Carley Shimkus reveals her true feelings after receiving an unexpected surprise gift from Fox News co-host Dana Perino after her baby was born. What was it
In the fast-paced, often contentious world of cable news, moments of genuine warmth can feel like a rare gift. For Carley Shimkus, a beloved co-host on Fox & Friends, that gift came quite literally—and unexpectedly—from her colleague Dana Perino. The surprise, a stunning hand-painted portrait of Shimkus’s baby boy, Brock, crafted by Perino’s sister Angie, left Shimkus reeling with gratitude and joy. What followed was an outpouring of emotion, shared with her Instagram followers, that showcased a softer side of the Fox News family and sparked a wave of admiration from fans.
Shimkus, a fixture on the morning show alongside her seasoned co-hosts, has never been shy about her love for her son, Brock, born on February 3. Since his arrival, she’s woven tales of motherhood into her on-air persona, delighting viewers with glimpses of her new life as a mom. But it was a recent off-camera gesture from Perino that truly caught her off guard. Taking to Instagram, Shimkus posted a photo of herself cradling the artwork—a detailed depiction of Brock crawling across a bed in his pajamas, his wide blue eyes gazing out with innocent curiosity. “Dana surprised me with a picture of Brock painted by her sister Angie!” she wrote, her words brimming with astonishment. “I am blown away by Dana’s thoughtfulness and Angie’s talent. Look at how good this painting is!”
The gesture wasn’t just a casual token—it was a labor of love. Angie Perino, an artist with a clear eye for detail, had captured Brock’s likeness with such precision that it left Shimkus beaming. “I am smiling from ear to ear over this sweet gesture,” she added in her caption. “Thank you both so much!” For Shimkus, who’s navigated the highs and lows of motherhood in the public eye, the painting was more than a keepsake—it was a testament to the bonds she’s forged at Fox News, a network often better known for its fiery debates than its quiet acts of kindness.
Fans were quick to join the celebration. The Instagram post lit up with comments, each one marveling at the artwork and the story behind it. “Seems like you have some great coworkers!” one follower wrote, echoing a sentiment that rippled across social media. Another chimed in, “Amazing! What a thoughtful gift and a beautiful painting for a keepsake. Angie is very talented.” A third added, “That is beautiful, looks just like Brock.” The praise wasn’t just for Angie’s skill—it was for the camaraderie it revealed. In an era where workplace dynamics are often dissected for drama, this moment stood out as a refreshing counterpoint.
Angie herself was thrilled by the response. “Yay, so glad you like it!” she replied to Shimkus’s post, her enthusiasm palpable even through text. Dana Perino, meanwhile, couldn’t resist adding her own touch of affection. “Brock is our big blue-eyed boy! We love him!” she commented, her words carrying the warmth of a proud aunt. Perino’s fondness for Brock isn’t new—she’s been a vocal cheerleader since his birth, often doting on him in Shimkus’s social media threads. From calling him a “miracle baby” to awarding Shimkus the “best mama award” in a comment on a tender mother-son photo, Perino’s admiration has become a recurring theme, delighting fans and softening her image as a sharp-witted political commentator.
The painting itself is a marvel. Brock, depicted in soft pajamas with his cherubic face framed by those striking blue eyes, seems to leap off the canvas. Angie’s brushstrokes capture not just his features but his spirit—a playful, curious energy that Shimkus has often described as the heart of her world. For a new mom still adjusting to the whirlwind of parenthood, the artwork is a treasure, a frozen moment she can hold onto as Brock grows. It’s no wonder Shimkus was “simply amazed,” as the original headline put it—though “overwhelmed with joy” might be closer to the mark.
This isn’t the first time Shimkus has shared a milestone with her audience. Just last month, she posted about Brock’s baptism on August 20, a day she called “the most special.” Alongside a photo from the ceremony, she wrote, “Thank you, Lord, for this baby boy who we love so much.” The caption reflected her deep faith, a thread that runs through her public life and resonates with many of her viewers. That same gratitude surfaced again with Perino’s gift, tying together the personal and professional in a way that feels uniquely Shimkus.
For Dana Perino, the gesture was a natural extension of her bond with Shimkus. The two women, though different in style—Perino with her dry wit and Shimkus with her sunny charm—have built a rapport that shines through on Fox & Friends. Perino, a veteran of the George W. Bush administration and a longtime Fox News staple, brings a seasoned perspective, while Shimkus, younger and newer to the spotlight, injects a fresh energy. Their dynamic, often lighthearted but always professional, has won over viewers. Off-screen, this gift suggests a friendship that goes beyond the studio, one rooted in mutual respect and shared milestones.
The story of the painting has rippled beyond Instagram, sparking conversations about workplace relationships and the power of small gestures. On X, users debated whether such acts are rare in the cutthroat world of media or simply underreported. “This is what real teamwork looks like,” one post read, while another quipped, “Dana’s setting the bar too high for co-workers everywhere!” The mix of praise and playful envy underscores the moment’s appeal—it’s a slice of humanity in a landscape often dominated by headlines and hot takes.
For Shimkus, the gift is a reminder of the support she’s found at Fox News as she balances motherhood and a demanding career. Brock, now a fixture in her posts and Perino’s comments, has become a bridge between her personal joy and her public role. The painting, with its tender depiction of him, will likely hang in her home as a symbol of that duality—a piece of art born from friendship and talent, gifted in a moment of quiet generosity.
In the end, this heartwarming surprise is more than a story about a painting. It’s about connection—between co-hosts, between a mother and her son, between a team that celebrates each other’s highs. Carley Shimkus, Dana Perino, and Angie Perino have given us a glimpse of that, wrapped in a portrait of a blue-eyed boy who’s already stealing hearts, one brushstroke at a time.