Robby Soave, the prominent libertarian journalist and co-host of the news program Rising, was married to his high school sweetheart, Caroline "Carrie" Soave, for nearly ten years. However, as of late 2023, the couple has legally separated and subsequently divorced. In a transition that captured significant media attention, Robby Soave announced his engagement to a male medical student, Jie Jung Shih, in July 2025.

The story of Robby and Carrie Soave is one of a long-term partnership that began in their teenage years and evolved alongside Robby's rising career in the Washington, D.C., media scene. To understand the current status of their relationship, it is necessary to look at their history, the signs of their separation, and how both parties have moved forward into new chapters of their lives.

The Long-Term Relationship Between Robby and Carrie Soave

Robby Soave and Carrie Soave's relationship was often cited as a rare example of high school sweethearts maintaining a successful partnership through the pressures of high-profile professional lives. The two met in Detroit, Michigan, in the early 2000s. Their first date took place in 2004, a fact that Robby frequently shared with his followers on social media during their anniversaries.

Throughout their college years at the University of Michigan and their subsequent move to the nation’s capital, Carrie remained a constant presence by Robby’s side. While Robby built a reputation as a fierce defender of free speech and a critic of campus culture at Reason magazine, Carrie established her own professional identity in human resources and consulting.

The 2014 Wedding and D.C. Life

The couple officially tied the knot in October 2014. For the better part of a decade, they were a fixture in the Washington, D.C., social and political circles. Robby’s career trajectory—becoming a senior editor at Reason, appearing on Fox News, and eventually co-hosting Rising on The Hill—made him a recognizable figure. Carrie was frequently seen with him at media events, holiday parties, and political galas.

Their marriage appeared robust to the public eye. Robby often gushed about Carrie on Instagram, calling her "the love of my life" and "the most wonderful woman on earth." They were known for their elaborate Halloween costumes and their shared love for international travel, particularly to Italy.

Signs of a Quiet Separation

The public-facing image of the Soave marriage began to shift toward the end of 2023. In October 2023, the couple celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary in Positano, Italy. Robby posted a heartfelt tribute to Carrie, noting that they had been together for 17 years in total. This post, however, would turn out to be the last time Carrie appeared on his social media feeds.

By early 2024, observers noticed a change in the couple’s dynamic. Carrie Soave, who had lived in Washington, D.C., for years, made the decision to move back to her home state of Michigan. This move was not initially framed as a separation but rather as a desire to be closer to family and to launch a new professional venture.

Carrie Soave's Move to Michigan

In March 2024, Carrie spoke with local Michigan press about her return to the Grosse Pointe area. She stated that her family was her primary motivation for moving back and mentioned her excitement about opening a consulting business. During this period, the divorce was handled quietly and away from the spotlight of the national political media. It was later confirmed that their marriage was legally dissolved following their separation in late 2023.

The July 2025 Engagement Announcement

The narrative regarding Robby Soave’s personal life took a dramatic turn on July 2, 2025. While vacationing in Taormina, Sicily, Robby announced via social media that he was engaged. The announcement shocked many of his long-time followers because the fiancé was not a new "wife," but a man named Jie Jung Shih.

Who is Jie Jung Shih?

Jie Jung Shih is a medical student at Georgetown University. According to reports, he and Robby met at a bar on U Street in Washington, D.C., and Robby later described the encounter as "love at first sight." Unlike Robby’s previous long-term relationship with Carrie, which was rooted in their shared upbringing in Michigan, his relationship with Shih represented a new chapter in his life in the capital.

Shih is active in the LGBTQ+ community in D.C. and has participated in volunteer efforts at events like the Capital Pride Festival. The engagement announcement included photos of the couple in Sicily, with Robby proposing with a Tiffany & Co. ring amid a backdrop of candles and champagne.

Carrie Soave’s Response to the Public Revelation

As news of Robby’s engagement and the nature of his new relationship spread, public attention inevitably turned toward his ex-wife, Carrie. Given their nearly two-decade-long history, many wondered how she was navigating the situation.

In late July 2025, Carrie Soave broke her silence by providing a statement to the media. Her response was characterized by grace, resilience, and a firm refusal to participate in public controversy or negativity.

A Focus on Healing and Dignity

Carrie addressed the situation by emphasizing that she was focused on her own life and healing process in Michigan. She pushed back against the "bigotry, cruelty, and vitriol" that some internet trolls had directed at Robby following his announcement.

