Following the death of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk in September 2025, many are learning about Erika Kirk, the woman who stood beside him throughout his career and has now stepped forward to continue his legacy.
Erika Kirk made headlines when she spoke at her late husband’s memorial service and received a hug from President Donald Trump while on stage. The 36-year-old is now the CEO of Turning Point USA, the non-profit organization that promotes conservative values with young people on college campuses.
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So who is Erika Kirk, and how did she meet Charlie Kirk? Here’s everything you need to know about Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk:
How did Charlie Kirk and Erika Kirk meet?
According to the New York Times, Charlie Kirk and Erika Frantzve first met in 2018 at a Turning Point USA event. At the time, Erika was living in New York City and working as an entrepreneur in the Christian clothing industry.
The meeting that would change both their lives came when Charlie traveled to New York under the guise of interviewing Erika for a potential job with his organization. During their dinner meeting at a burger restaurant in Manhattan, Charlie revealed his true intentions; he wasn’t actually looking to hire her, but rather wanted to ask her out on a date.
After recovering from the initial surprise, Erika said Charlie “engulfed me into his world.”
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Were Charlie Kirk and Erika Kirk married?
Yes, Charlie Kirk and Erika Kirk were married. The couple got engaged in December 2020, with Erika announcing the news on social media through photos of Charlie’s proposal. They exchanged vows on May 8, 2021, in Scottsdale, Ariz.
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How long were Erika and Charlie Kirk married?
Charlie and Erika Kirk were married for approximately four years. They wed in May 2021 and remained married until Charlie’s death on Sept. 10, 2025.
Related: Here’s Who Attended Charlie Kirk’s Memorial
Do Charlie Kirk and Erika Kirk have kids?
Yes, Charlie and Erika Kirk had two young children together. Their daughter was born on Aug. 23, 2022, making her about 3 years old at the time of her father’s death. The couple welcomed their second child, a son, in May 2024.
Despite Charlie’s public profile, the couple kept their children’s names and faces private.
At a press conference on Friday, Sept. 12, Erika revealed how she explained the situation to their young daughter, telling her: “Baby, Daddy loves you so much. Don’t you worry. He’s on a work trip with Jesus, so he can afford your blueberry budget.”
What does Erika Kirk do for a living?
Erika Kirk was crowned Miss Arizona USA in 2012. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations from Arizona State University and later pursued graduate studies at Liberty University, where she obtained her master’s degree.
She hosts the “Midweek Rise Up” podcast and leads the BIBLE365 ministry program. She also founded PROCLAIM, a faith-based apparel line. She has also been featured prominently on Turning Point USA.
Following her husband’s death, the Turning Point USA board voted Erika to serve as the organization’s new CEO and chairman of the board.
Related: Who Was Charlie Kirk? A Look at the Life and Legacy of the Political Influencer
Where is Erika Kirk today?
Today, Erika Kirk is navigating life as a widow and single mother and taking on a leadership role at Turning Point USA. She has assumed the role of CEO and chairman of the board for the organization that her late husband built.
Did Erika Kirk say she forgives Tyler Robinson?
At the Sept. 21 memorial for Charlie Kirk, Erika Kirk said, “Our Savior said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they not know what they do.’ That young man … I forgive him,” she continued through tears. “I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it’s what Charlie would do.”
“The answer to hate is not hate,” Erika added. “The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”
She told the New York Times that she told their lawyer that she wants the government to make decisions about Robinson’s fate, explaining: “I do not want that man’s blood on my ledger. Because when I get to heaven, and Jesus is like: ‘Uh, eye for an eye? Is that how we do it?’ And that keeps me from being in heaven, from being with Charlie?”
What did Erika Kirk say at the funeral?
Erika Kirk delivered a eulogy at Charlie’s funeral, which was held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Sept. 21, 2025.
In her speech, she described visiting Charlie’s body at the hospital and finding comfort in seeing “on his lips the faintest smile,” which she interpreted as a sign that he didn’t suffer. She told the crowd that Charlie had previously quoted his favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 6:8 — “Here I am Lord. Send me” — and that God had accepted his surrender.
Erika used her platform to speak about the man who allegedly killed her husband. She said: “That young man, I forgive him. I forgive him, because it was what Christ did, and is what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love, and always love.” She also announced that she was taking over as CEO of Turning Point USA, promising to make the organization “10 times greater through the power of his memory.”