Vaughn Hillyard is taking a final few weeks of parental leave, and his latest family update offers a very sweet explanation.
The political reporter shared affectionate photographs as he told Instagram followers he would be stepping away from work before returning in October.
At the center of the update is Hudson, the son he and husband Devan Cayea welcomed in April.
“You’re here, and we’re so grateful you are,” Hillyard writes.
He follows that thought with his explanation for the break: “And why I’m about to disappear from work for a final few weeks of leave before coming back in October”.
A little more time with Hudson
The couple welcomed their first child on April 4, 2026, making this an update from their first year as parents.
This latest stretch of leave gives Hillyard more time with his son before his planned return to reporting.
He has named October as his return month without announcing a specific day.
The photographs accompanying the update bring the family into focus, including a tender outdoor moment with Hillyard holding Hudson and a couple selfie with Cayea.
For viewers accustomed to seeing him covering politics, it is a glimpse of the husband and father behind the familiar television face.
The family they have built
Hillyard and Cayea met in early 2020 and married in 2023.
Earlier this year, Hillyard spoke with The Advocate about becoming a father, and B-Gay covered the couple’s journey to welcoming Hudson.
His new post offers a simple, affectionate continuation of that story: their son is here, and Hillyard is making room in his working life to spend more time with him.
There is something especially warm about the gratitude in his opening words.
For now, the next date viewers need to know is October.
Until then, there is a little more time for Hudson and the everyday experience of being Dad.
📷 @vaughn_hillyard
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