Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, made an emotional appearance on The Charlie Kirk Show on Friday, September 26. Sitting beside an empty chair where her husband once hosted, she assured listeners that the podcast would continue despite his assassination earlier this month, The Independent reported.
Remembering Charlie Kirk
Charlie, founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of US President Donald Trump, was killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. His death sent shockwaves through the conservative movement, drawing tributes from across the political spectrum.
At his memorial service on September 21 in Arizona, Erika received a standing ovation after publicly forgiving Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of killing her husband. “I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it is what Charlie would do,” she said at the time.
Erika says ‘the show will go on’
During Friday’s podcast episode, Erika reflected on the show’s beginnings in 2020. She recalled her mother once telling Charlie he would be “the Rush Limbaugh of your generation.” Just days later, he started discussions with producer Andrew Kolvet about launching the program, Fox News reported.
“To see The Charlie Kirk Show grow from that moment until now has been humbling and beautiful,” Erika said. She added that Charlie cherished every day, always reading every email.
Erika emphasized that the program will continue, ensuring her husband’s voice remains a presence. “We will have rotating hosts, rotating casts, rotating people coming on,” she explained.
Since Charlie’s passing, prominent conservatives, including Vice President JD Vance, have joined as guest hosts. Erika also noted that archived recordings of Charlie’s voice, including unused segments, will continue to feature on the show.
“This is not a forever thing for me,” she said of her own appearances, “but the show will go on.”
In the wake of her husband’s death, Turning Point USA unanimously appointed Erika Kirk as its new CEO and board chair. The former Miss Arizona pledged to carry forward the mission of the organization alongside Charlie’s vision.
She also confirmed that Charlie’s social media presence will continue. “We have been very intentional in a way that always keeps Charlie first and keeps his dreams alive and his legacy going,” she said.
Charlie’s family tie on the podcast
Erika shared personal anecdotes from the show, including one about how Charlie would bring one of his daughter’s toys to every recording. “That was their little tie-in. He loved it because it was a little piece of her he could have with him on the show,” she said.
FAQs
Q1: Why did Erika Kirk appear on the podcast?
To honor her late husband and assure listeners that The Charlie Kirk Show will continue.
Q2: Who killed Charlie Kirk?
He was allegedly shot by Tyler James Robinson, 22, during a university event in Utah.
Q3: What role does Erika now play in Turning Point USA?
She has been unanimously elected as CEO and chair of the board.
