6
The late conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was instantaneously convinced of his compatibility with his wife, Erika Kirk (née Frantzve), from the very first conversation they shared.
In a captivating 2023 Instagram post, Erika recounted that their 2018 meeting was initially framed as a mere job interview. Yet, after engaging in a dialogue steeped in shared values and beliefs, Charlie boldly declared to Erika, “I’m going to date you.”
The couple exchanged vows in May 2021 and celebrated the arrival of their two children in 2022 and 2024, respectively.
Tragedy struck on September 10, 2025, when Charlie was shot and killed during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University. Just two days later, Erika found the strength to break her silence through a tearful livestream shared on Charlie’s X account.
“Charlie cherished life, America, and nature; each aspect brought him closer to God,” Erika reflected poignantly.
Continue reading for a detailed timeline of Erika and Charlie’s relationship:
Credit: Photo courtesy of Erika Kirk/Instagram
Inside Erika and Charlie Kirk’s Relationship Timeline: A Look Back at Their Love Story
In 2018, Erika shared in her 2023 Instagram reflection, “On this day five years ago, we were ensnared in a spirited discussion at Bills Burgers in NYC about theology and the intricacies of philosophy. At the end of it, Charlie confidently looked at me and stated, ‘I’m going to date you.’”
Just five days after Charlie’s passing, Erika mostró su amor por Charlie by sharing a video showing him narrating this exact story to their daughter, illustrating the deep bond they shared. “It commenced as a job interview… then I realized Mama was stunning, intelligent, and had a Christlike spirit. So I announced, ‘Forget this job interview. I want to date you,’” he remarked.
“My favorite love story,” Erika captioned the post.
In August 2022, Erika and Charlie welcomed their daughter into the world. Erika has since opened up about the challenges of explaining her husband’s untimely passing to their little girl during a recent livestream.
“When I returned home that night, Gigi, our daughter, leapt into my arms and said, ‘Mommy, I miss you.’ I embraced her and she asked, ‘Where’s daddy?’ How does one convey such reality to a three-year-old? I reassured her, ‘Daddy loves you so incredibly; he’s on a work trip with Jesus right now to support your blueberry budget,’” shared Erika.
The couple’s son was born in May 2024, and in a moving livestream, Erika expressed Charlie’s profound love for his family. “Charlie adored our children and demonstrated his love for me daily, making sure I always knew that. Each day, he would inquire, ‘How can I serve you better? What can I do to be a better husband and father?’ He was not just a good man; he still is. He was the ultimate father and husband,” she declared.
On September 10, Turning Point confirmed the devastating news of Charlie’s passing at the young age of 31. The organization released a heartfelt statement, writing, “It’s with a heavy heart that we, the Turning Point USA leadership team, notify that early this afternoon, Charlie went to his eternal reward with Jesus Christ.”
During the memorial service held on September 21, 2025, Erika demonstrated remarkable grace by publicly forgiving Tyler Robinson, the individual accused of Charlie’s murder. “I forgive him because that is what Christ did; hatred cannot heal hatred,” she asserted.
Erika also encapsulated Charlie’s vision of marriage and partnership, urging attendees, “Be leaders worth following. Your wife is not a servant or an employee; she is your helper. You are not rivals but one unit, collaborating for God’s glory.”