Anderson Cooper has announced he is leaving 60 Minutes after nearly 20 years — not due to controversy, but to focus on his family. The 16-time Emmy-winning journalist said he wants to spend more time with his young sons while they still want to spend time with him.
Cooper, who continues his work at CNN and hosts a podcast and The Whole Story, called his time at 60 Minutes a career highlight. CBS News thanked him for his dedication and said the door remains open for his return.
Becoming a father changed Cooper’s life. He welcomed his first son, Wyatt, in 2020, and his second son, Sebastian, in 2022, co-parenting with former partner Benjamin Maisani. Cooper has described parenthood as “the best time in my life” and says he wants to be the best father he can be.