Fox News’ Rachel Campos-Duffy Shocks Fans—Reveals She and Husband Nearly Split Over Struggles of Raising 9 Kids!
Rachel Campos-Duffy, a well-known conservative commentator and co-host on Fox & Friends Weekend, has long been admired for her strong family values and outspoken views on parenting. She and her husband, former U.S. Congressman Sean Duffy, have always presented themselves as a loving and devoted couple. However, in a shocking revelation, Campos-Duffy recently admitted that their marriage was once on the brink of collapse due to the overwhelming challenges of raising nine children.
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While many have looked up to the couple as an example of a strong, faith-centered family, Campos-Duffy’s candid confession proves that even the most seemingly stable relationships can face extreme difficulties. The pressures of balancing their demanding careers with the relentless responsibilities of parenthood created tension in their marriage, leading them to consider splitting up at one point.
Now, after overcoming their struggles, Rachel Campos-Duffy is opening up about the reality of parenting nine kids, the toll it took on her marriage, and the steps she and Sean took to rebuild their relationship.
The Overwhelming Challenge of Raising Nine Children
For most parents, raising even one or two children is a life-changing experience that comes with a unique set of struggles. But for Campos-Duffy and her husband, raising a family of nine children was something that required extraordinary patience, energy, and sacrifice.
With so many different personalities, needs, and schedules to juggle, the couple often found themselves feeling stretched too thin. Campos-Duffy admitted that she struggled with the never-ending responsibilities of motherhood while also trying to maintain her professional career. The exhaustion and stress from raising a large family made it difficult for her and her husband to find time for each other, which led to communication breakdowns and emotional distance.

Meanwhile, Sean Duffy’s demanding career as a U.S. Representative added another layer of stress to their lives. His work often required him to spend long hours away from home, leaving Campos-Duffy to manage their household and children largely on her own. This imbalance created resentment and feelings of loneliness, which gradually started to take a toll on their relationship.
“There were moments when I just felt like I couldn’t do it anymore,” Campos-Duffy admitted. “I loved my family, but I felt completely overwhelmed, and so did Sean.”
A Marriage on the Brink of Collapse
At one point, Campos-Duffy and her husband faced such intense stress and tension that they actually considered splitting up. Despite their deep love for one another, the couple began to question whether they could continue their marriage while dealing with so much pressure.
They found themselves frequently arguing over responsibilities, parenting styles, and the lack of personal time together. The stress of constantly being in “survival mode” made it difficult for them to truly connect.
Campos-Duffy recalled how she and Sean began to feel like business partners rather than a married couple. Their conversations revolved around logistics—who would pick up which child from school, who would handle household tasks, and how they would keep their family running. The romance and closeness they once had seemed to be slipping away.
“There were nights when I would go to bed feeling completely drained and defeated,” she shared. “I knew Sean felt the same way. We loved each other, but we were both exhausted. There was a moment when we had to ask ourselves: Can we really keep doing this?”
Choosing to Fight for Their Marriage

Instead of walking away, Campos-Duffy and her husband made a conscious decision to fight for their marriage. They recognized that the love they had built over the years was worth saving, and they were determined to work through their struggles together.
One of the most important steps they took was prioritizing communication. They learned to be honest about their feelings, frustrations, and needs, rather than letting resentment build up. Instead of arguing, they focused on understanding each other’s perspectives and finding solutions as a team.
Another major change they made was carving out time for their relationship. Campos-Duffy admitted that, for years, their marriage had taken a backseat to their parenting duties. They decided to make their relationship a priority again by scheduling regular date nights and making time to connect outside of their parental responsibilities.
Faith also played a significant role in their healing process. Both Campos-Duffy and her husband are devout Catholics, and they leaned on their spiritual beliefs to guide them through their struggles. Prayer, counseling, and seeking advice from other faith-based couples helped them navigate the challenges they faced.
Additionally, they learned to ask for help when needed. Campos-Duffy acknowledged that for a long time, she tried to do everything on her own—managing the house, caring for the kids, and working on her career. But eventually, she realized that it was okay to delegate tasks, rely on a support system, and take moments for self-care.
“Marriage isn’t always easy,” she said. “There are times when you feel like giving up, but love is a choice. You have to choose to keep fighting for each other, even when it’s hard.”
A Stronger Marriage and a Message to Other Parents
After working through their struggles, Campos-Duffy and her husband are now stronger than ever. Their relationship has been rebuilt on a foundation of resilience, love, and faith, and they are more committed than ever to their marriage and family.
Now, the couple shares their experiences in hopes of inspiring other parents who may be going through similar struggles. Campos-Duffy wants people to know that marriage is not about perfection—it’s about perseverance.
Her message to other couples who are struggling is simple:
It’s okay to ask for help—no one can do everything alone.
Communicate openly with your partner about your needs and struggles.
Make time for each other—even in the busiest seasons of life.
Lean on your faith (or personal values) to guide you through tough times.
Remember why you fell in love in the first place—and fight for that love.
Now, as they continue raising their nine children together, Campos-Duffy and her husband embrace both the challenges and the blessings that come with having a large family. They know that parenthood is a journey filled with ups and downs, but by standing together, they can overcome anything.
“We came out of it stronger,” Campos-Duffy said. “And I hope our story gives hope to other couples out there who might be struggling. Love is worth fighting for.
