Erika Kirk celebrated her first birthday since her husband was murdered on September 10. The widow joined Megyn Kelly the day she turned 36 to recount the horrific aftermath when her husband, Charlie Kirk was assassinated and to discuss her life now. Mrs. Kirk was taking the place of her husband, who had been scheduled to speak during the Megyn Kelly Live tour prior to being killed. The pair covered a number of topics, including the pair’s romance and marriage, as well as their hopes for the future, including the hope for more children.

“We were really excited to just expand our family,” she said, noting that they had hoped to have four children. After her husband was killed, Kirk said she’d prayed for more children. “And I was praying to God that I was pregnant when he got murdered… I was like, ‘Oh goodness, that would be the ultimate blessing out of this catastrophe.’” Kirk confirmed that she was not pregnant. Kelly said she was thankful for the two children the couple did have.

Kirk is now focused on encouraging young couples to not put off having a family. “So now when I see young couples, I tell them please, don’t put it off. Especially if you’re a young woman,” she said. “You can always have a career. You can always go back to work. You can never just go back to having children, and they grow so fast and so quickly.”

Kirk also addressed rumors of her and Vice President JD Vance’s relationship after the two embraced on stage during an event where Kirk introduced him. Images of the couple’s embrace circulated the internet, with some speculating the two were having an affair. Social media has run rampant with fake news articles claiming Kirk is 8 weeks pregnant, implying she has gotten pregnant after her husband’s murder. “Did you see people didn’t really understand the hug that you and JD had?” Kelly asked. Kirk burst out in laughter. “Whoever is hating on a hug needs a hug themselves—I will give you a free hug any time you want a hug. My love language is touch, if you will,” she said. “I’m walking over, he’s walking over,” she said, “I’m starting to cry, he says ‘he’s so proud of you,’ and I say ‘God bless you,’ and I touch the back of his head.” Kirk has indicated she and TPUSA are preparing to support Vance running for president in 2028.