Megyn Kelly, a renowned journalist, media figure, and former attorney, has a family history that quietly influences her public image. Born on November 18, 1970, in Champaign, Illinois, she was raised by her parents, Edward Francis Kelly and Linda Kelly, in a nurturing environment that left an indelible mark on her life.

Edward Kelly, Megyn’s father, was an educator with a deep passion for teaching. Holding a doctorate, he worked at the State University of New York at Albany’s School of Education, instilling a strong sense of academic dedication in the family. Tragically, he passed away from a heart attack in 1985 when Megyn was just 15, an event that profoundly impacted her formative years.

Parents of Megyn Kelly: Edward and Linda Kelly

Her mother, Linda Kelly, played a crucial role as a homemaker, dedicating herself to raising Megyn and her siblings. After Edward’s untimely death, Linda remarried, bringing step-siblings into the family and expanding Megyn’s familial connections even further.

Megyn grew up alongside an older sister, Suzanne Crossman, and an older brother, Pete Kelly. Suzanne, while maintaining a relatively private life compared to her famous sister, shared a close bond with Megyn. Known for her supportive nature, Suzanne was a former teacher and stay-at-home mom who even ventured into writing by authoring a children’s book.

Understanding the Kelly family dynamics offers a revealing look into the influences that have shaped Megyn Kelly’s career and personal journey. Her upbringing in a household defined by education and resilience provides context to the values that have guided her professional path.

Siblings of Megyn Kelly: Suzanne and Pete Kelly

Megyn Kelly grew up alongside an older sister, Suzanne Crossman (née Kelly), and an older brother, Pete Kelly. Suzanne, also born into the family with a close bond to Megyn, led a relatively private life compared to her famous sister. A former teacher and stay-at-home mom, Suzanne was known to be a supportive and cherished sibling who even authored a children’s book.

Her relationship with Megyn was marked by love and occasional distance due to their adult lives but remained deeply significant. Suzanne Crossman passed away recently in 2025, which Megyn publicly acknowledged with a touching tribute that captured the emotional complexity of sibling love. Pete Kelly, the older brother, is less publicly discussed but remains an integral part of Megyn’s family narrative.

The Impact of Family on Megyn’s Life and Career

The dynamics within the Kelly household, including early exposure to education from her father and the close-knit sibling relationships, notably influenced Megyn’s path. Raised in a Catholic household with Italian, German, and Irish heritage, Megyn’s upbringing in New York after moving from Illinois brought diverse cultural and academic influences to bear.

The loss of her father during her teenage years introduced a layer of resilience that surfaced both personally and professionally as she navigated a demanding career in law and media. The support of her mother and siblings provided a foundation that Megyn has often reflected upon when discussing personal strength and family values.

Recent Family Updates: Remembering Suzanne Crossman

In 2025, Megyn Kelly publicly honored her late sister Suzanne Crossman following her passing. The tribute underscored their lifelong close relationship, the challenges of maintaining sibling bonds as adults, and the unique layers of sibling love that differ from parental affection.

Megyn expressed both grief and gratitude, highlighting memories and the ways Suzanne helped the family through tough times, especially during their mother’s illness. This recent update reminds many of the universal nature of family ties, loss, and remembrance.

Marriage and Children: Extending the Family Legacy

Megyn Kelly is married to Douglas Brunt, a union that has lasted since 2008. Together, they have three children: Edward Yates Brunt, Yardley Evans Brunt, and Thatcher Bray Brunt. Megyn’s family life with Douglas is often described as private, focused on nurturing their children away from the public eye.

Previously, Megyn was married to Dr. Daniel Ronald Kendall but that marriage ended in divorce in 2006. Her role as a mother and wife has added new dimensions to her life, balancing the demands of a high-profile career while building her own family foundation.