Megyn Kelly Net Worth 2026: $45M Fortune & Life Story

Megyn Kelly has built an impressive $45 million net worth through her career as one of America’s most recognized journalists and political commentators. From her early days as a corporate lawyer to becoming a primetime Fox News anchor, and now running her own independent media empire, Kelly’s financial journey is as fascinating as her career itself.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how Megyn Kelly made her fortune, her complete life story, family details, and what she’s doing now in 2026.

Quick Facts About Megyn Kelly

Megyn Kelly Net Worth 2026: How Much Is She Really Worth?

As of 2026, Megyn Kelly net worth stands at an estimated $45 million. This impressive fortune comes from her decades-long career in broadcast journalism, lucrative network contracts, independent media ventures, book deals, and speaking engagements.

Unlike many journalists who rely solely on network salaries, Kelly has diversified her income streams significantly since leaving traditional television. Her current wealth reflects smart career moves, strategic exits from networks, and successful transitions into independent media.

Breaking Down Megyn Kelly’s $45 Million Fortune

Megyn Kelly didn’t build her wealth overnight. Here’s how she accumulated her $45 million net worth:

Fox News Earnings (2004-2017): Approximately $60 million During her 13 years at Fox News, Kelly’s salary grew from modest beginnings to $8-9 million per year by the time she left in 2017. Her shows “America Live” and “The Kelly File” made her one of the network’s highest-paid anchors.

NBC Contract Payout (2017-2019): $30 million Kelly signed a reported $69 million three-year contract with NBC News in 2017. Although her tenure lasted only about a year due to controversial on-air comments, she negotiated a $30 million exit package when the network terminated her contract in early 2019.

Independent Media & Podcast (2020-Present): $20+ million Since launching “The Megyn Kelly Show” in 2020, Kelly has built a thriving independent media business. Her podcast generates an estimated $5-7 million annually through Spotify deals, advertising, subscriptions, and video content on YouTube, where she has over 4 million subscribers.

Book Deals & Speaking Tours: $9+ million Kelly’s memoir “Settle for More” brought in over $10 million from the advance and sales. Her speaking tours, where she commands $100,000-150,000 per appearance, have added millions more to her wealth.

Endorsements & Business Ventures: $3+ million While Kelly avoids traditional celebrity endorsements, she has partnered with conservative media platforms and free speech technology companies, earning additional income through promotional deals and equity stakes.

What Is Megyn Kelly’s Current Salary in 2026?

In 2026, Megyn Kelly earns an estimated $5 to $7 million per year from her independent media ventures. This includes:

• Spotify exclusive deal: Estimated $15 million multi-year contract (signed 2023)
• YouTube ad revenue: With 4+ million subscribers and 100+ million monthly views
• The Megyn Kelly Show subscriptions: Premium content and ad-free listening
• MK Media network: Revenue from her podcast network featuring multiple shows
• Speaking engagements: High-demand appearances at corporate and political events

Unlike her network television days, Kelly now keeps a much larger percentage of her earnings since she owns her content and production company, Devil May Care Media.

Who Is Megyn Kelly? Biography & Early Life

Megyn Marie Kelly was born on November 18, 1970, in Champaign, Illinois. She grew up in a middle-class family with strong values that shaped her future career in journalism and law.

Childhood and Family Background

Kelly’s father, Edward Kelly, was a professor of education at the State University of New York at Albany, while her mother, Linda, worked as a nurse. She has an older sister, Suzanne (who sadly passed away in 2022), and an older brother, Pete.

Tragedy struck when Megyn was just 15 years old. Her father died suddenly of a heart attack in 1985, an event that profoundly impacted her life and instilled a sense of independence and resilience that would define her career.

The family lived in Syracuse, New York, before moving to Delmar, a suburb of Albany, when Megyn was nine years old. She attended Bethlehem Central High School, where she was active in student government and athletics.

Age and Physical Stats

How old is Megyn Kelly? As of 2026, Megyn Kelly is 55 years old. Born on November 18, 1970, she recently celebrated her birthday and shows no signs of slowing down in her media career.

How tall is Megyn Kelly? Megyn Kelly stands at 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall. Her presence on camera, combined with her sharp interviewing style, has always made her appear larger than life to viewers.

Throughout her career, Kelly has maintained a focus on fitness and health. In recent years, she’s been open about her weight loss journey, reportedly losing around 20 pounds through intermittent fasting and strength training.

Education: From Political Science to Law Degree

Megyn Kelly’s educational background laid the foundation for her successful career in both law and journalism.

