Rachel Campos-Duffy, the vibrant Fox News personality and mother of nine, recently opened up about the exhilarating and often overwhelming journey of raising her large family alongside her husband, Sean Duffy. In a candid interview with National Review in 2019, Campos-Duffy shared a revelation that resonated with parents everywhere: “I thought I couldn’t do it, but they’re so lovable.” This heartfelt admission, coupled with her reflections on the chaos, joy, and unexpected blessings of parenting nine children, has sparked widespread admiration and curiosity. From navigating personal doubts to making life-altering decisions, the Duffys’ story is a testament to faith, teamwork, and the transformative power of love. As fans marvel at their ability to balance family life with demanding careers, Campos-Duffy’s insights reveal the secrets behind their remarkable journey.
A Family Built on Faith and Serendipity
Rachel Campos-Duffy, 53, and Sean Duffy, 53, first met in 1998 on MTV’s Road Rules: All Stars, a spin-off of The Real World, where their chemistry was captured on camera. Rachel, a cast member of The Real World: San Francisco, and Sean, from The Real World: Boston, quickly fell in love, marrying in 1999. What began as a televised romance blossomed into a family of eleven, with nine children—Evita Pilar, Xavier Jack, Lucia-Belén, John-Paul, Paloma Pilar, Maria-Victoria Margarita, Margarita Pilar, Patrick Miguel, and Valentina StellaMaris—ranging in age from 5 to 25 as of June 2025.
Campos-Duffy never envisioned such a large family. “I didn’t have a number in mind,” she told National Review. “We didn’t plan one of my kids; they just kind of happened. So I’ve just kind of taken each one as a blessing sent to me by God.” This perspective, rooted in her devout Catholic faith, has guided the Duffys through the highs and lows of parenthood. Yet, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges, particularly when Campos-Duffy faced self-doubt about her ability to manage a growing household. “I thought I couldn’t do it,” she admitted, recalling moments of overwhelm, especially with her first child. “The first one was the hardest. It’s such a change.”
Overcoming Doubts with Love
Campos-Duffy’s candid admission about her early fears strikes a chord with many parents. The transition to motherhood was daunting, particularly as she juggled her career aspirations and public life. A former contestant for a co-host spot on The View and now a permanent co-host on Fox & Friends Weekend since May 2021, Campos-Duffy has navigated the demands of television while raising her children. “In terms of doing it all, I don’t do it all,” she told People in 2018, debunking the myth of the super-mom. “The advantage of having eight kids is that, first of all, it was harder for me when I had my first child.”
What transformed her perspective was the overwhelming love she felt for her children. “They’re so lovable,” she said, her voice brimming with warmth. Each child, with their unique quirks and personalities, brought new meaning to her life. From Evita, now a married co-founder of the Chicago Thinker, to Valentina, the youngest, born with Down syndrome and a heart condition, the Duffys have embraced their children’s individuality. Campos-Duffy noted that her kids form close friendships among themselves, a dynamic that eases the parenting load. “The best compliment I’ve gotten is from teachers who say they can tell my kids come from a big family because they anticipate other people’s needs,” she shared.
The Challenges of a Large Family
Raising nine children is no small feat, and the Duffys have faced significant hurdles. In 2019, when Campos-Duffy was pregnant with Valentina, the couple learned their daughter would have a heart defect and Down syndrome, requiring multiple surgeries. This news prompted Sean, then a Republican congressman for Wisconsin’s 7th district, to resign from Congress to focus on family. “Our baby will need even more love, time, and attention due to complications,” he wrote on Facebook, a decision that underscored their commitment to prioritizing family over career ambitions.
Campos-Duffy described the period as both challenging and humbling. “I’m home now, trying to recover from my first C-section and working hard with my breast pump to keep up with her growing appetite,” she wrote on Facebook after Valentina’s birth. Despite the medical complexities, the family rallied around their youngest, with siblings vying to hold her. “She’s the sweetest, most perfect angel we have ever seen,” Campos-Duffy gushed, reflecting the love that has sustained them through tough times.
