How Dylan Dreyer Is Related to Influencer Alix Earle

One of Dylan Dreyer’s latest interviews doubled as a mini family reunion.

Alongside Craig Melvin and Al Roker, Dylan chatted with Alix Earle, one of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s 2026 cover stars, during the 3rd Hour of TODAY on May 12. At the end of the interview, Dylan mentioned that she and Earle are related to each other.

“We joke that we’re family. I mean, we’re legit family. We’re second cousins,” Dylan said.

The mother of three then turned to Al and said, “It’s kind of like you and Lenny Kravitz,” referring to the TODAY meteorologist and legendary singer being second cousins once removed.

“Only you guys are much better looking, and I’m the odd man out in that trio,” Al joked.

“I feel like the odd man out, too,” Dylan mused.

It turns out, Dylan and Earle’s father, Thomas “TJ” Earle, are first cousins. So his daughter Alix Earle and the TODAY co-host are actually first cousins once removed, rather than second cousins.

“Your dad is one of seven. You have lots of brothers and sisters. You have a million cousins. I mean, the Christmas card when it arrives every year, there’s like 100 people in it,” Dylan said.

Despite their familial ties, Dylan and Alix Earle hadn’t connected until recently.

“Alix and I hadn’t really met until the Kentucky Derby a couple of years ago for the first time,” Dylan said.

Earle and Dylan posed for a photo together at the 2024 Kentucky Derby.

“My cousin’s daughter is my what? Apparently my first cousin once removed. @alix_earle is my first cousin once removed,” Dylan captioned a photo of the duo at the time. “Kind of like Al Roker and Lenny Kravitz. #themoreyouknow So nice to finally meet you Alix…at the 150th @kentuckyderby of all places!”

The following year, Earle and Dylan shared a hug and a chat on the red carpet for the annual horse race.

Earle said on TODAY May 12 that she’s always admired Dylan from afar.

“I grew up watching you all the time, which is why it’s crazy to be sitting here,” she said.

Earle even revealed that she tried her hand at broadcasting while attending college.

“It was like a little club after school. And I was not very good at it, so I quit. But I always wanted to be just like you,” she said. “So this is also so cool getting to sit here and do this with you on such a special day.”