“Someone finally acknowledged them”: Charlie Kirk’s parents' picture with Tennessee senator at White House goes viral, triggers outpouring of support online

Supporters of conservative media personality Charlie Kirk are elated about the recognition that his parents are receiving at the ceremony where he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on October 14.

After the contentious activist and podcaster was shot and killed at the Utah Valley University on September 10 while engaging in one of his well-known debate series at college campuses, Kirk was paid tribute in a large memorial service at the State Farm Stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. Some fans, however, pointed out that the activist’s parents and sister were nowhere to be seen at the memorial, which featured an appearance by Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk.

On October 14, President Donald Trump bestowed the nation’s top civilian honor on Kirk, posthumously awarding him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House on the occasion of his birthday, as per Associated Press. The event was also attended by Kirk’s parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk, who were honored in a special post on X by Senator Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee.

Senator Blackburn’s recognition of Kirk’s parents touched a chord with supporters of the late podcaster. As Senator Blackburn acknowledged the loss of the grieving parents, netizens were elated to note that a public figure was finally talking about Kirk’s parents.

Expressing their support of Senator Blackburn’s gesture, a netizen took to X to write,

“I’m so glad someone finally acknowledges them and their immense loss. His life wasn’t all TPUSA. He was a much loved son and grandson and brother too.”

I’m so glad someone finally acknowledges them and their immense loss.
His life wasn’t all TPUSA. He was a much loved son and grandson and brother too.

— EsseQuamVideri (@1EsseQuamVideri) October 14, 2025

While appreciated the Senator’s gesture, another fan of Kirk emphasized the role of his parents in his upbringing, and observed,

“OMG I'm so happy to hear someone finally acknowledge their existence.  I can't imagine what they must be going through.  They raised a wonderful son and I hope there is some comfort in that as well as with his children.”

While paying homage to Kirk and his role within the conservative movement, another fan brought attention to how his parents were missing in ceremonies mourning the podcaster. The fan wrote,

“They have gotten lost in all this - thank you for sharing this photo. God Bless them in their loss and I know they have to be so proud of the young man they raised. What Charlie accomplished in his less than 32 years of life is astounding.”

While expressing gratitude to Senator Blackburn, a fan of Kirk also addressed his parents and said,

“Mr. & Mrs. Kirk - You raised an amazing man of God who left a mark in this world that cannot be erased! Jesus IS Lord!  Thank you, and I pray His everlasting Love, Peace, & Joy be upon your family, always! Thank you, @MarshaBlackburn, for sharing this beautiful photo with us.”

Netizens also wondered whether Charlie Kirk’s parents wish to remain out of the limelight while grieving their son

While recognizing the pain of Charlie Kirk’s parents, a netizen pondered if they are not seen at public events commemorating the activist because they wish to remain out of the spotlight. The supporter wrote on X,

“My heart breaks for  them.  I wish they were acknowledged and thanked more often but perhaps that’s their wish to stay out of the spotlight. I hope that’s the case because they deserve all the thanks & praise for raising such an extraordinary American legend.  God bless Mr. & Mrs. Kirk.”

My heart breaks for them. I wish they were acknowledged and thanked more often but perhaps that’s their wish to stay out of the spotlight. I hope that’s the case because they deserve all the thanks & praise for raising such an extraordinary American legend. God bless Mr. &…

— Vee Parr (@proseccogirly) October 15, 2025

Another supporter of Kirk observed that the Turning Point USA’s founder’s parents’ grief remained unacknowledged until Senator Blackburn’s post. Writing in support of the Senator’s action, the fan hoped that Kirk’s parents' private nature was the reason for the public snub, and said,

“Thank you for this. No judgment but it broke my heart that they've never been acknowledged.  So glad to see them there. I'm hoping that it's just because they are very private.”

While Senator Blackburn has acknowledge Charlie Kirk’s parents after a long delay, it remains to be seen if other public figures speak out about the grieving mother and father.