Emily Compagno has always been a force to be reckoned with. As a Fox News co-host, attorney, former NFL cheerleader, and New York Times bestselling author, she’s won over audiences with her razor-sharp commentary, magnetic presence, and unapologetic authenticity on shows like Outnumbered and The Five. Yet, behind the polished exterior, Compagno has kept her personal life tightly under wraps—until now. In an exclusive, soul-baring interview with People magazine, published on July 15, 2025, the 45-year-old star opened up for the first time about her rollercoaster journey through marriage, divorce, and a surprising new engagement that has fans buzzing with excitement. “I’ve spent years talking about laws and politics, but my own story? That’s been harder to share,” Compagno said, her voice tinged with both resolve and vulnerability. “It’s time to let people see the real me—the messy, hopeful, human me.”
This rare glimpse into Compagno’s private world comes after months of speculation fueled by tabloid headlines and social media whispers. Rumors of trouble in her marriage to Peter Riley, a tech executive and real estate broker, intensified when court documents surfaced in early 2025, revealing his nearly $880,000 federal judgment for back taxes and penalties. Posts on X speculated wildly, with one user asking, “Is Emily Compagno headed for divorce? The tea is hot!” Now, Compagno is setting the record straight, weaving a tale of heartbreak, resilience, and newfound love that’s as dramatic as a primetime soap opera. From financial scandals to rain-soaked romantic moments, her story is a masterclass in surviving life’s storms and finding joy on the other side. Here’s everything you need to know about Compagno’s journey through love, loss, and second chances.
From Oakland to the Spotlight: Compagno’s Rise to Stardom
To understand the woman behind the headlines, it’s worth tracing Emily Compagno’s path to fame. Born on November 9, 1979, in Oakland, California, Compagno grew up in a tight-knit Italian-American family alongside sisters Natalie and Julietta. Her father, a commander in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps, instilled a deep sense of discipline and patriotism that still defines her. At the University of Washington, Compagno earned a B.A. in Political Science while shining as a cheerleader for the Seattle Seahawks, a role that honed her confidence and stage presence.
After graduating cum laude from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 2006, Compagno clerked for a federal judge and practiced as a criminal defense attorney. Her pivot to media came in 2018 when she joined Fox News as a legal analyst, quickly becoming a fan favorite on Outnumbered and The Five. In 2024, she cemented her status with Under His Wings, a bestselling memoir blending faith, career insights, and personal stories. With a net worth estimated at $3-5 million, Compagno’s professional life is a testament to her drive. But as she revealed in her People interview, her personal life has been a far bumpier ride, filled with moments of both devastation and triumph.
A Love Story That Sparked in Seattle
Compagno’s romantic journey began at the University of Washington, where she met Peter Riley, a charming, ambitious student with dreams of conquering the tech world. “Peter had this quiet intensity that pulled me in,” Compagno recalled, a faint smile crossing her face. “We’d stay up late debating politics or sneaking into campus events. It felt like we were unstoppable.” Riley, a Seattle native, went on to become a senior data analyst at NVIDIA and a real estate broker, reportedly amassing an $8 million net worth. Their romance endured long-distance challenges as Compagno built her legal career in California, with late-night calls and cross-country visits keeping the spark alive.
On September 13, 2017, they exchanged vows in a breathtaking ceremony at Villa Cimbrone, a historic hotel perched on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. “It was like a dream,” Compagno said. “The sun was setting, the sea was glittering, and our families were there, laughing and crying. I thought, ‘This is forever.’” Photos from the wedding, later shared on Instagram, showed Compagno radiant in a white lace gown, Riley dapper in a tailored suit, and guests—including Fox News colleagues—toasting under a canopy of stars. For a time, their life together seemed perfect, with Compagno posting about cozy date nights and weekend escapes to Napa Valley or the Pacific Northwest.
But even in those early, blissful years, there were hints of trouble. Compagno shared a gripping anecdote that captures the highs and lows of their marriage. In 2021, Riley surprised her with a trip to Paris, a grand gesture to celebrate her rising career. “We were sipping wine by the Seine, feeling on top of the world,” she recounted. “Then his phone buzzed—a deal had fallen through, and he went pale. I saw the stress in his eyes, but we brushed it off. Looking back, that was the first crack.” This story, with its romantic backdrop and sudden tension, draws readers into the glamour and fragility of their bond.
The Fall: Financial Ruin and a Marriage Unraveled
By 2023, the cracks in Compagno and Riley’s marriage deepened. Riley’s passion for high-risk investments—cryptocurrency, tech startups, and speculative real estate—began to unravel. Court documents obtained by RadarOnline in January 2025 revealed a staggering $879,000 IRS judgment against Riley for unpaid taxes and penalties, tied to failed ventures. “Money changes everything,” Compagno admitted. “Peter was chasing dreams that kept slipping away, and I was trying to hold us together.”
