NEW YORK — June 15, 2025
In a surprise announcement that has stunned Fox News viewers and longtime fans, Dana Perino and her husband Peter McMahon have revealed they will officially retire by the end of this year—and embark on a life-changing journey across Africa.
The beloved anchor of America’s Newsroom and co-host of The Five shared the news during a quiet weekend interview with Heritage Today, calling the decision “deeply personal” and “long in the making.”
“We’ve spent years talking about what really matters to us,” Perino said. “And we realized — it’s time to stop talking and start doing. Africa has called to our hearts for a long time.”
Though the couple kept many details under wraps, sources confirm they are planning a months-long expedition across the continent, partnering with educational and wildlife conservation programs in multiple countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Botswana.
The journey is not a media tour nor a luxury vacation — but a mission.
“We don’t want cameras following us,” Perino emphasized. “This isn’t about headlines. It’s about giving back in ways we’ve only dreamed of until now.”
Friends close to the couple say they have quietly been funding scholarships for young girls in rural African villages and are now planning to visit those communities in person. McMahon, a seasoned businessman, is also rumored to be working on a micro-enterprise initiative to support women-led agricultural ventures in East Africa.
The announcement marks the end of an era for one of Fox News’ most respected and composed figures. Perino, who served as White House Press Secretary under George W. Bush, has been a steady presence on cable news for over 15 years.
Social media was flooded with emotional tributes and shock from fans who never expected her to walk away this soon. But for Perino, the decision is clear:
“This isn’t the end. It’s a beginning — just a different kind of service.”
The couple plans to depart shortly after the holidays, and Dana has confirmed she will not be taking on any permanent broadcast roles after 2025.
“Peter and I are ready,” she said. “It’s time to live with purpose. And Africa is where our next chapter begins.”