Megyn Kelly First Husband: The True Story of Daniel Kendall and Why It Ended

You probably know her as the sharp-tongued interviewer who took on Donald Trump, or the podcast powerhouse who doesn’t mind ruffling a few feathers. But before the high-profile NBC exit and the SiriusXM deal, Megyn Kelly was a corporate lawyer in Chicago. Back then, her name wasn't just Megyn Kelly—it was Megyn Kendall.

Most people today only know her current life with Douglas Brunt and their three kids. Honestly, that’s the version of Megyn that feels "permanent." But the story of Megyn Kelly first husband, Daniel Kendall, is more than just a footnote. It’s a fascinating look at a woman in transition, caught between a grueling legal career and a burgeoning media empire.

It wasn't a "scandalous" breakup. No cheating, no screaming matches in the tabloids. It was actually kind of ordinary, which is why it's so relatable.

Who Exactly Is Daniel Kendall?

Dan Kendall isn't some Hollywood hanger-on or a media mogul. He’s a doctor. Specifically, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist. When he met Megyn, she was still Megyn Marie Kelly, a high-achieving attorney at Bickel & Brewer.

They met at a street festival in Chicago. It sounds like something out of a rom-com, doesn't it? She was a lawyer, he was a medical student. Two "Type A" personalities destined for high-stress, high-reward careers. They hit it off quickly.

They dated for years, navigating the hurdles of residency and billable hours. By 2001, just eighteen days after the September 11 attacks, they tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony at a Catholic church in Chicago. They even had a Rolls Royce pick them up. It was the quintessential "power couple" start.

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The Move to Baltimore and the Career Shift

Life changed fast. Dan got a position at Johns Hopkins, which meant a move to Baltimore. For Megyn, this was a turning point. She was burning out. Law wasn't fueling her soul anymore.

While living with Megyn Kelly first husband, she decided to take a reporting class. She was good. Really good. This led to her first TV gig at a local affiliate, earning about $176 a day. It was a massive pay cut from her law firm salary, but she loved it.

But as her career in D.C. and at Fox News began to take flight, the marriage started to strain under the weight of two massive ambitions.

Why the Marriage Actually Failed

Dan Kendall eventually spoke out about the divorce years later, mostly to clear the air. He told the Daily Mail that the split was basically a case of two people wanting the same thing from a partner: support.

"I wanted a wife and she wanted a wife — we both needed someone to cook and clean and support us," Kendall famously said.

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It’s a blunt way of putting it, but it makes sense. If you have two people working 80-hour weeks, who is holding down the fort? There was no "bad guy" here. They were just two people who realized their lifestyles didn't mesh with a traditional domestic partnership.

They split in 2006. It was amicable. So amicable, in fact, that they stayed friends.

The Catholic Annulment: A 2024 Update

Here is something most people missed. In early 2024, Megyn revealed she was going through the formal Catholic annulment process for her marriage to Daniel.

She’s been married to Doug Brunt since 2008—that’s nearly two decades. But because she is a lifelong Catholic, the first marriage still "counted" in the eyes of the Church. She mentioned on her show that she and Dan agreed to go through the process so she could fully participate in the sacraments again.

It shows a level of maturity you don't often see in celebrity divorces. They didn't just walk away; they respected each other enough to help one another find "official" closure years later.

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What Happened to Daniel Kendall?

Dan didn't go into hiding. He’s a highly respected physician in Virginia now. He remarried and started a family of his own.

Interestingly, he even appeared on Megyn’s Fox News show as a medical expert a few times. Think about that. How many people would invite their ex-husband onto their national television show to talk about spinal procedures? It speaks volumes about the lack of animosity between them.

Why This Matters for Megyn Kelly’s Image

Understanding the relationship with Megyn Kelly first husband helps humanize a figure who is often seen as polarizing. It reminds us that she wasn't always the "face of Fox." She was a woman who took a massive risk, changed her career in her 30s, and had to admit when a relationship—despite being "perfect" on paper—wasn't right for the long haul.

It also highlights the reality of modern marriage between two high-achievers.

Sometimes, love isn't enough when your goals are heading in opposite directions. Megyn wanted the big stage; Dan wanted a more traditional home life. Neither was wrong.

Actionable Insights for Navigating High-Stress Relationships:

• Communication of Roles: If you’re both "Type A" or career-driven, discuss the domestic expectations early. The "who is going to cook?" question sounds trivial until it isn't.
• Amicable Endings are Possible: A divorce doesn't have to be a battlefield. If the respect is still there, maintaining a civil (or even friendly) relationship can save years of emotional stress.
• The Power of Re-invention: Megyn’s transition from lawyer to journalist during her first marriage proves it's never too late to pivot, even if it disrupts your personal life temporarily.
• Check the Legal/Religious Boxes: If faith is important to you, remember that civil divorce and religious annulment are two different hurdles. Handling them eventually can provide a sense of peace.

If you are looking into the history of your favorite public figures, don't just look for the "dirt." Sometimes the most interesting stories are the ones where two people simply grew apart and had the courage to admit it.