Anderson Cooper has announced he is leaving CBS News’ long-running program 60 Minutes after nearly 20 years. The 16-time Emmy Award-winning journalist says the decision is not related to controversy or contract issues. Instead, it is about family.
Cooper explained that while he balanced his roles at CNN and CBS for many years, his priorities have changed. As the father of two young sons, Wyatt and Sebastian, he wants to spend more time with them while they are still young. He described his work at 60 Minutes as one of the highlights of his career, but said being present for his children now matters most.
Cooper became a father in 2020. He has shared that, growing up, he never expected he would have children. Becoming a parent, he says, changed his life completely and brought a level of love he had never experienced before.
Although he is stepping away from 60 Minutes, Cooper will continue his work at CNN and on other projects. For now, his main focus is clear: to be the best father he can be and to enjoy these important early years with his sons.