Kristen Welker Husband: All About John Hughes

Kristen Welker, the esteemed NBC News correspondent and co-anchor of Weekend Today, has found her happily ever after with her husband, John Hughes. The couple, who have been married since 2017, recently welcomed their second child via surrogate, expanding their family that already includes their daughter Margot, born in 2021.

Kristen and John’s love story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering support of a partner. Despite the challenges they faced, including Kristen’s demanding career and their struggles with infertility, they have emerged stronger and more in love than ever before. As they embark on this new chapter of their lives with two children, Kristen and John continue to inspire others with their story of resilience and the importance of never giving up on one’s dreams.

How Kristen and John Met

Kristen and John first crossed paths in October 2014 when they were set up on a blind date in Philadelphia by a mutual friend. At the time, Kristen was in her late thirties and had almost given up on the idea of marriage. However, after meeting John, she began to feel more optimistic about her future.

During their first date, John was immediately smitten by Kristen’s put-together appearance and came up with a plan to win her over. “I remember thinking to myself, ‘If I can just make her laugh, maybe I’ll have a chance,'” he recalled. The couple’s initial connection was undeniable, and they quickly realized that they had found something special in each other.

The Proposal and Wedding

Six months into their relationship, Kristen and John faced their first challenge when she began traveling extensively to cover the presidential campaign. Despite the distance, John remained steadfast in his support, flying to meet her whenever he could. In June 2016, John decided to take their relationship to the next level and proposed to Kristen in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. He had planned the moment carefully, wanting it to be special and memorable.

Kristen, who had almost given up on the idea of marriage, was overjoyed and immediately said yes. The couple tied the knot on March 4, 2017, at The Hyatt at the Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia. Their wedding day was filled with joy and celebration, surrounded by family and friends. For the occasion, Kristen wore a stunning Vera Wang gown, while John donned a dapper Michael Kors tuxedo, and the couple’s love for each other was palpable throughout the entire event.

John’s Career and Support for Kristen

At the time of their wedding, John was working as a marketing director at Merck, a pharmaceutical company based in Philadelphia. He has since stayed off LinkedIn, but it remains unclear whether he is still employed in the same role. Despite his own career, John has been a constant source of support for Kristen’s professional endeavors.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when Kristen was working from home, John jumped in to help her film her NBC segments, even learning how to operate the teleprompter. “He’s just so supportive, and just jumps right in,” Kristen said in an interview with PEOPLE in August 2020. “We joke that he’ll be joining the union soon, because he knows how to use all of the equipment.” Kristen’s success and achievements are a testament to the unwavering support and partnership she has found in John, who has consistently been by her side, both personally and professionally.

Kristen and John’s Journey to Parenthood

Kristen and John’s journey to parenthood has been filled with challenges and triumphs. After trying to conceive naturally for three years, they turned to in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. Despite their efforts, they faced numerous setbacks before deciding to use a surrogate to bring their first child into the world. In April 2021, Kristen announced on Today that she and John were expecting their first child via surrogate.

Their daughter, Margot Lane Welker Hughes, was born on June 12, 2021. “Margot is truly the love of our lives,” Kristen told PEOPLE after Margot’s birth. “Seeing her precious face and looking into her eyes had made every minute of our journey worth it.” In May 2024, Kristen and John announced they were expecting their second child. Their son, John Zachary, was born later that month via surrogate, further expanding their family and bringing them even more joy and happiness.

Kristen’s Message of Hope

Kristen’s experience with infertility and surrogacy has taught her the importance of sharing one’s story and finding support in unexpected places. She hopes that by speaking out, she can help others facing similar challenges. “That really is my message to other families who are going through infertility: when you feel alone, when you feel hopeless, do not give up, keep pushing forward because it is so worth it in the end,” Kristen told PEOPLE in April 2023.

Kristen’s willingness to be vulnerable and share her personal journey has resonated with many, and her message of hope and perseverance has inspired others who are facing their own battles with infertility. By using her platform to raise awareness and provide encouragement, Kristen has become a beacon of hope for those struggling to start or expand their families.

Conclusion

Kristen and Hughes’ love story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering support of a partner. Despite the challenges they faced, including Kristen’s demanding career and their struggles with infertility, they have emerged stronger and more in love than ever before. As they embark on this new chapter of their lives with two children, Kristen and John continue to inspire others with their story of resilience and the importance of never giving up on one’s dreams.

Their love serves as a reminder that with dedication, patience, and the support of a loving partner, anything is possible. Kristen and John’s journey is a true example of the transformative power of love, and their family’s story will undoubtedly continue to touch the hearts of many for years to come.