Veteran broadcast journalist Anderson Cooper has announced he is leaving 60 Minutes after nearly two decades as a correspondent.
The decision is not connected to controversy, contract disputes, or newsroom changes. Instead, Cooper says the move reflects a personal priority: spending more time with his young children during their early years.
Ending a 19-Year Chapter at CBS News
The 16-time Emmy Award-winning anchor joined 60 Minutes in 2006 while continuing his role at CNN. Over the years, he reported on major global events, investigative features, and in-depth human-interest stories.
In a statement about his departure, Cooper described his time at the long-running news magazine as one of the highlights of his career. He noted that balancing responsibilities at both CNN and CBS had been manageable for years, but his priorities have shifted.
With two young sons at home, he said he wants to dedicate more time to parenting while they are still small.
CBS News responded by expressing appreciation for his long service and indicated the door remains open should he choose to return in the future.
Expanding His Media Projects
Although stepping away from 60 Minutes, Cooper is not leaving journalism. He continues to anchor Anderson Cooper 360° and hosts the long-form weekend program The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper.
He also produces a popular podcast focused on grief and personal resilience, expanding his presence in digital media and long-form storytelling — areas that continue to see growth in the modern media industry.
Fatherhood Changed His Perspective
Cooper became a father in April 2020 with the birth of his son, Wyatt Morgan Cooper. He later welcomed a second son, Sebastian Luke, in 2022.
In past interviews, Cooper has shared that growing up, he did not expect fatherhood to be part of his future. Becoming a parent, he has said, reshaped his outlook on life and work.
He has described parenting as the most meaningful chapter of his life, emphasizing the joy and responsibility that come with raising young children.
A Modern Co-Parenting Approach
Cooper and his former partner, Benjamin Maisani, continue to co-parent their sons despite no longer being in a relationship. The two have spoken publicly about maintaining a strong partnership as parents.
Cooper has acknowledged that their arrangement may seem unconventional to some, but he has expressed confidence in their shared commitment to raising their children in a stable and supportive environment.
Prioritizing Work-Life Balance
In recent interviews, Cooper has reflected on how the early years of parenting are irreplaceable. While his journalism career remains active, stepping away from one major broadcast role allows him to focus more intentionally on family life.
The move highlights a broader conversation happening across industries about work-life balance, especially among professionals managing high-profile careers.
What’s Next for Anderson Cooper?
For now, Cooper plans to continue anchoring at CNN and developing long-form storytelling projects, while placing greater emphasis on fatherhood.
After nearly 20 years at one of America’s most respected investigative news programs, his departure marks the end of a significant chapter — but not the end of his career.
Instead, it represents a shift in priorities, as one of television journalism’s most recognizable figures chooses to invest more time in family while maintaining a strong presence in broadcast media.
Do you think prioritizing family over career milestones is the right decision?