Chanley Painter Bio 2026: Age, Height, Husband, Family, Career, & Fox News Role
Chanley Shá Painter is a prominent American journalist, attorney, and former beauty queen who has become a trusted voice in legal reporting and broadcast news. Best known for her in-depth courtroom coverage on Court TV and her current role as an overnight anchor and legal correspondent at Fox News, Painter brings a unique combination of legal expertise, on-camera poise, and a multifaceted background that includes pageant wins, old-time fiddling, and martial arts. As of February 2026, the 41-year-old continues to deliver breaking news and trial analysis to national audiences while maintaining a private personal life.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Chanley Shá Painter |
| Nick Name | Chanley |
| Profession | Journalist, Attorney, Former Beauty Queen, TV Anchor |
| Birth Date | June 10, 1984 |
| Age | 41 (as of February 2026) |
| Birth Place | Conway, Arkansas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Legal correspondent at Court TV (2019–2024), Fox News overnight anchor (2024–present), Miss Arkansas USA 2009 |
| Ethnicity | Not publicly detailed (American) |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) – some sources list 5 ft 6 in to 5 ft 9 in |
| Weight | Approximately 128 lb (58 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown / Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Qualification | BA Political Science (University of Central Arkansas); Master’s in Public Service (Clinton School); Juris Doctor (high honors, UA Little Rock Bowen School of Law) |
| Religion | Christian (devout) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | James Anderson (m. 2022) |
| Relationships | Married since 2022; maintains privacy |
| Children | Not publicly known |
| Family | Parents: Michael Painter (father), I’Lisa / Lisa Painter (mother); Sister: Chelsa Painter |
| Hobbies | Old-time fiddling (state champion), martial arts (black belt), baking, Christian faith |
| Current Work | Overnight anchor & legal correspondent, Fox News |
| Years Active | Journalism: 2016–present; Law: 2012–present |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–3 million (2026) |
Early Life & Education
Born on June 10, 1984, in Conway, Arkansas, Chanley Painter grew up in a supportive family environment. Her parents, Michael and I’Lisa (Lisa) Painter, encouraged her diverse interests from an early age. She has one sister, Chelsa Painter, with whom she shares a close bond.
Painter excelled academically and creatively. She graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in political science (summa cum laude). She then pursued a concurrent program, earning a Master’s in Public Service from the Clinton School of Public Service and a Juris Doctor with high honors from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Bowen School of Law. During law school, she served on the Law Review Editorial Board and graduated debt-free thanks to scholarships.
Before entering media, Painter worked as a deputy prosecuting attorney in Arkansas’s 16th Judicial District (2012–2016) and maintained a private practice focused on family law and estate planning. She is licensed to practice law in both Arkansas and Tennessee.
Career Journey
Chanley Painter’s career bridges law and journalism, giving her a rare edge in covering legal stories.
Early Career & Pageant Success
- Competed in beauty pageants, winning Miss Arkansas USA 2009 and placing in the Top 10 at Miss USA.
- Worked as a model and appeared in national magazines (Seventeen, CosmoGirl).
- Performed as an old-time fiddler (state champion) and martial artist (black belt).
Journalism Beginnings (2016–2019)
- Began as a legal analyst for Nexstar Media Group (KARK/FOX 16 in Little Rock) in 2016, covering high-profile cases like the Beverly Carter murder trial.
- Transitioned to multimedia journalist, gaining on-camera experience.
Court TV Era (2019–2024)
- Joined Court TV at its 2019 relaunch as the network’s primary legal correspondent and field anchor.
- Covered major national trials including:
- derek chauvin (George Floyd case)
- johnny depp v. Amber Heard
- Alex Murdaugh murders
- Harvey Weinstein
- Bryan Kohberger
- Became a recognizable face for gavel-to-gavel trial coverage and true crime reporting.
Fox News (2024–present)
- Joined Fox News in February 2024 as an overnight anchor and legal correspondent.
- Continues to provide legal analysis and breaking news coverage.
- Also appeared in small acting roles (e.g., God’s Not Dead 2 in 2016).
Painter’s legal background allows her to explain complex courtroom proceedings clearly, making her a standout in legal journalism.
Personal Life
Chanley Painter keeps her private life intentionally low-profile despite her public career.
Marriage & Family
She is married to businessman James Anderson (wedding in 2022). The couple prioritizes privacy and reportedly resides in the Washington, D.C. area to support her Fox News role. No public information confirms children.
Her family remains close-knit: parents Michael and I’Lisa Painter, and sister Chelsa. Painter has spoken about her faith and family support as foundational to her success.
Controversies
Painter has maintained a professional, controversy-free public profile. No major scandals or legal issues are associated with her career or personal life.
Awards & Achievements
- Miss Arkansas USA 2009
- Top 10 placement at Miss USA 2009
- Scripps Give Light Award (2021) for leadership in legal journalism
- Recognized for courtroom expertise and broadcast excellence
Physical Statistics
- Height: 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) — most consistent measurement across sources
- Build: Fit and professional; maintains health through martial arts and active lifestyle
- Style: Polished on-air appearance with elegant, professional attire
Salary & Net Worth
As of 2026, Chanley Painter’s net worth is estimated at $1–3 million. Income sources include:
- Fox News salary (anchor/correspondent roles typically range $100,000–$250,000+ annually for her level)
- Previous Court TV earnings
- Legal practice (past and potential future)
- Pageant winnings, modeling, and small acting residuals
Her diversified background and national profile support steady financial growth.
Interesting Facts
- State champion old-time fiddler and has performed at the Grand Ole Opry.
- Black belt in martial arts.
- Devout Christian who credits faith for career guidance.
- Graduated law school debt-free.
- Known for baking excellent cookies.
Social Media Links
- Instagram: @chanleysha — shares professional updates, personal interests (fiddling, faith), and behind-the-scenes glimpses
- X (Twitter): @ChanleySPainter
- Facebook: Chanley Shá Painter
- Fox News Profile: Chanley Painter
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Chanley Painter in 2026?
She is 41 years old, born on June 10, 1984.
Is Chanley Painter married?
Yes, she has been married to businessman James Anderson since 2022.
What is Chanley Painter’s height?
She stands at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm).
What did Chanley Painter do before Fox News?
She was a legal correspondent and field anchor at Court TV (2019–2024) and worked as a deputy prosecutor and private attorney in Arkansas.
Does Chanley Painter have children?
No public information confirms children; she keeps family details private.
What is Chanley Painter’s net worth?
Estimated between $1 million and $3 million as of 2026, from journalism, law, and prior pageant/modeling work.
Conclusion
Chanley Painter exemplifies a modern multi-talent: attorney, journalist, former pageant titleholder, musician, and martial artist. From covering landmark trials at Court TV to anchoring overnight at Fox News, she combines legal insight with engaging on-air presence. Her private family life and strong values add depth to her professional success. Share this bio if you appreciate her courtroom-to-camera journey, and let us know your favorite trial coverage moment!
