, born in February 2023. This revelation, coupled with her decision to prioritize family over career at a pivotal moment, has resonated with thousands of American families navigating the delicate balance between work and home life. So, why did this power couple choose to slow down after becoming parents? And what priceless advice did they share that’s quietly inspiring so many? Let’s dive into the heart of Shimkus’ story and the lessons it holds for us all.

A Love Story Built on Distance and Devotion

Carley Shimkus and Peter Buchignani’s love story is one of resilience, commitment, and a shared passion for their respective careers. The couple first met in 2003 but didn’t begin dating until 2013, when their connection deepened into something more serious. By August 8, 2015, they tied the knot in a joyful ceremony at Fiddlers Elbow Country Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, surrounded by close family and friends. Their wedding was a celebration of their shared values, complete with a nod to their mutual love for Michigan football—Shimkus walked down the aisle to the Michigan fight song, a playful touch that reflected their lighthearted bond.

However, their marriage wasn’t without its challenges. For much of their relationship, Shimkus and Buchignani have navigated a long-distance dynamic. Shimkus, based in New York City for her role at Fox News, and Buchignani, a securitized products sales professional at Amherst Pierpont Securities in Chicago, have spent years juggling demanding careers in different cities. As Shimkus shared in a 2020 interview with NJ Starz, their marriage thrived on a 70/30 split, with Buchignani doing the majority of the traveling to New York each weekend. “Our whole marriage has been between New York and Chicago. We’re both very career-minded people, and because my career is here and his is there, we make it work,” she explained. “It’s always exciting to see each other.”

This arrangement worked for years, with Fridays becoming a weekly “Christmas” for Shimkus as she reunited with her husband, and Sundays marking the bittersweet return to their respective cities. Their commitment to making the long-distance relationship work was a testament to their love and mutual respect for each other’s ambitions. But as Shimkus recently revealed, the birth of their son, Brock, in February 2023, shifted their perspective in ways they never anticipated.

The Game-Changer: Becoming Parents

The arrival of Brock Edward, weighing seven pounds, one ounce, marked a turning point for Shimkus and Buchignani. As Shimkus announced on Instagram, “Welcome to the world sweet Brock. You have unlocked a place in our hearts we didn’t even know we had. Your dad and I love you so much!” The joy of parenthood was undeniable, but it also brought new challenges to their already complex lives. Shimkus, who wakes up at 1:15 a.m. to co-host Fox & Friends First at 5 a.m. weekdays, faced the daunting task of balancing her demanding career with motherhood. Buchignani, too, had to navigate his high-powered finance career while being a present father.

In her recent confession, Shimkus opened up about the overwhelming pressure she felt to “do it all.” As a successful journalist, she had spent years climbing the ranks at Fox News, from an intern in 2009 to a co-host of one of the network’s flagship morning shows. Her career was a source of pride, and she thrived on the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of broadcast journalism. But after Brock’s birth, she began to question whether her relentless pursuit of professional success was sustainable. “I used to lose sleep worrying about how I was going to manage it all,” she admitted in an interview with First Time Parent Magazine. “I wanted to be a present mom while maintaining a rigorous work schedule.”

Buchignani, too, faced his own set of challenges. His role in Chicago required long hours and frequent travel, which had once been manageable in their long-distance marriage. But with a newborn in the picture, the couple realized that their previous way of life wasn’t going to work. “We found a nanny who is wonderful with Brock, and our schedules have adjusted accordingly,” Shimkus shared. “But it was a big adjustment.” The couple’s commitment to their son forced them to confront a hard truth: something had to give.

The Confession That Shocked Fans

In a moment that caught fans off guard, Shimkus shared a deeply personal revelation during an interview with DailyMail.com. She admitted that stepping back from her career ambitions—not abandoning them, but re-prioritizing—was the key to saving her marriage and preserving their family’s happiness. “I had to let go of the idea that I could do everything at 100 percent all the time,” she confessed. “I was so focused on being the best at work, the best on air, the best at everything, that I didn’t realize how much it was taking away from my family.”

This wasn’t about giving up her career—Shimkus remains a vital part of Fox & Friends First and continues to shine as a journalist. Instead, it was about redefining success. For Shimkus, that meant saying no to extra assignments, cutting back on late-night preparations, and being intentional about spending quality time with Brock and Buchignani. “Peter and I realized that if we kept going at the pace we were, we’d burn out,” she said. “And Brock deserved better than that. We deserved better than that.”