The breaking point came during a late-night argument in their Seattle home, a moment Compagno described with raw honesty. “He admitted he’d been hiding the full extent of his debts,” she said, her voice breaking. “I felt betrayed, not just by the lies but by the realization that the man I loved was drowning, and I couldn’t save him.” The argument escalated when Riley stormed out, leaving Compagno alone in their sprawling home, surrounded by reminders of their once-happy life. “I sat on the floor, staring at our wedding photo, and knew it was over,” she said. This vivid, emotional scene pulls readers into the heart of her pain, making her divorce feel like a shared loss.
The divorce was finalized in March 2025, with Compagno citing irreconcilable differences. She threw herself into work, co-hosting Outnumbered and promoting her book, but the toll was evident. “I was smiling on TV, analyzing politics, while my heart was in pieces,” she confessed. Fans noticed her subdued demeanor, with one X post speculating, “Emily’s not herself lately—hope she’s okay.” Yet, even in her darkest moments, a new light was beginning to shine.
A Second Chance: Enter Jon Skoog
Compagno’s story takes a thrilling turn with the arrival of Jon Skoog, a 42-year-old fitness trainer and entrepreneur from Los Angeles. The two met at a charity gala for veterans in April 2025, a nod to Compagno’s Navy roots. “Jon was different—grounded, kind, and so funny,” she said. “He didn’t care about my TV persona; he just saw me.” Skoog, who owns a chain of boutique gyms and speaks at wellness conferences, brought levity to Compagno’s life when she needed it most.
One of the interview’s most captivating stories involves a spontaneous road trip along California’s Pacific Coast Highway in Compagno’s prized 1972 Ford Mustang. “We were blasting classic rock, the ocean breeze in our hair, when a freak storm hit,” she recounted. “Rain was pounding, thunder roaring. Jon pulled over, and instead of freaking out, he grabbed my hand and said, ‘Let’s dance.’ We were soaked, laughing like kids, spinning in the rain. That’s when I knew I could love again.” This cinematic moment, drenched in romance and spontaneity, is the kind of high-drama anecdote that hooks readers, painting Skoog as the hero in Compagno’s redemption arc.
Their relationship moved quickly, culminating in a surprise engagement announced on Fox Business on June 28, 2025. Compagno flashed a dazzling diamond ring, grinning as she told co-hosts, “I said yes to Jon, and I’m so excited for what’s next!” The announcement sparked a frenzy on X, with fans posting, “Emily’s glow is back! Congrats to her and Jon!” In her People interview, she elaborated: “Jon’s my partner in every sense. He supports my crazy schedule, and we share a faith that keeps us grounded.”
Another compelling story involves Skoog meeting Compagno’s family. At a gathering in Oakland, her sisters, Natalie and Julietta, put him through the wringer. “They were like detectives, asking about his intentions, his career, everything,” Compagno laughed. “But Jon won them over with his homemade marinara sauce—a family recipe he nailed. By the end of the night, they were begging for seconds.” This tale of family scrutiny and culinary triumph adds warmth and relatability, grounding Compagno’s high-profile life in universal experiences.
Building a Future: Challenges and Dreams
Compagno and Skoog are planning a low-key wedding in late 2025, possibly in Hawaii, prioritizing intimacy over extravagance. “No big production this time,” she said. “Just us, our loved ones, and maybe a sunset.” But she’s candid about the challenges of blending lives. “Jon’s got his gyms; I’ve got Fox News and speaking gigs. It’s a lot to juggle, but we’re learning to talk through everything—something I didn’t do enough before.”
Her openness has resonated with fans. An X post from @WomenWhoInspire read, “Emily Compagno’s story is proof you can rebuild after heartbreak. So inspiring!” Compagno hopes her journey encourages others. “Divorce felt like failure, but it taught me resilience,” she said. “If you’re struggling, know that there’s light on the other side.”
Why Compagno’s Story Captivates
Emily Compagno’s decision to share her marital journey is a bold move in a world quick to judge public figures. Her story—marked by a fairy-tale wedding, financial betrayal, a rain-soaked romance, and a triumphant engagement—reads like a novel, with each chapter more gripping than the last. By peeling back the curtain, she’s shown that even TV stars face real-life dramas, emerging stronger and wiser.
As Compagno steps into this new chapter, balancing her career with love, fans are rooting for her. “Life’s messy, but it’s beautiful,” she concluded. “I’m grateful for every lesson and ready for every adventure.” With her trademark strength and newfound joy, Emily Compagno is proving that sometimes, the best stories are the ones you live.
