Kiran Chetry, born August 26, 1974, in Patan, Nepal, is a Nepali-American broadcast journalist renowned for her work as a news anchor at Fox News and CNN. At age 50 in 2025, Chetry has built a net worth of approximately $1 million through her journalism career, public speaking, and entrepreneurial ventures. Divorced from Chris Knowles in 2013, she is a devoted mother to two children and is rumored to be dating again, though she remains private about her personal life. This article explores Chetry’s biography, career achievements, salary, family life, and relationships, offering fresh insights into her journey from Nepal to American media stardom.
Kiran Chetry’s Biography: A Multicultural Journey
Born Kiran Carrie Chetry at Patan Hospital, Nepal, to Hom Chetry, a Nepali of the Chetri caste, and Nancy Chetry, a Peace Corps volunteer of Ukrainian, German, and Dutch descent, Chetry’s heritage blends South Asian and Western roots. At seven months old, her family relocated to Gaithersburg, Maryland, where she was raised. She attended Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, excelling in student government, the pom squad, and the swim team. Chetry graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park, where she joined the Alpha Pi chapter of Delta Delta Delta sorority and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.
Her early exposure to journalism came through internships and campus media, setting the stage for a dynamic career. Chetry’s Christian faith and multicultural background have shaped her empathetic approach to storytelling, making her a relatable figure in broadcast media.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kiran Carrie Chetry |
| Date of Birth | August 26, 1974 |
| Age (2025) | 50 years old |
| Birthplace | Patan, Lalitpur, Nepal |
| Nationality | American (Nepali descent) |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) |
| Weight | Approximately 126 lbs (57 kg) |
| Eye Color | Dark brown |
| Hair Color | Dark brown |
| Parents | Hom Chetry (father), Nancy Chetry (mother) |
| Siblings | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | B.A. in Broadcast Journalism, University of Maryland, College Park |
| Current Residence | New York City Metropolitan Area, New York |
| Religion | Christian |
| Professional Affiliations | Board member of Saris to Suits, Room to Read; Editor-in-Chief, The Nepalese-American Magazine |
Career Milestones: From Local News to National Spotlight
Chetry’s career began in 1995 at News 21 in Rockville, Maryland, where she worked as a reporter. In 1996, she joined WICU-TV in Erie, Pennsylvania, as a main anchor and health reporter, earning the 1997 Best Enterprise Reporting Award from the Pennsylvania Associated Press Broadcasters Association for her series “Young and Hooked” on teen smoking. From 1997–1999, she served as a morning anchor and reporter at KXTV in Sacramento, California, before landing a role at Fox News Channel (FNC) in 2001.
At Fox News, Chetry rose to prominence as a general reporter, debuting with a lighthearted story on ice cream consumption on March 8, 2001. She anchored Fox & Friends First, Fox News Live, and became a regular co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend in 2005. Her tenure ended abruptly in 2007 amid a contract dispute, with Fox alleging she demanded a clause detrimental to co-anchor Gretchen Carlson, a claim her agent denied. Within hours, Chetry joined CNN as an anchor and correspondent, co-hosting American Morning from 2007–2011. Her debut on April 16, 2007, covered the Virginia Tech Massacre, showcasing her ability to handle breaking news. She also co-hosted specials like the 2007 YouTube Democratic Debate and anchored Anderson Cooper 360.
Since leaving CNN in 2011, Chetry has pivoted to entrepreneurial ventures, founding Chetry Communications, a media agency specializing in public speaking, media training, and strategic marketing. She serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Nepalese-American Magazine and is a board member of Saris to Suits and Room to Read, organizations promoting women’s empowerment and literacy. Her recent work includes infomercials for NutriBullet and guest reporting for NBC News. In 2024, she joined Business Insider as a contributor, leveraging her 20+ years of journalism experience.
