Jill Casey DeSantis, formerly known as Jill Casey Black, was born on June 26, 1980, in Zanesville, Ohio. She is an American former news journalist and television show host who currently serves as the first lady of Florida as the wife of Governor Ron DeSantis.
Jill Casey Black is the second child of Robert Black, an optometrist and former United States Air Force officer, and Jeanne Caponigro, a speech-language pathologist of Sicilian descent. She pursued her higher education at the College of Charleston, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics with a minor in French.
During the early stages of her career, Jill Casey DeSantis hosted golf programs such as “On The Tee” and “PGA Tour Today” on the Golf Channel. She also worked as a local newscaster and anchor for WJXT in Jacksonville, Florida, taking on various roles including general assignment reporter, morning anchor, and police reporter. She gained recognition as the creator-moderator of “The Chat,” a round table panel discussion talk show that aired on Tegna’s Jacksonville stations, WTLV (NBC) and WJXX (ABC). Additionally, she hosted the daily local talk show “First Coast Living” and the weekly program “The American Dream,” which focused on entrepreneurs. Jill Casey DeSantis showcased her talents as a writer and producer with the television documentary “Champion: The JT Townsend Story,” centered around high school football player J.T. Townsend, for which she received a regional Suncoast Emmy Award.
In her role as the first lady of Florida, Jill Casey DeSantis has been actively involved in various initiatives. She established the First Lady’s Medal for Courage, Commitment, and Service in February 2019. She has also been engaged in promoting Florida’s Black History Month theme and honoring individuals through student contests and the Excellence in Education Award. Jill Casey DeSantis has participated in events addressing issues such as red tide and has hosted listening sessions on topics including Venezuela, hurricane relief, and mental health. In August 2019, she chaired the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet during its first meeting.
Jill Casey DeSantis plays a significant role in her husband’s 2024 presidential campaign, serving as an advisor. She met Ron DeSantis while he was a naval officer stationed at Naval Station Mayport, and they got married on September 26, 2009, at Walt Disney World Resort. Together, they have three children, including two daughters and a son.
In October 2021, it was announced that Jill Casey DeSantis had been diagnosed with breast cancer. However, she shared in March 2022 that she was cancer-free. Like her husband, she practices the Roman Catholic faith.
Jill Casey DeSantis is of Italian heritage through her mother, Jeanne Caponigro, who has Sicilian roots. She stands at a height of 5 feet 6 inches or 167 centimeters. Her estimated net worth is $2 million.
