Anderson Cooper: From Doubting Fatherhood to Making Family His Top Priority – What’s Next for the CNN Icon?
For years, Anderson Cooper wasn’t sure fatherhood would ever be part of his life. As a gay man growing up in a less accepting era, he once thought it might remain just a dream. But he turned that dream into reality right in the middle of his powerhouse career—and now, at 58, he’s choosing to shift gears and put his kids first.
In April 2020, Cooper welcomed his first son, Wyatt Morgan Cooper, via surrogate. He announced it live on CNN and shared the joy publicly: a new level of love he hadn’t experienced before. Two years later, in February 2022, came Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper—again via surrogate—and Cooper co-parents both boys with his ex-partner (and now close friend) Benjamin Maisani. The two remain a tight family unit in New York, raising Wyatt (now about 5-6 years old) and Sebastian (around 4).
Cooper has often spoken about how becoming a dad changed everything. “This is the dream I had since I was a child,” he said back then. But fast-forward to February 2026: he made headlines by announcing he won’t renew his contract with CBS for his longtime role as a correspondent on the legendary 60 Minutes, where he’s been for nearly 20 years.
His reason? Pure and simple—family. “For nearly twenty years, I’ve been able to balance my jobs at CNN and CBS,” Cooper said in a statement, “but I have little kids now, and I want to spend as much time with them as possible, while they still want to spend time with me.” He’ll wrap up any remaining stories for the current season (ending in May), but after that, he’s stepping away from the extra demanding gig.
This isn’t a full retirement from journalism—he renewed his CNN contract late in 2025 and continues anchoring Anderson Cooper 360°, his nightly primetime show. He also keeps his podcast All There Is (focused on grief and loss, drawing from his own experiences) and other projects. But dropping 60 Minutes frees up his schedule from the heavy travel and intense reporting load, giving him more room for park days, school events, and those fleeting early-childhood moments.
How do you feel about this choice? It’s refreshing in a high-pressure industry where careers often come first. Many parents are cheering him on—especially knowing how quickly kids grow up (Wyatt and Sebastian are at that adorable, “still want Dad around” stage). In a world obsessed with hustle, Cooper’s move shows you can reach the top professionally and still prioritize what matters most. It’s especially inspiring for dads (and anyone) who sometimes feel pressure to keep grinding.
What’s ahead for Anderson?
- More family time in New York — Everyday moments with Wyatt and Sebastian, maybe trips like the Disney World outings he’s done with pal Andy Cohen and their kids.
- Full focus on CNN — Anchoring AC360 with a lighter overall load, likely diving deeper into major stories without the CBS overlap.
- Personal projects — He might expand his podcast, write more (he’s from the Vanderbilt-Cooper legacy of storytelling), or explore themes around grief, family, and modern parenthood.
- Door open at CBS — The network said 60 Minutes would welcome him back anytime, but for now, it’s family first.
Ultimately, Anderson Cooper is reminding us that success isn’t just Emmys, big scoops, or ratings—it’s also being there for the people you love. It’s a bold, heartfelt pivot at the peak of his game.
What do you think? Would you make the same call at the height of your career, or wait until retirement? Drop your thoughts below! 💙👨👦👦
(Based on Anderson Cooper’s official statements and February 2026 reports from CBS, CNN, Variety, NYT, and more.)