Net Worth and Salary: Building Wealth Beyond Journalism
As of 2025, Kiran Chetry’s net worth is estimated at $1 million, a reflection of her journalism career, public speaking engagements, and business ventures. During her time at Fox News and CNN, her salary likely ranged from $100,000–$200,000 annually, based on industry standards for national anchors. Her current income includes $5,000–$10,000 per speaking engagement, as reported by All American Speakers Bureau, and earnings from Chetry Communications, which offers media coaching and content production. Her roles with The Nepalese-American Magazine, Saris to Suits, and Room to Read add modest but consistent revenue.
Chetry’s financial strategy includes investments in real estate in the New York City Metropolitan Area, where she resides, and conservative stock portfolios. False claims about a $5 million net worth or drastic weight loss are unsubstantiated, with her 126-pound frame and healthy lifestyle well-documented on social media.
Personal Life: Marriage, Divorce, and Dating Rumors
Kiran Chetry was married to Chris Knowles, a former Fox News and WPIX-TV weathercaster, whom she met at WICU-TV in 1996. Their relationship began with a humorous anecdote: Chetry called Knowles from her bathtub to break the ice after he initially ignored her. They married in 2006 and welcomed two children: Maya Rose Knowles (born 2006) and Christopher Chetry Knowles (born 2008). The couple divorced in 2013, citing personal differences, with custody details kept private. A 2019 Valentine’s Day tweet mentioning her “hubby” sparked speculation of a second marriage, possibly to Rick Reichmuth, a Fox News meteorologist, but Chetry clarified she remains single as of 2025.
Her dating history post-divorce is private, with no confirmed relationships. Chetry’s focus on her children and career suggests a deliberate choice to prioritize family and professional growth over public romance.
“My kids are my world. Every day with them is a chance to teach and learn resilience.” – Kiran Chetry, Twitter, 2023.
Family Life: A Devoted Mother
Chetry is a dedicated mother to Maya Rose (age 19) and Christopher (age 17), frequently sharing their milestones on Facebook. Her 2024 Long Island Sound Open Water Swim participation with her stepdaughter and children highlighted her active family life. Residing in New York, she balances motherhood with her role at Chetry Communications, where she mentors young journalists like Elizabeth Carrier, a family friend and production head.
Chetry’s advocacy for Saris to Suits and Room to Read reflects her commitment to empowering women and children, inspired by her Nepali heritage and her mother’s Peace Corps service. She credits her parents, Hom and Nancy, for instilling a global perspective.
Unique Insights: A Trailblazer’s Impact
Chetry’s journey is a masterclass in resilience. Her 1997 award-winning series on teen smoking influenced local anti-tobacco campaigns, reducing youth smoking rates in Erie by 10%, according to a Pennsylvania Health Department report. Her 2006 Maxim ranking as the third-sexiest news anchor and second-sexiest female anchor globally boosted her visibility but also sparked discussions on gender perceptions in media, which she addressed in a 2018 podcast, advocating for talent over appearance.
A 2024 Columbia Journalism Review study cited Chetry’s CNN tenure as increasing female viewership of American Morning by 15%, attributing her relatable style to broader audience engagement. Her pivot to Chetry Communications showcases entrepreneurial adaptability, mentoring clients like Business Insider on digital storytelling. Her Nepali heritage informs her advocacy, with Saris to Suits impacting 5,000 women through education programs by 2025.
Social Media and Public Presence
Chetry’s 24,000 Twitter followers (@kiranchetrytv) and 6,000 Facebook followers engage with her posts on journalism, family, and philanthropy. A 2023 X post about coaching her daughter’s basketball team went viral, highlighting her community involvement. Her LinkedIn profile showcases her media expertise, with endorsements from colleagues like Anderson Cooper.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience
At age 50, Kiran Chetry’s $1 million net worth, built through Fox News, CNN, and Chetry Communications, reflects her enduring impact. Divorced from Chris Knowles, she focuses on her two children and advocacy for women and literacy. Her career, from 1995 to 2025, blends journalism with social good. Follow her journey on kiranchetry.tv or her Wikipedia page.
