Anderson Cooper, a well-known journalist and television personality, has announced that his time with the iconic news program, 60 Minutes, is coming to an end after nearly 20 years. Cooper, who is 58 years old, made the decision not to renew his contract with the long-running CBS series in order to prioritize spending time with his young children.
In a statement to Variety, Cooper expressed gratitude for his time at 60 Minutes, calling it one of the great honors of his career. He mentioned the privilege of telling incredible stories and working with talented professionals in the industry. However, with his growing family and the desire to be more present for his kids, Cooper decided to focus on his work at CNN, where he anchors Anderson Cooper 360° and cohosts the network’s annual New Year’s Eve special with Andy Cohen.
Having joined 60 Minutes in 2007, Cooper had been in negotiations with CBS about a potential contract renewal but ultimately chose to step away from the program. He is the father of two sons, Wyatt and Sebastian, whom he shares with his ex-partner Benjamin Maisani. Cooper revealed during a CNN Town Hall broadcast in May 2020 that he had welcomed his first child via surrogate and later asked Maisani to coparent with him.
Reflecting on his own upbringing, Cooper shared that he didn’t have a traditional family structure and emphasized the importance of having a support system in raising children. In February 2022, Cooper and Maisani welcomed their second child, further expanding their family. The couple navigates the challenges of balancing careers and parenthood, with Cooper working nights and Maisani taking on a more active role during those hours.
As they juggle their responsibilities, Cooper and Maisani prioritize spending quality time with their children, with Maisani even speaking French to them to incorporate his native language into their daily routine. Cooper humorously remarked that he often feels left out of their conversations but appreciates the bond they share as a family.
The decision to leave 60 Minutes marks a new chapter in Cooper’s career, allowing him to focus on his role at CNN and dedicate more time to his growing family. While his departure from the long-standing news program is bittersweet, Cooper looks forward to the next phase of his professional and personal life.
