A Day of Joy and Tears: Kayleigh McEnany’s Emotional Moment at Dana Perino’s Baby Shower
In a scene filled with love and celebration, Fox News star Kayleigh McEnany attended Dana Perino’s baby shower in early May 2025, radiating joy as she joined friends and colleagues to honor the expecting mother. The event, held at a charming venue in New York, was a pastel-hued affair, complete with balloons, baby-themed decorations, and a table overflowing with gifts. McEnany, a former White House Press Secretary and current Fox News co-host, looked stunning in a soft pink dress, her signature blonde waves cascading over her shoulders. But the day took an unexpected turn when Greg Gutfeld, the beloved “Gutfeld!” host, presented her with a special gift that brought her to tears, creating a moment that has since captured the hearts of fans and attendees alike.
A Celebration of New Beginnings
The baby shower was a joyous occasion for Dana Perino, the 52-year-old “The Five” co-host and former White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush. Perino, who announced her pregnancy in late 2024 with her husband Peter McMahon, was glowing as she welcomed guests to the event on May 3, 2025. The venue was transformed into a whimsical wonderland, with pink and blue balloons floating overhead, a “Congratulations Dana!” banner adorning the wall, and a table piled high with gifts like diapers, stuffed animals, and baby books. Guests, including Fox News personalities like Jesse Watters, Emily Compagno, and McEnany, mingled with laughter and excitement, celebrating Perino’s journey into motherhood.
McEnany, 37, was a vision of elegance and warmth, her presence lighting up the room. As a mother of three—her daughter Blake, born in 2019, and sons Michael and James, born in 2021 and 2023—she brought her own experience of motherhood to the celebration, offering Perino heartfelt advice and sharing stories of her own parenting adventures. “There’s nothing like the love you feel for your child,” McEnany shared with the group, her voice filled with emotion. “Dana, you’re going to be an incredible mom.” The room buzzed with camaraderie, reflecting the tight-knit bond among the Fox News team, who have often supported each other through personal milestones.
The Gift That Stole the Show
The highlight of the afternoon came during the gift-opening segment, when Greg Gutfeld, known for his sharp wit and unexpected kindness, presented McEnany with a beautifully wrapped box adorned with a tiny baby shoe charm. The gift wasn’t for Perino but for McEnany herself—a surprising gesture that caught everyone off guard. As McEnany carefully unwrapped the package, her eyes widened, and tears began to well up. Inside was a delicate, hand-stitched baby blanket, embroidered with the names of her three children, Blake, Michael, and James, along with a heartfelt note from Gutfeld. The note read, “For Kayleigh—You’re a rockstar mom and friend. This is for all the late nights and early mornings. We’re so proud of you.”
The gesture was deeply personal. McEnany, who has juggled a high-profile career with motherhood, often spoke about the challenges of balancing her roles as a Fox News host, author, and parent. Gutfeld’s gift, a symbol of recognition for her dedication, struck a chord. “I had no idea Greg was going to do this,” McEnany said, wiping away tears as she clutched the blanket. “This means more to me than I can say. It’s been a whirlwind, and to know my friends see me like this—it’s everything.” The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of her words sinking in, before erupting into applause and supportive cheers.
Perino, standing nearby, was visibly moved by the exchange, placing a hand on McEnany’s shoulder in a show of solidarity. Gutfeld, ever the jokester, lightened the mood by quipping, “Don’t get used to me being this nice, Kayleigh—I’ve got a reputation to uphold!” The laughter that followed was a perfect blend of emotion and humor, encapsulating the spirit of the day.
A Bond Beyond the Studio
The baby shower highlighted the deep friendships within the Fox News family. McEnany and Perino share a unique connection, both having served as White House Press Secretaries—McEnany under President Donald Trump from 2020 to 2021, and Perino under Bush from 2007 to 2009. Their professional paths have intertwined at Fox News, where McEnany co-hosts “Outnumbered” and Perino anchors “The Five” and “America’s Newsroom.” Off-screen, their bond has grown through shared experiences of navigating public life, motherhood, and the challenges of a demanding career.
Gutfeld’s thoughtful gift to McEnany underscored the camaraderie that extends beyond the studio. Known for his irreverent humor on “Gutfeld!,” he has a lesser-known side that shines through in moments like these, where his loyalty to friends takes center stage. His gesture resonated with attendees, who later took to social media to share their admiration. One fan wrote on X, “Greg Gutfeld giving Kayleigh that blanket at Dana’s shower—my heart can’t handle it! These Fox News folks are family.” Another added, “Kayleigh McEnany crying over that gift is the sweetest thing I’ve seen all week.”
McEnany’s Journey of Strength
McEnany’s emotional reaction was a window into her own journey. Born in Tampa, Florida, she graduated from Georgetown University and Harvard Law School, building a career as a political commentator and author. Her 2021 memoir, For Such a Time as This, detailed her time as Trump’s Press Secretary, while her 2024 book, Serenity in the Storm, reflected her faith and resilience as a mother. McEnany has been open about her preventative double mastectomy in 2018, prompted by a BRCA2 gene mutation, and her decision to start a family soon after. Her children have been a source of joy, often featured in her social media posts, where she shares glimpses of their family life in Florida with her husband, Sean Gilmartin, a former MLB pitcher.
The baby blanket from Gutfeld, with her children’s names embroidered, was a poignant reminder of her priorities. “Being a mom is my greatest calling,” McEnany said during the shower, her voice steady despite the tears. “This blanket—it’s like a hug from my Fox family, telling me I’m doing okay.” Her vulnerability resonated with guests, many of whom are parents themselves, and sparked conversations about the challenges of balancing career and family in the public eye.
A Day to Remember
For Perino, the baby shower was a dream come true. At 52, her pregnancy was a long-awaited blessing, and the support from her Fox News colleagues made the day even more special. She and McMahon, a Canadian businessman she married in 1998, have been vocal about their excitement for their first child, due in June 2025. The shower, with its heartfelt moments like McEnany’s tearful reaction, added a layer of warmth to the celebration. “I’ll never forget today,” Perino said, addressing the group. “Seeing Kayleigh so moved—it just shows how much love there is in this room.”
The event also highlighted the power of small gestures. Gutfeld’s gift, though simple, carried a profound message of support, reminding McEnany that her efforts as a mother and friend are seen and appreciated. It was a moment of connection that transcended the glitz of a baby shower, speaking to the universal language of friendship and gratitude.
A Lasting Impact
McEnany’s tearful moment has since gone viral, with fans sharing clips and photos from the shower across social media. The image of her holding the blanket, tears in her eyes, has become a symbol of the Fox News family’s unity, showing a softer side of a network often associated with hard-hitting commentary. For McEnany, the day was a reminder of the support system that has carried her through challenges, from her health journey to the demands of motherhood.
As Perino prepares to welcome her child, and McEnany continues to thrive as a mother and broadcaster, their friendship remains a cornerstone. Gutfeld’s gift, now a cherished keepsake, will likely be a story McEnany tells her children for years to come—a reminder of the day their names were celebrated at a baby shower filled with love, laughter, and a few happy tears.