She’s younger than her son-in-law—and their family wouldn’t have it any other way
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They’re a tight-knit family of faith and small-town roots.
She teaches yoga and stays out of the spotlight, while her daughter made history as the youngest press secretary ever.
But this family’s dynamic has raised eyebrows—not for politics, but for birthdays.
Turns out, the mother of a rising political star is five years younger than her son-in-law.
Erin Leavitt, 54, is the proud mom of Karoline Leavitt, 27, who stepped into national headlines in 2024.
Karoline made waves not just for her political rise—but also for her personal life.
In January, she married Nicholas Riccio, a 59-year-old real estate developer with whom she shares a baby boy, born July 2024.
That makes Nicholas not only a new dad, but also the older son-in-law to a younger mother-in-law.

Erin was born in 1970. Her daughter’s husband was born in 1965. Yes—he’s five years older than the woman who raised his wife.
But if that’s strange to anyone, it’s certainly not to this family. Faith, not age, seems to be their guiding light.
Karoline recently described her life as “very atypical,” but added: “My Christian faith is a huge part of my life. My faith, my marriage, my family life—it's everything to me.”
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Karoline first met Nicholas during her congressional campaign in New Hampshire.
A mutual friend hosted an event at a restaurant Nicholas owned—and that’s where things began.
“I was speaking. We met and we were acquainted as friends,” she told a talk show host in 2024. “And then we fell in love.”
Even she admitted to initial doubts. “I can't date him, he's 59 and I'm 27?” she said.
“But he’s incredible... He is my greatest supporter, he's my best friend, and he's my rock.”
Nicholas has supported her throughout her political journey. He’s stepped into fatherhood, partnered through the spotlight, and taken on family life while she serves in a high-profile White House role.
“He’s built a very successful business himself,” Karoline shared. “Now he's fully supportive of me building my success in my career.”
She jokes with him often: “I walked into your life and it’s been a circus ever since.”
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Meanwhile, Erin Leavitt, despite being younger than her daughter’s husband, has built her own life of calm and community.
She’s a yoga instructor in Massachusetts. According to her studio, she began teaching in 2017, holds a degree in human services, and is also Reiki-certified.
She and her husband, Bob Leavitt, 65, have three children: Mike, Joe, and Karoline. The couple is active in sharing their family milestones—including photos with their growing number of grandchildren.
In fact, Bob recently posted an Easter photo of the entire family—grandkids and in-laws included—inside the Oval Office with a well-known political figure.
He’s also shared that he and Erin started dating when he was 28 and she was 18. “36 birthdays ago today we went out on our first date,” he once posted. “We've been side-by-side ever since.”
Erin may not post as often as Bob, but she has proudly shared images of her children and Nicholas with the caption: “Daughters Day... Sons Day. I love mine.”
The family also owns a local ice cream shop, and Bob runs a truck dealership.
From faith to family business, the Leavitts aren’t just surviving the headlines—they’re thriving in the spotlight.
And while age gaps might cause buzz online, the Leavitts seem more focused on faith, love, and loyalty.
As Karoline puts it, “He's the father of my child and he's the best dad I could ever ask for. And he is so supportive, especially during a very chaotic period of life.”
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Would you be surprised if your son-in-law was older than you? Do age gaps matter if the foundation is strong? Share your thoughts, stories, and reactions in the comments—we’d love to hear how your own families navigate the unexpected.
She teaches yoga and stays out of the spotlight, while her daughter made history as the youngest press secretary ever.
But this family’s dynamic has raised eyebrows—not for politics, but for birthdays.
Turns out, the mother of a rising political star is five years younger than her son-in-law.
Erin Leavitt, 54, is the proud mom of Karoline Leavitt, 27, who stepped into national headlines in 2024.
Karoline made waves not just for her political rise—but also for her personal life.
In January, she married Nicholas Riccio, a 59-year-old real estate developer with whom she shares a baby boy, born July 2024.
That makes Nicholas not only a new dad, but also the older son-in-law to a younger mother-in-law.

Karoline married Nicholas Riccio, a 59-year-old real estate developer with whom she shares a baby boy, born July 2024. Image source: The Economic Times / YouTube
Erin was born in 1970. Her daughter’s husband was born in 1965. Yes—he’s five years older than the woman who raised his wife.
But if that’s strange to anyone, it’s certainly not to this family. Faith, not age, seems to be their guiding light.
Karoline recently described her life as “very atypical,” but added: “My Christian faith is a huge part of my life. My faith, my marriage, my family life—it's everything to me.”
You might like: “I’m 53 and my sex life is better than it’s ever been”: Why Gen X might be having the best time in the bedroom yet
Karoline first met Nicholas during her congressional campaign in New Hampshire.
A mutual friend hosted an event at a restaurant Nicholas owned—and that’s where things began.
“I was speaking. We met and we were acquainted as friends,” she told a talk show host in 2024. “And then we fell in love.”
Even she admitted to initial doubts. “I can't date him, he's 59 and I'm 27?” she said.
“But he’s incredible... He is my greatest supporter, he's my best friend, and he's my rock.”
Nicholas has supported her throughout her political journey. He’s stepped into fatherhood, partnered through the spotlight, and taken on family life while she serves in a high-profile White House role.
“He’s built a very successful business himself,” Karoline shared. “Now he's fully supportive of me building my success in my career.”
She jokes with him often: “I walked into your life and it’s been a circus ever since.”
You might like: Rock icon and his significant other steal the spotlight at an exclusive pre-Oscars event
Meanwhile, Erin Leavitt, despite being younger than her daughter’s husband, has built her own life of calm and community.
She’s a yoga instructor in Massachusetts. According to her studio, she began teaching in 2017, holds a degree in human services, and is also Reiki-certified.
She and her husband, Bob Leavitt, 65, have three children: Mike, Joe, and Karoline. The couple is active in sharing their family milestones—including photos with their growing number of grandchildren.
In fact, Bob recently posted an Easter photo of the entire family—grandkids and in-laws included—inside the Oval Office with a well-known political figure.
He’s also shared that he and Erin started dating when he was 28 and she was 18. “36 birthdays ago today we went out on our first date,” he once posted. “We've been side-by-side ever since.”
Erin may not post as often as Bob, but she has proudly shared images of her children and Nicholas with the caption: “Daughters Day... Sons Day. I love mine.”
The family also owns a local ice cream shop, and Bob runs a truck dealership.
From faith to family business, the Leavitts aren’t just surviving the headlines—they’re thriving in the spotlight.
And while age gaps might cause buzz online, the Leavitts seem more focused on faith, love, and loyalty.
As Karoline puts it, “He's the father of my child and he's the best dad I could ever ask for. And he is so supportive, especially during a very chaotic period of life.”
You might like: Paul McCartney shares his favorite bedtime ritual—and the sweet secret to a strong marriage
Key Takeaways
- Karoline Leavitt, 27, is married to Nicholas Riccio, 59—a man five years older than her mother.
- Her mother, Erin Leavitt, is a 54-year-old yoga instructor and mom of three who began her wellness career in 2017.
- Karoline and Nicholas met during her congressional campaign and welcomed their son, Niko, in July 2024.
- Despite public curiosity, the Leavitt family embraces their age-gap dynamics, anchored by faith and strong family bonds.