Anderson Cooper exits ‘60 Minutes’ after nearly 20 years as correspondent to focus on family

WASHINGTON, DC: Anderson Cooper is stepping away from 'CBS’s 60 Minutes' after nearly 20 years to focus on his family. Since 2007, he has balanced his '60 Minutes' reporting with anchoring 'CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360°,' becoming one of the rare journalists to hold top roles on both network and cable television.

Anderson Cooper exits '60 Minutes' to focus on family

In his statement, Cooper explained that for nearly two decades, he balanced his work at CBS and CNN. Now, as a father, his priorities have shifted. He said being a dad played a major role in his decision:

"Being a correspondent at 60 Minutes has been one of the great honours of my career. I got to tell amazing stories, and work with some of the best producers, editors, and camera crews in the business."

He added, "For nearly twenty years, I've been able to balance my jobs at CNN and CBS, 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."

Cooper is the father of two sons, Wyatt, 4, and Sebastian, 3, whom he shares with his ex, Benjamin Maisani. The anchor has spoken openly about their “very natural” co-parenting routine.

Cooper explained, “I work nights, and so he’s there at night. And we both wake up right before they wake up, get them their milk and spend the first couple of hours of the day just us with them. And Benjamin speaks French to them. I have no idea what they’re saying. I think they’re plotting against me."

CBS praises Anderson Cooper amid network shakeup

CBS responded to Cooper’s decision, honoring his career filled with unforgettable stories, impactful investigations, and interviews with prominent figures.

"For more than two decades, Anderson Cooper has taken 60 Minutes viewers on journeys to faraway places, told unforgettable stories, reported consequential investigations, and interviewed many prominent figures."

The statement added, "We’re grateful for his dedication to this broadcast and understand the importance of spending more time with family. 60 Minutes will be here if he ever wants to return."

Cooper’s departure comes during a period of upheaval at CBS News. The network has faced a series of high-profile exits and leadership changes, raising questions about the direction of its news division.

In October 2025, CBS News appointed Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief after Paramount Skydance acquired her news and opinion site, The Free Press, earlier this year.

According to a report by Puck, citing sources familiar with the matter, Bari Weiss had shown interest in bringing Anderson Cooper to CBS News full-time, including the possibility of him anchoring the CBS Evening News.

Since launching CNN’s prime-time program 'Anderson Cooper 360°,' Cooper has reported on major global events, from US presidential inaugurations and political conventions to the Newtown, Connecticut, school shooting.

Cooper joined CNN in 2001 and has covered the Iraq War, Hurricane Katrina, and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.