Kylie Gillies has spent decades on Australian screens, becoming one of the most recognised and respected presenters on television. Known for her warmth, calm presence and ability to connect comfortably with guests and viewers alike, she has built a career shaped by hard work, consistency and a genuine love for storytelling. Her life, however, extends far beyond the studio doors of The Morning Show. It includes a rich childhood in regional New South Wales, a steady rise through the media industry, a long-lasting marriage, two sons, many career milestones and personal moments that have drawn her even closer to the public.
This is a complete look at her life from her beginnings in Tamworth to her national profile today.
Early Life in Tamworth
Kylie Gillies was born on 4 May 1967 in Tamworth, New South Wales. She grew up in a close-knit family with her parents and sister Stacey, spending her childhood in a community that valued hard work and kindness. Her father, Ron Mills, was a supportive influence, and Kylie often speaks warmly about her rural upbringing.
She attended Tamworth South Public School before moving to Tamworth High School, where she became Vice-Captain and regularly took part in public speaking and debating. Her confidence on stage and interest in communication hinted at the path she would eventually follow, even though she had not yet imagined a career on national television.
Entering the Media: Radio & Regional Television
After finishing school, Kylie began her media journey at 2TM, Tamworth’s local radio station. Working as a researcher on the morning talkback program, she was introduced to the fast-paced environment of live broadcasting. She learned how to prepare scripts, support presenters and handle the unpredictability that comes with radio.
Her next step took her into regional television at Prime Television, where she stayed for almost ten years. During this period she worked as a:
- reporter
- producer
- news presenter
Kylie became a familiar face in northern New South Wales and gained experience across a wide range of stories including community events, local politics, agriculture, weather impacts and breaking news. Regional television is known for requiring presenters to do everything from writing scripts to editing footage and Kylie thrived under these demands.
This decade of experience built the foundation for her future in national media.
Joining the Seven Network
In 1995, Kylie moved to Sydney to join the Seven Network. She initially worked behind the scenes as an assistant producer on Seven’s Late News before gradually taking on on-air opportunities. Her work ethic and versatility allowed her to move steadily through roles that included.
- news updates
- sports reporting
- hosting duties on Sportsworld
- filling in on Sunrise and Weekend Sunrise
She also covered some of the biggest sporting events of the time, developing a reputation for being able to switch comfortably between news, sport and live entertainment.
Sporting Coverage: A Significant Part of Her Career
Before becoming a household name through morning television, Kylie worked extensively across sports media. She contributed to coverage for several major global events including:
- Summer Olympic Games: Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004
- Winter Olympic Games: Nagano 1998, Salt Lake City 2002, Torino 2006
- Commonwealth Games: Manchester 2002
- Australian Open tennis
- Melbourne Cup Carnival, Golden Slipper and Spring Racing Carnival
These events showcased her ability to handle high-pressure live broadcasting with accuracy and composure.
The Morning Show: A Long-Running Partnership
In June 2007, Kylie began co-hosting The Morning Show with Larry Emdur. Their partnership became one of the most enduring on Australian daytime television. Together they have delivered interviews, news, human-interest stories and entertainment segments to millions of viewers over the years.
Kylie’s natural warmth and grounded screen presence have made her a favourite among viewers, while her colleagues often describe her as supportive, patient and highly professional. Her ability to interview guests from all backgrounds from celebrities to everyday Australians with remarkable stories is a skill that has defined her years on the program.
Dancing With the Stars
In 2009, Kylie appeared on Dancing With the Stars, where she proved to be both committed and talented. She progressed through the competition and reached the grand final, earning the admiration of viewers who saw another side of her personality — determined, fun and willing to take on something completely new.
Marriage, Family & Home Life
Kylie has been married to Tony Gillies since 1989, long before her career reached national prominence. Tony is well known in the media industry, having served as the Editor-in-Chief of AAP. Together they have two sons, Gus and Archie, and the family is based in Sydney.
Although Kylie leads a public life, she tends to keep her home life private. She has often said that balancing work and family has been one of her biggest priorities, and her strong marriage and close relationship with her sons reflect the values she carries from her early life in Tamworth.
The Heartbreaking Loss of Tilly and Pepe
In 2024, Kylie shared deeply emotional news with her followers: both of her French bulldogs Tilly and Pepe had died just eight weeks apart.
The tribute she posted on Instagram was heartfelt and personal. She described Tilly as a gentle “one-eyed pirate princess” who passed away at age 14, and Pepe as an affectionate, lively dog who had been with the family since he was 10 weeks old. Pepe fell ill suddenly and died with the entire family around him.
