Ashley Strohmier, the familiar face from Fox & Friends First, has spent years delivering the news while most of America sleeps. But in late 2023, the spotlight shifted to her personal life when she made headlines of her own. The veteran Fox News anchor, known for her grounded demeanor and professional presence, welcomed her first child, a baby boy, with her husband, Mike Counihan, in October 2023. This life-altering moment marks a significant new chapter in Strohmier’s story—one that is balanced between her high-profile career and her personal life as a new mother.
From Miss Missouri to National Spotlight
Born in Jefferson City, Missouri, Ashley Strohmier’s journey to fame began long before her days at Fox News. In 2010, she won the Miss Missouri USA crown, an achievement that gave her early exposure to the public eye and foreshadowed her future in television. After graduating with a degree in criminal justice from the University of Central Missouri, Strohmier initially set her sights on law and public service. But soon, journalism beckoned, and she started carving out her path in the competitive field of broadcast journalism.
Her first role came at Columbia’s FOX 22, where she reported live from scenes across Missouri. This experience set the stage for her next step: moving to KMIZ-TV (ABC) as an investigative reporter, solo morning anchor, and producer. During her time there, Strohmier’s fearless reporting earned her an award from the Kansas City Press Club, notably for her investigation into the Missouri Department of Social Services, which led to a state investigation.
By 2019, her career reached new heights when she was named Best News Anchor by the Missouri Broadcasters Association, solidifying her reputation as one of the most trusted figures in Missouri broadcasting.
From Local News to National Stage: Joining Fox News
In March 2020, Ashley Strohmier made the leap to Fox News, where she joined the Fox News Channel team as an overnight anchor and correspondent. Relocating to New York, Strohmier quickly became a staple on Fox & Friends First, delivering the news with clarity and credibility to viewers across the nation. Her calm presence during the early hours of the day helped make her a trusted name in households, and she has continued to shine in this high-profile role, always balancing the demands of a fast-paced job with grace.
Despite the challenges of working overnight and maintaining a high-energy career, Strohmier’s professionalism has made her stand out. Colleagues and fans alike have praised her for her consistent and balanced approach to news broadcasting.
A Power Couple: Ashley and Mike
Ashley’s life off-screen is just as impressive as her career achievements. In April 2022, she married Mike Counihan, an NYPD officer and elite athlete with a passion for fitness. Mike is also a fitness influencer, having been featured in Men’s Fitness, Ironman, and Simply Shredded. The couple, who share a deep bond and commitment to their careers, enjoy a shared passion for health and fitness.
The two balance their demanding schedules with a love for travel, family, and, of course, their beloved dog, Maggie. According to Ashley, Maggie has been “promoted to baby security,” highlighting the couple’s lighthearted yet dedicated approach to their family dynamic. Their support for each other’s professional and personal growth has created a strong foundation for their marriage.
Becoming a Mother: The Joy of Baby Avery Grace
In 2023, Ashley announced that she and Mike were expecting their first child. She shared the news on social media, expressing her excitement about becoming a mother while maintaining her sense of humor. As her pregnancy progressed, Ashley kept her fans updated with funny and relatable posts, from bump updates to back pain jokes, reflecting her down-to-earth personality.
In October 2023, Ashley and Mike welcomed their son, Avery Grace, into the world. Ashley posted a sweet hospital room photo of herself cradling her newborn, with Mike by her side, expressing her joy and gratitude for their growing family. “Welcome to the world, my sweet baby boy!” she wrote. “Everyone is healthy and strong.”
The announcement was met with an outpouring of support from her fans, who expressed how thrilled they were for the new parents. “Look at the smile on your husband’s face. He’s over the moon,” one fan commented. “Your life has just changed forever, in the best way.”
Balancing Career and Family
As Ashley embarks on this new chapter of motherhood, she remains committed to her work while juggling her new responsibilities as a parent. Her ability to balance a demanding career with family life is inspiring to her fans, especially as she continues to host Fox & Friends First while being a new mother.
Her ability to maintain her professional composure while embracing her new role as a mother reflects her strength and resilience. As many working parents know, the balance is not always easy, but Ashley’s grace in managing both roles makes her an exemplary figure for fans who are navigating their own challenges.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Ashley Strohmier
As Ashley continues to grow her career and family, her journey remains one of inspiration and resilience. Fans are eager to see how she navigates her new role as a mother while continuing to anchor one of Fox News’ most-watched programs.
With a solid reputation for her professionalism and an ever-growing following on social media, Ashley Strohmier is likely to keep inspiring people with her honest, relatable journey. Whether it’s through her work on Fox & Friends or her candid updates on her family life, Ashley is undoubtedly becoming a household name—one that continues to show that it’s possible to have both a fulfilling career and a beautiful family.
Conclusion: A Career and Life Filled with Balance, Love, and Dedication
From Miss Missouri to a Fox News anchor, and now a new mother, Ashley Strohmier’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. She exemplifies the power of hard work, resilience, and maintaining a balance between career and family. Whether she’s tackling breaking news or sharing parenting tips, Ashley continues to resonate with her audience, proving that a successful career can coexist with a fulfilling personal life. For Ashley, motherhood is just another chapter in her dynamic journey—one she’s eager to share with the world.