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What Is Gretchen Carlson’s Net Worth?
Gretchen Carlson, a prominent American television host and broadcast journalist, has accumulated a net worth of $18 million. Her annual salary is reported to be $1.5 million.
Gretchen Carlson’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on June 21, 1966, in Anoka, Minnesota, Gretchen Elizabeth Carlson’s upbringing laid the foundation for her future success. Her father, Lee Carlson, presided over Main Motor Sales Co., a car dealership established in 1919 and deeply rooted in the Carlson family. Her mother, Karen (née Hyllengren), a former homemaker and schoolteacher, assumed the role of CEO at the family’s car dealership from 2004 to 2019, showcasing her business acumen. Gretchen, the second of four children, was raised in a Lutheran household alongside her siblings.
As a child prodigy on the violin, Gretchen honed her skills under the tutelage of renowned instructors at the MacPhail Center For Music in Minneapolis and the Juilliard School of Music in New York. Her dedication led her to participate in numerous musical competitions and secure a position in the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony from 1980 to 1984, demonstrating her commitment to musical excellence. After graduating from Anoka High School, Carlson pursued higher education at Stanford University, focusing on organizational behavior and earning her degree in 1990. Her early academic pursuits equipped her with a strong foundation for her future career.
Gretchen’s involvement in pageants, culminating in her victory as Miss Minnesota in 1988 and subsequently as Miss America 1989, significantly boosted her visibility and opened doors to broadcast journalism. These accomplishments provided her with a platform to transition into the media industry.
Gretchen Carlson’s Television Career and Salary
Carlson’s foray into broadcast journalism was significantly influenced by her elevated profile following her Miss America title. She began her career in Richmond, Virginia, at WRIC-TV, an ABC-affiliated station, where she served as a co-anchor and political commentator. In 1992, she relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, to join WCPO-TV as a media commentator, further expanding her experience in the field. Her career also included stints at stations in Cleveland, Ohio, and Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.
In 2000, Carlson secured her first national television role as a national correspondent, marking a pivotal moment in her career. She was then named co-anchor of the Saturday edition of “The Early Show” on CBS in 2002, where she worked alongside Russ Mitchell. This role significantly increased her visibility on a national stage.
Carlson joined Fox News in 2006, initially as a weekend substitute host on “Fox & Friends.” By September of the same year, she became the anchor of “Fox & Friends,” co-hosting with Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade. She held this position for nearly eight years. In 2013, she transitioned from “Fox & Friends” to anchor her own show, “The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson,” where she frequently addressed women’s rights issues and made headlines by appearing on air without makeup. Her annual salary during her time at Fox News was reported to be $1.5 million, reflecting her significant role in the network’s programming.
In June 2016, Carlson’s tenure at Fox News ended when she was removed from “The Real Story.” Subsequently, she filed a lawsuit against Fox News chief Roger Ailes, alleging that she was terminated for rejecting his sexual advances. The reported settlement amounted to $20 million from 21st Century Fox, accompanied by a public apology. This settlement significantly contributed to her net worth.
Roger Ailes Settlement and Advocacy
Following her lawsuit against Roger Ailes, where she alleged sexual harassment, Gretchen Carlson received a reported $20 million settlement from 21st Century Fox, along with a public apology. This settlement significantly contributed to her net worth of $18 million. The lawsuit alleged that Carlson was fired for rejecting Ailes’ sexual advances. In the wake of Carlson’s lawsuit, numerous other women came forward to accuse Ailes of sexual harassment. Facing mounting pressure, Ailes resigned from his position.
Carlson’s case is often credited as a catalyst for the #MeToo movement in 2016. Since her harassment suit, Gretchen has been a vocal advocate for eliminating sexual harassment in the workplace and advancing women’s rights. She has been involved in initiatives such as the “Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Harassment Act,” introduced in December 2017 by a bipartisan coalition of legislators. Additionally, she partnered with the nonprofit All In Together to launch the Gretchen Carlson Leadership Initiative, a program that provides advocacy training to underserved women across the US. She also supports Women Moving Millions, a collective of women pledging donations of $1 million or more to causes supporting women and girls.
Carlson has also delivered two TED talks, including one specifically addressing women’s rights and sexual harassment in the workplace. Her advocacy work has further solidified her role as a champion for gender equality and workplace safety.
Other Projects and Publications
In addition to her television and media work, Carlson is a published author. Her first book, a memoir titled “Getting Real,” was released in 2015. The book explores her experiences growing up in Minnesota, playing the violin, and her participation in the Miss America pageant. In 2017, she released her second book, “Be Fierce: Stop Harassment and Take Your Power Back,” which delves into her experiences with sexual harassment in the workplace, particularly at Fox News. Carlson donated the profits from “Be Fierce” to the Gift of Courage Fund.
Personal Life and Legacy
Carlson married Casey Close, a sports agent, in October 1997. They have two children and reside in Greenwich, Connecticut. Her experiences at Fox News, including the internal complaint she filed, her subsequent demotion, and the events that followed, were depicted in the Showtime miniseries “The Loudest Voice” (2019), where she was portrayed by Naomi Watts. The film “Bombshell” (2019) also depicted Carlson’s time at Fox News, with Nicole Kidman playing Carlson and focusing on the events leading up to Ailes’ resignation.
Her advocacy work and public appearances have solidified her status as a prominent figure in the fight against workplace harassment and for women’s rights. While specific details of her personal investments and real estate holdings remain private, her reported $18 million net worth and $1.5 million annual salary reflect her successful career in television and media. Carlson’s contributions extend beyond her financial achievements, as she has become a leading voice in the movement for gender equality and workplace safety.