The loss touched thousands of Australians who had watched the dogs appear on Kylie’s social media over the years. Colleagues and fans expressed their condolences, and the story highlighted how deeply loved the dogs were within the Gillies household.
Lifestyle, Interests & Personality
Kylie enjoys a down-to-earth lifestyle that reflects her country roots. She is known for being:
- warm
- patient
- genuine
- calm under pressure
- respectful of others
Her interests include fashion, fitness, time with family, coastal holidays and supporting Australian designers. On Instagram (@kyliegillies), she shares a mix of personal moments, work behind-the-scenes, outfits, travel and tributes to her dogs.
She remains one of the most well-regarded faces in Australian media, with a reputation that has stayed positive throughout her long career.
Net Worth, Salary & Professional Standing
Although her exact earnings aren’t publicly confirmed, industry estimates place:
- Net Worth: approx. $3–4 million AUD
- Annual Salary: estimated $250,000–$350,000 AUD
Her income comes mainly from her television work, occasional hosting roles and brand collaborations. She is not publicly linked to major business ventures or companies.
Kylie Gillies Today
Today, Kylie remains one of Australia’s most respected television presenters. Her long partnership with Larry Emdur, her years of sporting coverage, her early work in regional media and her strong family life continue to shape who she is both on and off the screen.
Her recent loss of Tilly and Pepe showed a deeply personal side to her life, reminding Australians of the emotional realities behind the public figure they see on television each morning. It strengthened her connection with viewers who saw their own stories reflected in her grief.
Whether she is anchoring national news, sharing light moments with Larry, celebrating family milestones or remembering her beloved dogs, Kylie Gillies represents the qualities Australians value: authenticity, humility, warmth and resilience.
She remains a central figure in Australian media and a familiar, trusted face in homes across the country.
Conclusion
Kylie Gillies has carved out a place in Australian television through years of dedication, authenticity and genuine connection with her audience. From her early days in Tamworth to her long-standing role on The Morning Show, she has built a career grounded in hard work, kindness and steady professionalism. Her life story reflects the values she grew up with loyalty, gratitude, resilience and a deep appreciation for family.
The recent loss of her beloved French bulldogs, Tilly and Pepe, revealed a tender and personal chapter that resonated with Australians who have loved and lost pets of their own. It showed the woman behind the presenter: compassionate, open-hearted and willing to share moments of vulnerability with those who have welcomed her into their homes each morning.
Through every stage of her life and career, Kylie remains a familiar, trusted and admired figure, someone who continues to represent the best of Australian broadcasting. Her journey is one of quiet strength, long-standing commitment and the kind of sincerity that keeps audiences watching, year after year.
FAQs
Who is Kylie Gillies?
Kylie Gillies is an Australian television presenter best known as the long-time co-host of The Morning Show on the Seven Network. She has worked in media for more than three decades across news, sport and live broadcasting.
What is Kylie Gillies’ net worth?
Her estimated net worth is between $3 million and $4 million AUD, based on her long television career and related media work.
How old is Kylie Gillies?
Kylie Gillies was born on 4 May 1967, making her 57 years old.
How tall is Kylie Gillies?
Kylie’s height is estimated to be between 1.67 and 1.75 metres, as different sources list slightly different figures.
Who is Kylie Gillies married to?
Kylie is married to Tony Gillies, a respected journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of AAP. They married in 1989 and have two sons.
Does Kylie Gillies have children?
Yes, Kylie and her husband Tony have two sons, Gus and Archie.
What is Kylie Gillies’ maiden name?
Kylie’s full name is Kylie Ann Gillies. Some publications have referenced a different surname, but “Gillies” is the name she has used throughout her career.
Where is Kylie Gillies from?
She is from Tamworth, New South Wales, where she spent her childhood and early school years.
What was Kylie Gillies like when she was young?
Kylie grew up in Tamworth, attended Tamworth South Public School and Tamworth High School, served as Vice-Captain, and was active in public speaking and debating.
What is Kylie Gillies’ salary?
While exact figures are not made public, industry estimates place her salary at $250,000 to $350,000 AUD per year for her role on The Morning Show and network commitments.
Did Kylie Gillies appear on Dancing With the Stars?
Yes, Kylie competed in Season 9 of Dancing With the Stars (2009) and reached the grand final.
Why was Kylie Gillies in the news recently?
Kylie recently shared the heartbreaking news that her two French bulldogs, Tilly and Pepe, passed away eight weeks apart. Her emotional tribute received widespread support from viewers and colleagues.
