Carley Shimkus Biography
Carley Shimkus is a well‑known American news anchor and television journalist. She works as co‑host of FOX & Friends First on the Fox News Channel. Born on November 7, 1986, Carley grew up in Long Valley, New Jersey with her parents, Edward and Zulma, and her sister Margot. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from Quinnipiac University in 2009.
After graduating, she began her career at Fox News as a production assistant. Then, she became an associate producer and later a reporter for FOX News Headlines 24/7. Over time, Shimkus advanced to co‑host and main anchor roles. Her on‑air work focuses on breaking news, social media trends, entertainment, and consumer business stories.
In 2021, she joined FOX & Friends First and delivers early morning news updates weekdays. Carley married Peter Buchignani on August 8, 2015. They welcomed their son, Brock Edward, in 2023. Additionally, she wrote the cookbook Cooking with Friends, showing her creative side.
Shimkus continues to build her career while balancing family life with energy and passion. Her dedication to journalism has made her a respected figure in American media.
Carley Shimkus Age
How old is Carley Shimkus?
Carley Shimkus was born on November 7, 1986, making her 39 years old in 2026. She celebrates her birthday every year with fans and colleagues. Additionally, Shimkus has built a strong television career while balancing family life and work as a morning news co‑host on FOX & Friends First.
Carley Shimkus’s Height
How tall is Carley Shimkus?
Carley Shimkus stands a notable 5 feet 10 inches tall (178 cm), giving her a striking on‑screen presence. Her height often draws attention from fans and viewers alike. Additionally, her tall stature once inspired her brief interest in modeling before she fully embraced a career in broadcast journalism.
Carley Shimkus Husband | Spouse
Shimkus married Peter Buchignani on August 8, 2015 after dating for several years. Their relationship began around 2013, evolving from friendship to romance. Peter Buchignani is a finance professional working in securitized products sales with Amherst Pierpont Securities in Chicago. He holds a Princeton University degree in Politics and once played college football. Together, the couple share a son, Brock, born in 2023. Shimkus and her husband balance careers in media and finance while prioritizing family life. They maintain a strong bond through communication, travel, and mutual support, making their relationship a model of partnership and teamwork.
Carley Shimkus Children
How many children does Carley Shimkus have?
Carley Shimkus and her husband, Peter Buchignani, share a beloved son named Brock Edward. He was born in February 2023, bringing joy to their family and fans. Carley often shares special moments with her son on social media, showing their loving bond as he grows. She balances motherhood with her busy role as co‑host of FOX & Friends First while celebrating milestones with Brock. Moreover, Shimkus embraces parenthood with pride, often highlighting how becoming a mother deepened her appreciation for family life and work balance. Her dedication to both career and family inspires many.
Carley Shimkus Parents
Carley was born to Edward Shimkus and Zulma Aponte Shimkus in Long Valley, New Jersey. Her father works as a chemist while her mother is a former flight attendant. Her parents first met on an airplane in the early 1980s. Edward’s scientific background and Zulma’s multicultural influence shaped Carley’s worldview from a young age. Moreover, Carley credits her parents for strong values like hard work, education, and family support. She also grew up with her older sister, Margot Shimkus, an artist and teacher who encouraged her creativity. Carley’s upbringing in a loving, supportive home gave her confidence and drive in her journalism career.
Carley Shimkus Education
Carley Shimkus built her journalism foundation through focused education and hands‑on experience. She graduated from West Morris Central High School in New Jersey, where she first developed interest in media and communication. Later, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism at Quinnipiac University, graduating in 2009. During college, she gained real newsroom experience while interning with Fox News in Washington, D.C., which helped launch her broadcasting career. Moreover, Shimkus also attended a semester program in journalism to expand her skills. Her strong academic background at a respected university prepared her for success in television news.
Carley Shimkus’s Religion
Carley Shimkus identifies as a Christian, and her faith plays a meaningful role in her life. She grew up in a Christian household, attending church with her family while she was young. Moreover, Carley often incorporates her beliefs into personal decision‑making and family values. Her marriage ceremony reflected her Christian faith and traditions. Additionally, she has shared moments from church events and religious holidays with her audience to show her connection to faith. Although Carley focuses mainly on her news career, her Christian beliefs remain a significant part of her life and worldview.
Carley Shimkus Ethnicity & Nationality
What nationality is Carley Shimkus?
Carley Shimkus holds American nationality and is proudly rooted in the United States. She was born in Long Valley, New Jersey, where her multicultural background shaped her identity. Moreover, Carley’s ethnicity reflects her mixed heritage. Her father, Edward Shimkus, is of Lithuanian descent, giving her European roots. Meanwhile, her mother, Zulma Aponte Shimkus, is Puerto Rican, adding rich Hispanic heritage to her family background. As a result, Shimkus blends these cultural influences, contributing to her unique perspective as a Fox News anchor. Her mixed ethnicity and American nationality influence how she connects with diverse audiences across the country.
Carley Shimkus Fox News Career : Rise to FOX & Friends First
Carley began her Fox News career in 2009 as a production assistant on FOX Business Network, gaining valuable newsroom experience early on. Then, she earned a promotion to associate producer, showing strong editorial skills. Later, Shimkus moved on‑air as a reporter for FOX News Headlines 24/7, covering social media trends, entertainment news, and consumer business stories across network programs. Additionally, she served as a substitute anchor and co‑hosted specials on Fox Nation. In October 2021, she became co‑host of FOX & Friends First with Todd Piro, delivering early morning news nationwide. Shimkus continues to grow her role, combining journalistic expertise with engaging presentation.
Carley Shimkus Fox News Salary
How much does Carley Shimkus make a year?
Shimkus earns an estimated annual salary between $70,000 and $90,000 as a co‑host on FOX & Friends First and contributor across Fox News programming. Estimates show she likely earns slightly above the network’s median for anchors and reporters, reflecting her senior on‑air role and years of experience.
Carley Shimkus Net Worth
Carley Shimkus has an estimated net worth between $1 million and $2 million as of 2026, earned through her long‑running career at FOX News Channel and on‑air roles like FOX & Friends First. Her income also comes from media appearances and related opportunities that support her financial growth.