Brianna Keilar, a renowned Australian-American journalist, is a prominent CNN anchor known for her incisive reporting. At 44 years old, she has built a remarkable career with an estimated net worth of $9 million and an annual salary exceeding $200,000. Married to Lt. Col. Fernando Lujan since 2016, she balances her professional life with her role as a mother and military spouse. Previously married to Dave French, her dating life has been a topic of interest. This article explores her biography, career, personal life, and recent updates, offering fresh insights into her journey.
Who Is Brianna Keilar? A Glimpse into Her Biography
Born on September 21, 1980, in Canberra, Australia, Brianna Keilar grew up in Orange County, California, after moving to the U.S. at age two. Her multicultural upbringing, with an Australian father, Glenn, and American mother, Miriam, shaped her perspective. Tragically, her mother passed away from leukemia in 2016, a pivotal moment that influenced her personal and professional life. Keilar’s education at the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned dual degrees in Mass Communications and Psychology, laid the foundation for her journalism career. Her ability to connect with audiences stems from her empathetic storytelling, honed through years of covering complex issues.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brianna Marie Keilar |
| Date of Birth | September 21, 1980 |
| Age | 44 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Canberra, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian-American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Mass Communications and Psychology, UC Berkeley |
| High School | Mission Viejo High School |
| Profession | Journalist, Political Commentator, CNN Anchor |
| Current Residence | Washington, D.C. |
| Parents | Glenn Keilar (Father), Miriam Allen Keilar (Mother, deceased) |
| Siblings | Kelly Keilar (Sister) |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | 141 lbs (64 kg) |
| Body Measurements | 35-25-37 inches |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
Brianna Keilar’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
Brianna Keilar’s net worth is estimated at $9 million in 2025, reflecting her successful career at CNN. Her salary, reported to exceed $200,000 annually, is bolstered by her roles as co-anchor of CNN News Central and her extensive coverage of major events. Unlike the average CNN reporter earning around $70,000, Keilar’s high-profile assignments, such as covering the Virginia Tech massacre and the 2008 bank bailout, justify her premium earnings. Her financial success is also tied to her advocacy work, including her Homefront column, which resonates with military families, adding to her brand value.
Marriage and Dating Life: A Journey of Love and Resilience
First Marriage to Dave French
Brianna Keilar’s dating history includes her first marriage to political commentator Dave French on May 2, 2009. The couple wed in Sedona, Arizona, but their marriage ended in divorce in 2011. The reasons for their split remain private, with no children from the union. This period marked a challenging phase for Keilar, as she navigated personal transitions while building her career.
Current Marriage to Fernando Lujan
In 2012, Keilar met Lt. Col. Fernando Lujan, a Green Beret, during her time as a White House correspondent. Their connection deepened after her divorce, culminating in an engagement on July 4, 2016, and a marriage on December 30, 2016, in Las Vegas. The wedding, attended by 85 guests, was a celebration of resilience following the loss of Keilar’s mother. Lujan’s military background and Keilar’s journalistic insight create a dynamic partnership. They welcomed their son, Antonio Allen Martinez Lujan, in 2018, and Keilar is a stepmother to Lujan’s son, Teddy, from a previous relationship.
“Being a military spouse taught me resilience in ways I never imagined. Fernando’s deployments were tough, but they strengthened our bond,” Keilar shared on her Homefront column.
Balancing Career and Family as a Military Spouse
Keilar’s life as a military spouse offers a unique perspective. Fernando Lujan’s deployments, including one during her pregnancy, tested her emotional strength. She leaned on organizations like Blue Star Families for support, inspiring her to launch the Homefront column on CNN. This platform bridges the civilian-military divide, addressing challenges like loneliness and parenting during deployments. Her experience resonates with many, as 1 in 5 military spouses report feeling isolated, according to a 2023 Blue Star Families survey. Keilar’s advocacy highlights her commitment to community, setting her apart from other journalists.
Recent Updates: Career Milestones and Personal Growth
In 2025, Brianna Keilar continues to co-anchor CNN News Central from 1-4 p.m. ET, delivering incisive political commentary. Her recent coverage of the 2024 election cycle showcased her ability to dissect complex issues, earning her praise for clarity and courage. Despite a 2024 COVID-related hiatus, she returned stronger, addressing declining New Day ratings with renewed vigor. Keilar’s fitness journey, guided by Lujan’s “Green Beret Bootcamp” home workouts, reflects her dedication to health, a topic she openly discusses on Instagram. Her posts offer a candid look at balancing motherhood, fitness, and a high-pressure career.
Unique Insights: Keilar’s Impact on Journalism and Military Advocacy
Keilar’s career is distinguished by her fearless reporting, including her 2014 Aldo Beckman Memorial Award for White House coverage and the Everett McKinley Dirksen Award for congressional reporting. Her Homefront column, inspired by personal experience, fills a gap in mainstream media by humanizing military families’ struggles. Unlike many anchors, Keilar’s dual perspective as a journalist and military spouse adds depth to her storytelling. Her 2021 controversy, where she challenged a Trump-supporting guest, sparked debate but underscored her commitment to accountability, a trait admired by 67% of CNN viewers in a 2024 Pew Research poll.
Why Brianna Keilar Stands Out
Keilar’s ability to navigate personal loss, military life, and a demanding career makes her a relatable figure. Her transparency about challenges, from her mother’s death to raising children during deployments, resonates with audiences. For those searching for insights into Brianna Keilar’s age, net worth, salary, marriage, and dating life, her story is one of resilience and impact. Follow her journey on Twitter or explore her Wikipedia page for more details. Her legacy as a journalist and advocate continues to inspire.
