- Megyn Kelly’s parents Edward and Linda Kelly strongly influenced her values and upbringing.
- She had two older siblings, Pete Kelly and the late Suzanne Crossley, whose memory she honors deeply.
- Megyn’s marriage to Douglas Brunt and their three children form her current family foundation.
- Family dynamics play a crucial role in her public persona and private life, offering insight into her resilience and motivations.
- Recent tributes to her late sister and personal family stories have added emotional depth to her public image.
Megyn Kelly, a prominent American journalist, media personality, and former lawyer, has a family background that quietly shapes the story behind her public persona. Born on November 18, 1970, in Champaign, Illinois, Megyn grew up in a family anchored by her parents Edward Francis Kelly and Linda Kelly.
Her father Edward was an education professional, while her mother Linda dedicated herself to homemaking, raising Megyn and her siblings with care. Understanding Megyn Kelly’s family dynamics offers a glimpse not just into her roots but also the influences that have played a role in her career and personal life.
Parents of Megyn Kelly: Edward and Linda Kelly
Edward Kelly, Megyn’s father, was an educator with a distinct passion for teaching, holding a doctorate and working at the State University of New York at Albany in their School of Education. His dedication to education likely set a tone of academic commitment within the family.
Tragically, Edward passed away from a heart attack in 1985 when Megyn was just 15 years old, an event that had a profound effect on her formative years.
Linda Kelly, Megyn’s mother, managed the household and supported her children through both joyous and challenging times. After Edward’s death, Linda remarried, introducing step-siblings into the family, further expanding Megyn’s family circle.
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.
Also Read: Meet Don Lemon Parents and Siblings: The Family Behind The Journalist Revealed
Last Updated on October 29, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
