Carley Shimkus, the bright and quick-witted co-host of Fox Nation’s Primetime Highlights and a familiar face to Fox News viewers, is known for her early mornings, sharp reporting, and upbeat energy. But in a recent candid conversation with Abby Hornacek on Ride to Work, the journalist revealed a more personal side of her life — one filled with humor, long-distance love, and a surprising touch of Game of Thrones. During the episode, Shimkus shared a story that made both fans and the host laugh: her husband’s only request for their wedding in 2015 was music fit for a fantasy epic.
“This is gonna sound totally nuts,” Carley admitted with a grin. “When we were planning our wedding, I pretty much planned the whole thing — that’s what I wanted, and he said yes to everything. Then one day he said, ‘How do you feel if our wedding party walked out to the Game of Thrones theme song, and then when we walk out, we walk out to the Michigan fight song?’” She couldn’t help but laugh as she recalled it. It was an unusual combination — part medieval grandeur, part college football pride — but for the couple, it was the perfect reflection of their personalities.
The detail quickly became a defining anecdote from their big day, a symbol of how their relationship balances her structured, detail-oriented approach with his sense of humor and spontaneity. “He’s from Michigan, so the fight song was a must,” Carley explained. “And we were both obsessed with Game of Thrones at the time — so honestly, it kind of worked.” The image of guests watching a wedding party stride out to the thunderous strings of Ramin Djawadi’s iconic score perfectly captured the lighthearted, personal spirit that Carley and her husband share.
As the car ride with Hornacek continued, Carley spoke about the first time they met — another story that sounded like it came straight out of a rom-com. “It was my 23rd birthday,” she recalled. “We were out celebrating, and he was with one of his roommates at the time, who was kind of a jerk. He came and saved the day.” That unexpected meeting led to a lasting connection that deepened over the years until they finally tied the knot. Their relationship, while filled with warmth and laughter, isn’t without its challenges. Both have demanding jobs that keep them in different cities during the week — Carley in New York, her husband in Chicago.
“I fly to Chicago every other week,” she explained. “It’s not easy, but we make it work. We’re both really independent, and we respect each other’s careers.” That sense of balance — of commitment without constraint — seems to define their marriage. Despite the distance, the couple maintains a close rhythm, making the most of weekends and shared downtime. “We just eat,” Carley said, laughing. “That’s all we do. We love trying new restaurants, or just staying in and cooking together. We’re very into Game of Thrones — that’s our thing.”
Their shared love of food, television, and routine creates a grounding sense of normalcy in a life that could easily become chaotic. Carley’s schedule, in particular, is one that few could manage. As a morning anchor, she’s often up by 2 a.m. while much of the world is still asleep. “It sounds crazy, but I actually love it,” she told Hornacek. “I’m not really a night person. I like having my mornings start early, and my afternoons are for rest.” She admitted, however, that her unusual schedule doesn’t leave much room for socializing. “My life is really boring,” she said with a laugh. “I love my job and I wouldn’t have it any other way, but if someone invites me to happy hour, the answer is a hard no. I’ve got my routine, and I stick to it.”
It’s that discipline — paired with her upbeat humor — that has made Carley one of the most relatable personalities in broadcast news. While some might see her early hours and long-distance relationship as sacrifices, Carley sees them as choices. She’s built a life around doing what she loves and making it work with the person she loves, even if that means compromise. “We don’t get to see each other every day, but we’re both really happy in what we do,” she said. “And when we do have time together, it feels even more special.”
During the Ride to Work segment, Hornacek noted how Carley’s energy seems unchanged despite her demanding lifestyle. “How do you keep it up?” she asked. Carley smiled. “Coffee,” she joked, before adding more seriously, “I think it’s because I really enjoy what I do. If I didn’t love my job, I couldn’t get up at 2 a.m. every day. But I love it — it’s exciting, it’s unpredictable, and it gives me purpose.”
Her down-to-earth nature has made her a fan favorite, not just for her professionalism but for her willingness to let people in — to share stories about her marriage, her quirks, and even the small joys of daily life. The wedding anecdote, complete with Game of Thrones fanfare and Michigan pride, is just one example of that authenticity.
In an industry often defined by polish and perfection, Carley Shimkus stands out for her ability to laugh at herself and find happiness in the ordinary. Her love story — part long-distance romance, part fantasy soundtrack — perfectly mirrors her personality: warm, grounded, and just a little unexpected. Whether she’s reporting breaking news before sunrise or reminiscing about walking down the aisle to one of television’s most dramatic theme songs, one thing is clear: Carley Shimkus lives her life with humor, heart, and a deep appreciation for every moment — dragons, fight songs, and all.