Syracuse University

After graduating from Bethlehem Central High School, Kelly attended Syracuse University, where she studied political science. She graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. During her time at Syracuse, she developed the analytical thinking and research skills that would later serve her well in journalism.

Albany Law School

Kelly went on to attend Albany Law School, where she earned her Juris Doctor degree in 1995. While in law school, she served as an editor of the Albany Law Review, demonstrating early leadership abilities and a talent for written communication.

Her legal education proved invaluable throughout her journalism career, particularly when covering legal issues, conducting tough interviews, and analyzing complex political situations. The rigorous training in argumentation and evidence evaluation became hallmarks of her interviewing style.

Career Journey: From Lawyer to Media Icon

Megyn Kelly’s career path took an unexpected turn from corporate law to becoming one of America’s most recognized media personalities.

Legal Career: The Starting Point

After graduating from law school, Kelly began her professional life as an attorney, not a journalist. She worked at the Chicago-based law firm Bickel & Brewer LLP as an associate attorney, focusing on litigation.

In 1996, she co-wrote an article titled “The Conflicting Roles of Lawyer as Director” for the American Bar Association’s journal, Litigation, showcasing her legal expertise early on.

Kelly later joined the prestigious international law firm Jones Day, where she worked for nine years as a corporate litigator. One of her notable clients was Experian, the credit bureau. During this time, she gained extensive courtroom experience and developed the confidence and quick thinking that would later define her television career.

The Transition to Journalism (2003-2004)

In 2003, at age 33, Kelly made a bold career change. She moved to Washington, D.C., and was hired by ABC affiliate WJLA-TV as a general assignment reporter. This was a significant pay cut from her law firm salary, but Kelly was determined to pursue her passion for journalism.

At WJLA, she covered major national stories including Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Justices Samuel Alito and John Roberts, and the 2004 presidential election. Her legal background gave her a unique edge in covering these complex political and legal stories.

Fox News Era: Rise to Stardom (2004-2017)

In 2004, Kelly’s talent caught the attention of Fox News, and she was hired as a legal correspondent. This move would change her life forever.

Early Years (2004-2010): Kelly started by contributing legal analysis segments called “Kelly’s Court” during the weekend shows. She became a regular on popular programs like “The O’Reilly Factor” and occasionally filled in for host Greta Van Susteren on “On the Record.”

America Live (2010-2013): In February 2010, Kelly got her first major break when Fox News gave her a two-hour afternoon show called “America Live.” The show’s ratings increased by 20% in its first year, averaging 1.3 million viewers and establishing Kelly as a rising star at the network.

The Kelly File (2013-2017): Kelly’s biggest success came in October 2013 when she launched “The Kelly File,” a primetime show that aired at 9 PM EST. The program quickly became one of Fox News’ highest-rated shows, sometimes even surpassing “The O’Reilly Factor” in viewership.

During her Fox News years, Kelly’s salary grew steadily, reaching $8-9 million per year by 2016. She became known for her tough interview style, legal expertise, and willingness to challenge politicians from both parties.

The Donald Trump Debate That Changed Everything

One of the most defining moments of Kelly’s career came during the first Republican presidential debate on August 6, 2015. As a moderator, Kelly asked then-candidate Donald Trump about his history of calling women derogatory names, including “fat pigs,” “dogs,” and “disgusting animals.”

Trump’s response, and his subsequent attacks on Kelly, thrust her into the national spotlight beyond the typical news anchor profile. He famously suggested she had “blood coming out of her wherever,” a comment widely interpreted as a sexist attack.

The feud continued throughout the 2016 campaign, with Trump repeatedly attacking Kelly on Twitter and in interviews. Despite pressure, Kelly stood firm, famously saying she wouldn’t “apologize for doing good journalism.”

Interestingly, by 2024, Kelly’s relationship with Trump had evolved. She publicly endorsed him during his 2024 presidential campaign, citing concerns about transgender policies and cultural issues affecting her children.

NBC News: The Big Move That Didn’t Work Out (2017-2018)

In January 2017, Kelly made a highly publicized move to NBC News, signing a reported $69 million three-year contract. The deal was supposed to give her a “triple role”: hosting a daytime talk show, a Sunday evening newsmagazine, and serving as a correspondent for major news events.

Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly (2017): Her Sunday newsmagazine show premiered in June 2017 with an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin. While the interview generated significant buzz, ratings were inconsistent.

