Robby Soave, a libertarian journalist and co-host of The Hill’s Rising, is drawing attention after announcing his engagement to a man—less than a year after publicly celebrating his ninth wedding anniversary with his now ex-wife, Caroline “Carrie” Soave.
In a social media post from Taormina, Sicily, Soave shared the news: “Some personal news from my Sicily trip earlier this month, in case anyone missed it: I got engaged!”
He is engaged to Jie Jung Shih, a medical student at Georgetown University who is active in the LGBTQ+ community and previously volunteered at the Capital Pride Festival in Washington, D.C.
The couple reportedly met at a bar on U Street in D.C., with Soave later describing the moment as “love at first sight.”
The announcement came as a surprise to many followers, particularly those familiar with Soave’s long relationship with Carrie, whom he began dating in high school in the early 2000s. The two married in 2014 and were often seen at public events together in Washington.
As recently as October 2023, Soave posted glowing tributes to his wife on their anniversary trip to Italy, calling her “the most wonderful woman on earth.”
Since then, the pair appear to have parted ways. Carrie quietly relocated to Michigan in late 2023 to be closer to family and start a consulting business. She has not publicly commented on the separation or the engagement.
The response to Soave’s engagement has been mixed. While some colleagues and friends have expressed support, the announcement has also prompted a wave of backlash online, including homophobic comments from followers and figures on the political right.
Soave has not publicly responded to the criticism but has continued to share photos with his fiancé.
Though not affiliated with the MAGA movement, Soave is known for his libertarian views and regular appearances on Fox News. He has written extensively on issues related to civil liberties, education, and media bias, and was featured on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in 2016.
His engagement marks a notable shift in his public narrative—one that has drawn both scrutiny and support from across the political and social spectrum.