In a romantic gesture that has captured attention beyond the political and media spheres, Pennsylvania Representative Brian Fitzpatrick and Fox News senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich are officially engaged. The couple, who began dating in 2021, sealed their commitment on June 29, 2025, during an enchanting trip to southern France. Fitzpatrick, 51, proposed to Heinrich, 36, at sunrise amid the fragrant lavender fields of Valensole in Provence—a moment Heinrich described as "breathtaking" and "like a fairy tale" in an exclusive interview with People magazine.
The proposal was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but rather the culmination of over a year of thoughtful planning. Heinrich had previously shared in a Boston Globe interview her long-held dream to visit the French Riviera to "eat the baguettes, see the lavender fields, drink the wine and eat the butter." Fitzpatrick, remembering this, arranged the trip as a birthday gift, intending to surprise her with the perfect setting for a proposal.
Despite the couple’s desire for a memorable getaway, their plans nearly unraveled due to the hectic schedule in Washington, D.C., where Congress was engrossed in debating the "One Big Beautiful Bill" ahead of the July 4 holiday. Yet, Fitzpatrick’s determination prevailed. Heinrich recounted to People that when Fitzpatrick insisted, "We’re going to the lavender fields," she realized something special was afoot. Humorously reflecting on his usual indifference to flowers, she said, "All the time I’ve known this man, he has never been desperate to see a field of flowers at dawn."
In the early hours, they left Nice at 1:30 a.m. for the two-hour drive to Valensole. As Heinrich wandered through the purple-hued fields, a photographer appeared and a drone hovered overhead to capture the intimate moment Fitzpatrick knelt on one knee. He presented her with a stunning round diamond solitaire ring, set in platinum and yellow gold, sourced from Attos Estate Jewelers in Portland, Maine—Heinrich’s family jeweler. The congressman had even stepped out of a House Ways & Means hearing when the jeweler contacted him about "the perfect diamond," underscoring his commitment to making the moment flawless.
Heinrich, who has been with Fox News since 2018 and co-hosts The FOX News Rundown podcast, confirmed the engagement on the social media platform X on July 8, 2025, sharing a link to the People exclusive with the succinct caption: "Fact check: true." She spoke fondly of Fitzpatrick, describing him as "sweet and gentle and kind—all of the easy qualities in a person that just make him a joy to be around and life brighter."
Looking ahead, the couple plans to celebrate with a joint housewarming and engagement party soon, with a larger wedding in the works. The ceremony is expected to include a Catholic church service, reflecting their shared faith. Notably, Fitzpatrick had traveled to New Hampshire to seek Heinrich’s father’s blessing before proposing, a traditional gesture that adds a heartfelt touch to their story.
While the engagement has been a joyful milestone for the couple, Heinrich’s career has not been without controversy. In March 2025, former President Donald Trump publicly criticized her on his social media platform Truth Social, calling her "absolutely terrible" and suggesting she should be working for CNN rather than Fox News. He also pointed out her affiliation with the White House Correspondents Association, a group he has often disparaged. Earlier that year, Heinrich voiced sharp criticism of the White House’s decision to take over the press pool from the Correspondents Association—a stance supported by Fox News political commentator Brit Hume.
Despite these challenges, Heinrich has maintained a strong presence in political journalism, balancing her professional responsibilities with her personal life. Her engagement to Fitzpatrick, a Republican congressman, bridges the worlds of politics and media in a personal union that has garnered public interest.
This engagement story is more than just a romantic anecdote; it highlights the human side of public figures often seen only through the prism of their professional roles. The couple’s journey—from dating amid the pressures of political and media careers to a carefully orchestrated proposal in the lavender fields of Provence—offers a glimpse into the delicate balance between public service, journalism, and personal happiness.
As they prepare for their future together, Brian Fitzpatrick and Jacqui Heinrich embody a narrative of love persevering amid the demands of high-profile careers and public scrutiny. Their story resonates with anyone who has ever dreamed of a perfect moment made real by thoughtful planning and genuine affection.