Megyn Kelly Today (2017-2018): Her daytime talk show, launched in September 2017, struggled to find its footing. The show faced criticism for awkward celebrity interviews and never found a clear identity, caught between hard news and lifestyle content.

The end came swiftly in October 2018 when Kelly made controversial comments about blackface Halloween costumes, suggesting it was acceptable “when I was a kid.” The backlash was immediate and severe. NBC canceled her show within days, and by January 2019, Kelly’s employment was officially terminated.

Despite the short tenure, Kelly walked away with approximately $30 million from her contract, softening the blow of this career setback.

Independent Media Success: Building Her Own Empire (2020-Present)

After a brief hiatus following her NBC exit, Megyn Kelly made a comeback that proved she didn’t need traditional television to succeed.

Devil May Care Media (2020): In September 2020, Kelly announced the launch of her production company, Devil May Care Media, and with it, “The Megyn Kelly Show” podcast. The first episode premiered on September 28, 2020.

SiriusXM Deal (2021): In July 2021, the podcast moved to SiriusXM’s Triumph channel, broadcasting weekdays at noon ET. The show also offers a video simulcast available to SiriusXM subscribers, expanding her reach beyond audio-only platforms.

YouTube Success (2021-2026): Kelly’s YouTube channel has exploded in popularity, growing to over 4 million subscribers by late 2025. In July 2023, her channel attracted 116.8 million views, surpassing major networks like NBC News (78 million) and CBS News (83 million) during the same period.

Spotify Exclusive Deal (2023): Kelly signed a lucrative multi-year distribution deal with Spotify worth an estimated $15 million, further cementing her position as a major player in the podcast industry.

MK Media Network (2025): In March 2025, Kelly expanded beyond her own show by launching MK Media, a podcast and video network featuring shows from other independent creators. The initial lineup included:

• “Next Up with Mark Halperin”
• “The Nerve with Maureen Callahan”
• “Spot On with Link Lauren”
• “After Party with Emily Jashinsky” (launched June 2025)

This network approach allows Kelly to build a broader media company, similar to what Joe Rogan and other successful podcasters have done.

AM Update with Megyn Kelly (2025): In February 2025, Kelly launched a second daily podcast called “AM Update with Megyn Kelly,” which provides a quick morning news digest format, different from her main show’s long-form interview style.

As of 2026, Kelly’s independent media ventures are more successful than many of her network television years, proving that she can thrive outside the traditional media establishment.

Personal Life: Husband, Children, and Family

Beyond her professional achievements, Megyn Kelly has a rich personal life centered around her husband and three children.

Who Is Megyn Kelly Husband?

Megyn Kelly is married to Douglas Brunt, a former tech executive turned novelist. They tied the knot in 2008 and have been together for over 18 years.

Douglas Brunt was the president and CEO of Authentium, a cybersecurity firm, when they married. He later transitioned to a career as a full-time writer and has published several novels, including “Ghosts of Manhattan” and “The Means.”

Kelly’s first marriage was to Daniel Kendall, an anesthesiologist, in 2001. That marriage ended in divorce in 2006. In 2024, Kelly revealed she was going through the Catholic annulment process for her first marriage.

Megyn Kelly Children

Megyn Kelly and Douglas Brunt have three children together, all conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF):

1. Yates (son) – Born 2009, age 17 in 2026
2. Yardley (daughter) – Born 2011, age 15 in 2026
3. Thatcher (son) – Born 2013, age 13 in 2026

Kelly has been protective of her children’s privacy but occasionally shares stories about motherhood on her podcast. In 2022, she spoke emotionally about a skiing accident that hospitalized her son Thatcher, though he made a full recovery.

The family splits their time between their home in Connecticut during the school year and their waterfront property in New Jersey during the summer months.

Family Tragedy

In 2022, Kelly announced that her older sister, Suzanne Crossley, had died from a heart attack following a long battle with opioid addiction. Suzanne left behind three children and a grandson. Kelly has since spoken about the opioid crisis and its devastating impact on American families.

Where Does Megyn Kelly Live?

Megyn Kelly owns multiple properties:

Primary Residence: A colonial-style mansion in Rye, New York, purchased in 2020 for approximately $3.6 million. The home spans over 4,000 square feet and features ocean views.

Summer Home: A waterfront property in New Jersey valued at an estimated $5.2 million, where the family spends their summers.

Her real estate portfolio contributes significantly to her overall net worth, with both properties appreciating in value since purchase.

