The hosts of "Fox & Friends" became emotional Thursday morning as they reacted to the breaking news of Fox News Channel founder Roger Ailes' death.
The media titan and powerful Republican consultant died Thursday at age 77. He founded Fox News in 1996 and it quickly rose in popularity as a response to mainstream media bias, and he influenced the careers of media figures across the political spectrum. He was also an adviser to Donald Trump during his successful run for the White House in 2016.
Hosts Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade ran over a list of his accomplishments, and fellow host Ainsley Earhardt began to cry as she memorialized Ailes and his help with her career.
"Roger believed in hard work. He ran four political campaigns," she said. "Many people out there would say that he saved this country by starting the Fox News Channel. Roger gave every single one of us on this couch an opportunity. He put food on our table."
Referencing Ailes' stormy end at Fox when he resigned amid a swarm of sexual harassment allegations last summer, she said Ailes went out in a sad way but said everyone had sins.
"Roger, I will love you forever," she said, choking up. "You gave me an opportunity, and I will forever, ever, ever be grateful. I know I would not have gotten this job if it weren't for you, and I hope that you rest in peace, Roger, and I hope that you are at peace."
Fox host Janice Dean cried throughout their discussion, and she relayed that Ailes was quick to help her when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
"I wouldn’t be here without that man," she said. "When I was diagnosed with MS, he got on the phone and said, 'Whatever we can do for your family,' because we were all part of a family. He was a presence, and he will be missed on this channel. He will be missed."