Megyn Kelly and her husband Douglas Brunt have built a lasting relationship that began with a simple introduction. What started as a blind date in 2006 has since evolved into a marriage spanning more than a decade, alongside careers that have taken both into the public eye.
The couple first met in Washington, D.C., after being set up on a blind date, a meeting that would ultimately lead to their marriage in March 2008 and a growing family of five.
From First Meeting to Marriage
Their first encounter took place at a tapas bar, where Kelly met Brunt after her friends had already scoped out the location. According to The New York Times, she later recalled being drawn to his sincerity, describing how he listened attentively and showed a natural sense of humor.
The relationship developed quickly. They became engaged roughly 14 months after meeting and were married on March 1, 2008, at Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York. The ceremony was officiated by Kelly’s colleague Kelly Wright.
Together, they went on to welcome three children: Edward Yates in 2009, Yardley Evans in 2011 and Thatcher Bray in 2013. Their family life has remained a central part of their relationship, even as both have maintained active careers.
A Career Shift Behind the Scenes
Before transitioning into writing, Brunt built a career in business. Born in Philadelphia in 1971, he attended The Haverford School before going on to study at Duke University. He later earned an M.B.A. from Georgetown University.
After working in finance, consulting and venture capital, he joined the internet security firm Authentium, eventually becoming its president and CEO. In 2011, he sold the company to Commtouch and stepped down from his role, according to the New York Daily News.
His departure from the corporate world marked a turning point, as he shifted his focus toward writing — a passion he had developed during his daily commute.
Building a Second Career as an Author
Brunt began writing casually while traveling for work, but over time, the hobby grew into something more serious. During a talk at Politics and Prose Bookstore, he explained that discussions with Kelly about his work-related stress led him to reconsider his career path.
With her encouragement, he pursued writing professionally, eventually securing a book deal. He has since published multiple novels, including the New York Times best-seller “Ghosts of Manhattan,” as well as a nonfiction work, “The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel,” released in September 2023.
Expanding Into Podcasting
In 2022, Brunt added another dimension to his career by launching the podcast “Dedicated with Doug Brunt.” The show features conversations with authors, offering a more personal look at their lives and creative processes.
He has explained that the idea stemmed from his own experience as a reader, wanting to better understand the people behind the books he admired. The format reflects that curiosity, with guests selecting their favorite drinks while discussing their work.
A Marriage in the Public Eye
Kelly has spoken openly about her early impressions of Brunt, noting during a 2023 episode of The Megyn Kelly Show that he differed from the type of partner she had previously imagined. She described him as reserved but kind, smart and strong.
Brunt, in turn, has acknowledged the challenges that come with his wife’s public profile, particularly during moments of intense media scrutiny. Speaking to PEOPLE, he described feeling protective of Kelly, especially during periods when she faced criticism, emphasizing how the two relied on each other for support.