"I firmly believe that people should be defined by their actions and how they regard others and not by sexual preference," Carrie stated. She made it clear that while divorce is difficult, she had found clarity and strength through the support of her family and friends. She also noted that she had chosen not to view the engagement photos for the sake of her own "peace," a sentiment that many found to be a healthy and relatable boundary.

The Public and Professional Context of the Split

The divorce and subsequent engagement of Robby Soave became a topic of intense discussion within the "D.C. Bubble" and among his libertarian audience. As a senior editor at Reason, Soave’s personal life was of interest to a demographic that often values individual liberty and personal autonomy.

Reactions from the Media Community

The reaction to Robby’s news was polarized. On one hand, he received significant support from former colleagues and fellow pundits, such as Kim Iversen and Ryan Grim, who congratulated him on his happiness. On the other hand, because of his prominence in conservative-leaning media spaces, he was also subjected to homophobic comments from certain segments of his audience.

The situation highlighted the complexities of being a public figure in a polarized media landscape. Robby’s transition from a heteronormative marriage to a same-sex engagement served as a catalyst for broader discussions about privacy, sexuality, and the expectations placed on media personalities.

Carrie Soave's New Life in Michigan

While Robby Soave continues his work at The Hill and Reason while planning his future with Jie Jung Shih, Carrie Soave has successfully pivoted to a life away from the political limelight.

She has established herself as a consultant and HR specialist in Michigan. Her public statements suggest a woman who has found a sense of wholeness outside of her identity as the "wife of a journalist." She expressed that she no longer seeks external validation and is fulfilled by the "very real" love and relationships currently in her life.

The Evolution of a Public Identity

Robby Soave's career has always been defined by challenging conventional wisdom—whether it was his reporting on the Rolling Stone "A Rape on Campus" story or his critiques of COVID-era censorship in his book Tech Panic. In many ways, his personal life has followed a similar path of defying expectations.

For many years, the "Soave brand" was partially built on the image of the stable, high-school-sweetheart marriage. The shift to his current life reflects a significant evolution. While some fans felt a sense of loss over the end of his marriage to Carrie, the prevailing sentiment among his peers has been one of respect for both parties' ability to handle a difficult transition with relative privacy and maturity.

Summary of the Current Situation

To summarize the key points regarding Robby Soave and his former wife:

  • Marriage: Robby and Carrie Soave were married from 2014 to 2023.
  • Separation: They separated in late 2023, shortly after their ninth anniversary.
  • Divorce: The divorce was finalized quietly in 2024.
  • Carrie’s Location: Carrie Soave currently resides in Michigan, where she runs a consulting business.
  • Robby’s Engagement: Robby Soave is engaged to Jie Jung Shih, a medical student at Georgetown University.
  • Current Relationship Status: Robby and Carrie are no longer together, and both have publicly signaled that they are moving forward with their lives independently.

Conclusion

The end of Robby and Carrie Soave's marriage marks the conclusion of a nearly 20-year chapter that began in their youth. While the public nature of Robby's career ensured that their split would eventually become news, both individuals have managed the fallout with a level of decorum often missing from modern celebrity divorces. Robby Soave is now looking toward a future with his fiancé, Jie Jung Shih, while Carrie Soave is building a new, fulfilling life in her home state of Michigan. Their story serves as a reminder that even the most long-standing relationships can change, and that moving on with grace is possible for all involved.

FAQ

Who is Robby Soave's ex-wife?

Robby Soave's ex-wife is Caroline "Carrie" Soave. They were high school sweethearts from Michigan and were married for nine years before their divorce in 2024.

Why did Robby Soave and his wife get divorced?

While the specific personal reasons for their divorce have not been publicly detailed, the couple separated in late 2023. Carrie Soave moved back to Michigan to be with family and start a business, while Robby remained in Washington, D.C.

Is Robby Soave married now?

Robby Soave is not currently married, but he is engaged to Jie Jung Shih, a medical student at Georgetown University. He announced the engagement in July 2025.

What does Carrie Soave do now?

Carrie Soave is currently based in Michigan, where she operates a consulting business and works as an HR specialist. She has focused on "healing and moving forward" following her divorce.

When did Robby Soave announce his new engagement?

Robby Soave announced his engagement to Jie Jung Shih on July 2, 2025, during a trip to Sicily, Italy.