Awards, Recognition, and Influence

Throughout her career, Megyn Kelly has received numerous accolades:

• Time 100 Most Influential People – Named to the list in both 2014 and 2025
• Childhelp Award (2009) – For her coverage of child abuse issues
• Alumni Achievement Award – From Albany Law School (2010)
• Bethlehem Central High School Hall of Fame – Inducted in 2015
• IHeartRadio Podcast Award – Best Political Podcast (March 2025)
• Variety’s Power of Women – Honored in 2016 for addressing child abuse

Kelly’s influence extends beyond traditional media. She has over 4 million YouTube subscribers, and her podcast consistently ranks in the top 10 political podcasts in America.

Major Controversies and Career Challenges

Megyn Kelly’s career has not been without controversy. Here are the major incidents that shaped public perception:

The Santa Claus Comments (2013)

In December 2013, Kelly stated on air that “Santa just is white” and that Jesus was also a white man. The comments sparked widespread criticism and satire from comedians like Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. Kelly later claimed the remarks were “tongue-in-cheek,” though the controversy persisted.

Donald Trump Feud (2015-2016)

As mentioned earlier, Kelly’s 2015 debate question to Trump about his treatment of women sparked a year-long feud. Trump repeatedly attacked Kelly, calling her “overrated,” “angry,” and suggesting she was biased against him. Despite the attacks, Kelly’s ratings actually increased during this period.

By 2024, their relationship had changed dramatically. Kelly endorsed Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and appeared at his rally in Pittsburgh the day before the election, calling him a “protector” of women.

NBC Blackface Controversy (2018)

The controversy that ended Kelly’s NBC career came on October 23, 2018, when she questioned why blackface Halloween costumes were considered offensive, saying “when I was a kid, that was okay as long as you were dressing up like a character.”

The backlash was immediate. Kelly apologized the same day in an internal email, but NBC canceled her show three days later. Her employment was terminated in January 2019, though she received a reported $30 million settlement.

Roger Ailes Sexual Harassment Allegations (2016)

In July 2016, Kelly confirmed to Fox News investigators that she had also been subjected to sexual harassment by then-CEO Roger Ailes. Her allegations contributed to Ailes’ resignation from the network. This story was later portrayed in the 2019 film “Bombshell,” with Charlize Theron playing Kelly in an Oscar-nominated performance.

Megyn Kelly’s Political Views and Evolution

Megyn Kelly has been a registered Independent since 2008, and she has stated that she has voted for both Democrats and Republicans throughout her life.

However, Kelly has acknowledged that her political views have shifted significantly, especially after her NBC experience and during the cultural debates of the 2020s.

In a 2025 episode of “The Megyn Kelly Show,” she explained: “When I was at Fox and then for that year at NBC, I was more in the center. I was like definitely center-right. Now I think I’m pretty conservative.”

Key Political Positions (as of 2026):

Transgender Issues: Kelly has become increasingly vocal about opposing transgender women in women’s sports and spaces. She has also criticized gender-affirming care for minors and no longer uses preferred pronouns, citing concerns about women’s rights and children’s safety.

Gun Rights: Following the 2025 Minneapolis Catholic school shooting, Kelly argued that broad gun reform is ineffective in America. She supports the Second Amendment while advocating for targeted interventions for individuals with mental health issues and increased armed security at schools.

Gaza Conflict: Kelly has stated she blames Hamas for the suffering of Palestinian children, describing Palestinians as “very good manipulators of media” and saying she no longer trusts casualty figures released by Hamas.

Elections: Kelly revealed in 2024 that she voted for Donald Trump in 2020 and again in 2024, despite their past conflicts. She cited concerns about transgender issues and cultural changes affecting her children as primary reasons.

What Is Megyn Kelly Doing Now in 2026?

As of February 2026, Megyn Kelly is thriving in independent media:

The Megyn Kelly Show: Her flagship daily podcast continues to attract millions of listeners and viewers. The show features interviews with politicians, cultural figures, and everyday Americans, covering politics, current events, and cultural issues.

MK Media Network: Kelly’s podcast network is expanding, with multiple shows under the MK Media banner and more in development.

Speaking Engagements: Kelly remains in high demand for corporate events, political conferences, and university speaking engagements, commanding six-figure fees.

YouTube Presence: With over 4 million subscribers, her YouTube channel serves as a major platform for reaching audiences beyond traditional podcast listeners.

Political Commentary: Kelly has become a prominent voice in conservative media, frequently commenting on cultural issues, election politics, and media bias.

In January 2025, she attended Donald Trump’s second inauguration and delivered remarks at his pre-inauguration rally, cementing her position as a major figure in conservative political circles.

