Fox News Anchor Bret Baier Opens Up About Son’s Emergency Heart Surgery

After a grueling 10-hour surgery, Fox News anchor Bret Baier’s teenage son, Paul, had a life-threatening, golf ball-sized aneurysm removed—an ordeal that turned a normal week into a fight for his life.

The emotional rollercoaster began when what seemed like a simple cold led to a shocking discovery. At the time, 16-year-old Paul Baier, a standout athlete on his high school’s tennis and golf teams, was dealing with what the family assumed was a common virus. But Paul’s mother, Amy, wasn’t convinced. Trusting her instincts—especially given Paul’s history of heart problems—she pushed for additional tests.

Her insistence likely saved her son’s life.

A chest X-ray raised concerns, and the image was sent to Paul’s cardiologist. That same day, an MRI revealed a dangerous aneurysm near his heart, one that could have been fatal if it had ruptured.

“It could have killed him in minutes,” Bret told People in an exclusive interview.

Despite the terrifying diagnosis, Paul remained calm and determined. “All right,” he told his dad, “let’s do what we have to do.”

The night before his fifth open-heart surgery, Paul and Bret shared a meaningful father-son moment on the golf course. Paul ended the round by sinking a birdie on the final hole—beating his dad one last time before surgery.

The next morning, he underwent a complex 10-hour operation in Washington, D.C. Thankfully, the surgery was a success.

“Gratitude is the attitude”

Paul is now home and recovering, focusing on rest, healthy eating, and daily walks. Doctors believe this may be his final heart surgery.

Bret later posted a touching photo showing Paul smiling in his hospital bed alongside a picture of him as a baby after his first heart surgery.

Now 17, Paul continues to recover and inspire others. Born with five congenital heart defects, he has endured more than a dozen surgeries. But his strength and optimism continue to resonate well beyond the Fox News audience. Online supporters have called him a “real-life warrior” and praised the family’s transparency in sharing their story.

Amy Baier emphasized the importance of being proactive about health. “Even though Paul showed no heart symptoms, we pushed for more testing—and that saved his life.”

As the Baier family puts it: “Gratitude is the attitude.”