Buchignani echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in their marriage. “We’ve always been a team,” he told Shimkus during a heartfelt conversation she later shared. “But now, it’s not just about us—it’s about Brock. We had to make choices that put him first.” For Buchignani, this meant adjusting his travel schedule to spend more time in New York and being more present during weekends. For Shimkus, it meant setting boundaries at work and embracing the idea that “good enough” was sometimes enough.

This confession struck a chord with fans, many of whom flooded Shimkus’ Instagram with messages of support. “You’re so real for this,” one follower commented. “It’s refreshing to hear someone admit that you can’t do it all.” Another wrote, “Brock is lucky to have parents who put him first. Thank you for sharing this!” The honesty of Shimkus’ words resonated with countless families who face similar struggles in balancing career and home life.

The Priceless Advice for American Families

Shimkus and Buchignani’s story is more than just a personal anecdote—it’s a roadmap for couples navigating the complexities of modern life. Their advice, distilled from years of trial and error, offers practical wisdom for anyone trying to keep their marriage and family strong in the face of demanding careers. Here are the key takeaways they shared:

Prioritize What Matters Most: Shimkus emphasized the importance of identifying your non-negotiables. For her and Buchignani, that was their son and their marriage. “You have to decide what’s worth fighting for,” she said. “For us, it was making sure Brock grows up knowing he’s loved and that we’re a team.” This meant saying no to opportunities that, while tempting, would pull them away from their family.

Embrace Imperfection: Shimkus admitted that letting go of perfectionism was one of the hardest but most liberating decisions she made. “I used to think I had to be the best at everything,” she said. “But I’ve learned that being a good mom and a good wife doesn’t mean being perfect. It means showing up.” This mindset shift allowed her to focus on what truly mattered without the pressure of unrealistic expectations.

Communicate and Compromise: The couple’s long-distance marriage taught them the value of clear communication and mutual compromise. “We talk about everything,” Buchignani shared. “Even the hard stuff. Especially the hard stuff.” Whether it’s coordinating travel schedules or deciding who takes on what responsibilities at home, their open dialogue ensures they’re on the same page.

Make Time for Joy: Despite their busy schedules, Shimkus and Buchignani make it a point to create joyful moments together. Whether it’s taking Brock apple picking at Hacklebarney Farm or celebrating his baptism with family, they prioritize experiences that strengthen their bond. “Those little moments are what keep us grounded,” Shimkus said. “They remind us why we’re doing this.”

Lean on Support Systems: Shimkus was candid about the role their nanny played in helping them manage their schedules. “We couldn’t do it without help,” she admitted. “And that’s okay. Asking for help doesn’t make you less of a parent or less of a spouse.” This honesty about relying on support systems resonated with many parents who feel pressured to do it all on their own.

A New Chapter for the Shimkus-Buchignani Family

As Shimkus and Buchignani continue to navigate their roles as parents, professionals, and partners, their story serves as a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about career achievements—it’s about building a life that aligns with your values. Shimkus’ decision to step back from her career ambitions wasn’t a retreat but a strategic choice to protect what matters most. “Brock changed everything,” she said. “He made us realize that our family is our greatest accomplishment.”

Their journey hasn’t been without its challenges. The early mornings, the long-distance travel, and the demands of parenthood have tested their resilience. But through it all, Shimkus and Buchignani have remained committed to each other and to Brock. “We’re not perfect,” Shimkus said with a smile. “But we’re in this together, and that’s what makes it work.”

For the thousands of American families who look to Shimkus not just as a news anchor but as a relatable figure, her confession offers hope and inspiration. It’s a reminder that even in the fast-paced, high-pressure world we live in, it’s possible to find balance by making intentional choices. As Shimkus continues to shine on Fox & Friends First and share glimpses of her life on social media, her fans are cheering her on—not just for her professional success, but for her courage to be vulnerable and real about what it takes to keep a family strong.

In the end, Shimkus’ confession isn’t just about her marriage or her family—it’s about the universal struggle to balance ambition with love, and the bravery it takes to choose what truly matters. For Carley Shimkus and Peter Buchignani, that choice was clear: their son, their marriage, and the life they’re building together. And for the countless families who heard her story, it’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, slowing down is the fastest way to get where you’re meant to be.