The Duffys have also faced societal scrutiny for their large family. When announcing her ninth pregnancy, Campos-Duffy encountered negative comments on political websites, including misogynistic remarks and accusations of being an “environmental terrorist” due to their carbon footprint. “It was on Politico and The Hill where many commenters had awful things to say,” she told National Review. Yet, she remained unfazed, emphasizing the beauty of large families. “There are a lot of beautiful things that happen in large families… friendships are formed among siblings,” she said, highlighting the resilience her children gain from their close-knit dynamic.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
One of the Duffys’ secrets to managing their bustling household is teamwork. “Our family works like a company—we all contribute,” Campos-Duffy told People. She delegates tasks, relies on a trusted babysitter for support during travel, and credits Sean as an “amazing partner.” Their children also pitch in, fostering a sense of responsibility and camaraderie. “My kids understand that we are a team,” she said, noting that this collaborative spirit has made parenting more manageable.
Faith is another cornerstone of their family life. As practicing Catholics, the Duffys view parenting as a spiritual mission. “My job is not to get you into Harvard, it’s to get you to heaven,” Campos-Duffy often tells her children, a motto that extends to her marriage. This shared belief has been a “grounding force,” helping them navigate the chaos of raising nine kids while maintaining a strong partnership. As they approached their 20th wedding anniversary in 2019, Campos-Duffy credited their faith for keeping them centered.
Balancing career and family is another feat the Duffys have mastered, though not without sacrifice. Campos-Duffy’s role on Fox & Friends Weekend requires early mornings and public scrutiny, while Sean, recently named transportation secretary by President-elect Donald Trump, has returned to public service after years of prioritizing family. Their ability to adapt—whether through Sean’s resignation from Congress or Rachel’s transition from reality TV to political commentary—demonstrates their flexibility and commitment to making it work.
A Legacy of Love and Resilience
Campos-Duffy’s journey is particularly inspiring given her personal challenges. In 1998, while filming The Real World’s fifth season, she was involved in a head-on car accident that killed her boyfriend and another friend. Rachel sustained serious injuries to her right leg, resulting in arthritis, a limp, and difficulty running. Despite this trauma, she forged ahead, meeting Sean shortly after and building a life rooted in love and resilience.
Her story resonates with fans who admire her authenticity and strength. On X, Campos-Duffy has shared glimpses of her family life, including a 2019 post about her nine children, which linked to her National Review interview. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising her courage. “Rachel Campos-Duffy is a superhero mom!” one user wrote. “Nine kids and still killing it on TV? Inspirational!”
Campos-Duffy’s revelations also challenge stereotypes about large families. In a culture that often stigmatizes big households, she celebrates the joy and chaos they bring. “Children are given to us by God, and they’re each special and unique in their own way,” she told National Review. This perspective has inspired others to embrace their own parenting journeys, regardless of family size.
The Shocking Truth: Love Conquers All
The most surprising revelation from Campos-Duffy’s story is how love has transformed her doubts into unwavering conviction. What began as uncertainty about her capacity to parent has evolved into a profound appreciation for her children’s lovability. “They’re so lovable,” she repeated, a sentiment that encapsulates the heart of her journey. From Valentina’s infectious smile to Evita’s trailblazing career, each child has enriched the Duffys’ lives in ways they never anticipated.
As Campos-Duffy and Sean prepare for their next chapter, with Sean’s new role in the Trump administration, their story continues to inspire. Their secret? A blend of faith, teamwork, and an openness to life’s surprises. “We prefer brave and full of hope for America’s future,” Campos-Duffy wrote on Instagram when announcing her ninth pregnancy, a mantra that defines their approach to parenting and life.
For fans and parents alike, Campos-Duffy’s journey is a reminder that even in the face of doubt, love can make the impossible feel not only doable but deeply rewarding. Her nine children, with their endless quirks and boundless love, have turned chaos into a beautiful legacy—one that continues to captivate and inspire.
