Amy Baier has shared more than two decades of marriage with Fox News anchor Bret Baier, during which they’ve built a strong family and developed a deep commitment to philanthropy.
What began as a connection in the early 2000s quickly grew into a lasting partnership.
From Chicago to New York: Amy Baier’s Early Life and Career
Raised just outside of Chicago, Amy grew up in a lively household with three brothers, including her twin brother, Danny. With a natural competitive spirit and love for sports, Amy excelled in tennis during her youth.
After completing high school, she attended Southern Methodist University in Texas, where she earned a degree in communication. Her professional journey initially took her to New York City, where she pursued a career in fashion and worked as a media planner for Calvin Klein.
But the tragic events of 9/11 marked a turning point. Once her lease expired, Amy decided to return to Chicago and join the healthcare industry, an area deeply rooted in her family’s background. She accepted a position in the neuroscience retail division at Eli Lilly.
A Long-Distance Love Story
Amy and Bret’s relationship took off after a blind date set up by their mutual friends in October 2002 at a Rolling Stone’s concert. At the time, Bret was frequently traveling for work, with assignments that took him to places like Afghanistan and Iraq.
Despite the distance, (Bret working in Washington, D.C., and Amy living in Chicago) the couple made it work. Bret often flew in on weekends just to spend time with her.
Their bond deepened quickly. Just a year after they met, Bret proposed during Thanksgiving weekend in 2003. He orchestrated a family dinner, and later that evening, asked Amy to marry him. The couple tied the knot on October 9, 2004, in Chicago two years to the day after their first date.
Family Life and a Journey Through Heart
The couple’s first son, Paul Francis Baier, was born on June 29, 2007, and named after Amy’s father. However, their joy quickly turned into concern.
Within just 24 hours of his birth, doctors discovered five congenital heart defects. Paul underwent major heart surgery as a newborn, and over the years, he has continued to receive treatment for congenital heart disease.
Paul’s health journey profoundly impacted the Baier family. In Bret’s book Special Heart, he recounts how their son’s strength reshaped their outlook on life. Amy has also spoken about the power of perspective, telling PEOPLE in 2024, “We have a saying in the Baier family that ‘gratitude is the attitude.’ We learned that from Paul.”
On July 10, 2010, Bret and Amy welcomed their second son, Daniel Bret Baier, completing their family of four.
Amy Baier’s Philanthropic Commitments
For more than 15 years, Amy has played an active role in children’s healthcare advocacy. She has served on the board of the Children’s National Hospital Foundation, the very institution that has been integral to her son Paul’s medical care. Today, she chairs the foundation’s board and also holds a position on the hospital’s board of directors.
Her dedication is deeply personal. “Paul’s condition opened our eyes to children’s health,” Amy told DC Magazine. “We believe that all kids deserve the same healthcare regardless of their ability to pay.”
Thanks to her ongoing fundraising efforts, Children’s National continues to provide quality care to every child who walks through its doors, something Amy and Bret are deeply passionate about. “Children’s National saved Paul’s life,” she emphasized.
Beyond healthcare, Amy is also involved with several cultural and philanthropic organizations. She’s a member of the National Committee for Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center and is actively involved with the National Museum of Women in the Arts.