How Megyn Kelly Spends Her Money

With a $45 million net worth, Megyn Kelly has made some significant purchases:

Real Estate

• Rye, New York Mansion: $3.6 million
• New Jersey Waterfront Home: Estimated $5.2 million

Vehicles

Kelly has been spotted driving luxury SUVs, including:

• Range Rover Autobiography: ~$150,000
• Tesla Model X: ~$120,000

Private Aviation

While not owning a private jet, Kelly is a frequent user of Wheels Up, a private aviation membership service, reportedly spending around $500,000 annually on private flights.

Children’s Education

Kelly has prioritized her children’s education, setting aside an estimated $2+ million for private school tuition and college trust funds.

Security and Privacy

Given her public profile and past controversies, Kelly invests heavily in home security and privacy protection, with annual costs estimated at $200,000.

Frequently Asked Questions About Megyn Kelly

How much does Megyn Kelly make per year?

As of 2026, Megyn Kelly earns an estimated $5-7 million per year from her podcast, YouTube channel, Spotify deal, and speaking engagements.

What is Megyn Kelly net worth in 2026?

Megyn Kelly’s net worth is estimated at $45 million as of 2026.

How old is Megyn Kelly?

Megyn Kelly is 55 years old. She was born on November 18, 1970.

How tall is Megyn Kelly?

Megyn Kelly is 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall.

Is Megyn Kelly married?

Yes, Megyn Kelly is married to Douglas Brunt, a novelist and former tech CEO. They have been married since 2008.

How many children does Megyn Kelly have?

Megyn Kelly has three children with her husband Douglas Brunt: Yates (born 2009), Yardley (born 2011), and Thatcher (born 2013).

What happened to Megyn Kelly at NBC?

Megyn Kelly’s NBC career ended in 2018 after she made controversial comments about blackface Halloween costumes. NBC canceled her show and paid her approximately $30 million to exit her contract.

Does Megyn Kelly still have a show?

Yes, Megyn Kelly hosts “The Megyn Kelly Show,” a daily podcast and video program distributed through SiriusXM, YouTube, and other platforms. She also launched “AM Update with Megyn Kelly” in 2025.

How much did NBC pay Megyn Kelly?

NBC paid Megyn Kelly approximately $30 million when they terminated her contract in 2019, even though she had only worked there for about a year of her three-year, $69 million contract.

What is Megyn Kelly’s podcast called?

Megyn Kelly hosts two podcasts: “The Megyn Kelly Show” (her main daily program) and “AM Update with Megyn Kelly” (a morning news digest).

How much weight has Megyn Kelly lost?

Megyn Kelly has reportedly lost approximately 20 pounds in recent years through intermittent fasting, clean eating, and strength-based workouts.

Where did Megyn Kelly go to college?

Megyn Kelly attended Syracuse University for her undergraduate degree (B.A. in Political Science) and Albany Law School for her law degree (J.D.).

Lessons from Megyn Kelly’s Success Story

Megyn Kelly’s journey from corporate lawyer to $45 million media mogul offers several valuable lessons:

1. It’s Never Too Late to Change Careers: Kelly left a successful law career at 33 to pursue journalism, proving that career changes can lead to greater success.

2. Own Your Content: By leaving traditional media and building her own platform, Kelly now keeps a much larger percentage of her earnings and has complete creative control.

3. Controversy Isn’t Always Career-Ending: Despite multiple controversies, Kelly has rebuilt her career and brand, showing resilience and adaptability.

4. Diversify Your Income: Kelly’s wealth comes from multiple sources – not just salary. She earns from podcasts, books, speaking, and business ventures.

5. Build a Direct Audience: With 4+ million YouTube subscribers and millions of podcast listeners, Kelly has a direct connection to her audience that doesn’t depend on network executives.

6. Evolve With the Times: Kelly recognized the shift to independent media and adapted her career accordingly, positioning herself at the forefront of the podcast revolution.

Final Thoughts

Megyn Kelly $45 million net worth is a testament to her talent, resilience, and business acumen. From her groundbreaking work at Fox News to her controversial stint at NBC, and finally to her successful independent media empire, Kelly has proven herself to be one of the most adaptable figures in modern journalism.

At 55 years old in 2026, Kelly shows no signs of slowing down. Her podcast continues to grow, her MK Media network is expanding, and her influence in political and cultural discussions remains significant. Whether you agree with her politics or not, there’s no denying that Megyn Kelly has successfully reinvented herself and built a media business that rivals traditional networks.