Kayleigh McEnany, the former White House press secretary and co-host of Fox News’ “Outnumbered,” has once again captured the spotlight with a heartwarming revelation about her family. On May 7, 2025, during a live broadcast of “Outnumbered,” McEnany announced the gender of her third child—a girl—due in June 2025, joining daughter Blake, 5, and son Nash, 2. But it was a subsequent interview on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” on May 8, 2025, that unveiled a touching detail: McEnany and her husband, former MLB pitcher Sean Gilmartin, named their soon-to-be-born daughter after the location of their engagement, which is tied to a rare Colorado flower. The name, inspired by the delicate and elusive Columbine flower, native to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, has sent fans into a frenzy, celebrating the romantic and meaningful choice.
A Love Story Rooted in Romance
Kayleigh McEnany, 36, and Sean Gilmartin, 34, married in November 2017, have built a life centered on faith, family, and shared values. Their romance began in 2015 when McEnany, then a Harvard Law student, reached out to Gilmartin, a New York Mets pitcher, via social media after spotting his profile. As McEnany recounted in her 2021 memoir, For Such a Time as This: My Faith Journey through the White House and Beyond, their first date at Southern Hospitality in New York City sparked a connection that endured long-distance challenges as she finished law school and he played baseball across the country.
The couple’s engagement took place in 2016 in a breathtaking setting: a meadow in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, surrounded by wildflowers. McEnany shared on “Fox & Friends” that Gilmartin proposed during a hike near Aspen, in an area known for its vibrant Columbine flowers, a rare and delicate bloom that is Colorado’s state flower. “Sean got down on one knee in this field of purple and white Columbines, and it was like the world stopped,” McEnany recalled, her voice softening. “We wanted to honor that moment with our daughter’s name.” The name they chose, which McEnany hinted is a variation of “Columbine,” reflects both the location and the flower’s symbolism of peace, courage, and love.
The Columbine Connection
The Columbine flower (Aquilegia coerulea), with its star-shaped petals and vibrant hues, is a rare sight, thriving in high-altitude meadows and symbolizing endurance in harsh conditions. McEnany noted that the flower’s resilience resonated with her and Gilmartin, who have navigated challenges like her 2018 preventive double mastectomy due to a BRCA2 mutation and the pressures of public life. “The Columbine blooms where others can’t,” she said, “and that’s how we see our daughter—strong, beautiful, and a gift from God.” While McEnany kept the exact name under wraps, teasing a future reveal, fans speculated on social media that it could be “Columbine,” “Columba,” or a related name like “Cora” or “Lina.”
The choice also ties to the couple’s love for Colorado, where they’ve vacationed frequently. McEnany shared that the proposal site, nestled in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, felt like a “sacred place” for their relationship. The decision to name their daughter after this moment reflects their desire to pass down a legacy of love and meaning. “Blake’s name came from a family tradition, Nash from a biblical inspiration, and this little girl will carry the story of where we promised our lives to each other,” McEnany said, referencing their older children.
A Joyful Reveal and Studio Reaction
The gender reveal on “Outnumbered” was a festive affair, with McEnany cutting into a cake to reveal pink frosting, signaling another daughter. Co-hosts Harris Faulkner, Emily Compagno, Lisa Kennedy Montgomery, and guest Joey Jones erupted in cheers, but the studio was caught off guard when McEnany admitted she and Gilmartin had expected a boy. “We were so sure Nash would get a brother, but God had other plans!” she laughed. The unexpected news set the tone for the Columbine revelation the next day, which added an extra layer of emotion.
On “Fox & Friends,” co-hosts Ainsley Earhardt, Steve Doocy, and Brian Kilmeade gushed over the story. Earhardt, a close friend of McEnany’s, teared up, saying, “Naming her after the place you got engaged, and that gorgeous flower? It’s so romantic!” Doocy chimed in, joking, “Sean’s gonna need a bigger glove to catch all these girls!” Gilmartin, appearing via video, shared that the Columbine meadow was a place they hoped to bring their daughter someday, calling it “a piece of our history.” The tender moment left Kilmeade playfully ribbing, “Kayleigh, you’re turning ‘Fox & Friends’ into a love story!”
Fan Frenzy and Social Media Buzz
The announcement sparked a wave of excitement on X, with hashtags like #McEnanyColumbine and #BabyGirlMcEnany trending. Fans were enchanted by the romantic gesture, with one user posting, “Kayleigh naming her daughter after a Colorado flower and their proposal spot is the sweetest thing! 😍🌸” Another wrote, “The Columbine flower is so beautiful, just like this story. Congrats, Kayleigh and Sean!” Some shared photos of Columbine flowers, marveling at their delicate beauty, while others speculated about the name, with “Columbine Rose” and “Cora Belle” emerging as fan favorites.
The story also resonated with viewers who appreciated the couple’s faith-driven approach. McEnany, who often cites Bible verses like Psalm 139 in discussing her children, emphasized that the name reflects their belief in God’s perfect timing. “This baby girl, like the Columbine, is a miracle,” she said, prompting comments like, “Kayleigh’s faith and love for her family shine through. What a beautiful tribute!” The outpouring of support underscored McEnany’s ability to connect with audiences through personal milestones.
A Growing Family and Bright Future
As McEnany and Gilmartin prepare for their third child, they’re embracing the chaos and joy of a growing family. McEnany has praised Fox News as a supportive workplace for working mothers, allowing her to balance her role on “Outnumbered” with parenting. She’s shared anecdotes about Blake’s excitement, noting that the 5-year-old is already planning to “teach her sister everything,” while Nash, at 2, is blissfully unaware of the changes ahead. The couple’s Tampa roots remain strong, with McEnany’s parents, Michael and Leanne, living nearby to help with childcare.
The Columbine-inspired name adds a poetic layer to the McEnany-Gilmartin story, which has weathered public scrutiny, health challenges, and career demands. McEnany’s openness about her 2018 mastectomy and fertility struggles with Nash has made her a relatable figure, and the romantic nod to their engagement resonates as a testament to their bond. As they await their daughter’s arrival, McEnany has promised more updates, including a possible name reveal on “Outnumbered” closer to the due date.
Conclusion
Kayleigh McEnany’s decision to name her third child after the Colorado meadow where Sean Gilmartin proposed, inspired by the rare Columbine flower, has captivated fans with its romance and meaning. The announcement, following a joyful gender reveal on “Outnumbered,” highlights the couple’s faith, love, and resilience, qualities reflected in the delicate yet enduring flower. As the McEnany family prepares to welcome their second daughter, the story of her name—a tribute to a pivotal moment in their love story—has left an indelible mark. With a new “Columbine” on the way, McEnany and Gilmartin are blooming into their next chapter, and fans can’t wait to see it unfold.