Inside Dana Perino’s Unconventional Love Story: A Childless Marriage, a Supportive Husband, and a Dog Named Jasper

A Serendipitous Meeting on a Flight

Dana Perino, a prominent American political commentator and former White House Press Secretary, has captivated audiences with her sharp insights on Fox News’ The Five and America’s Newsroom. Yet, beyond her professional achievements, her personal life tells a story of love, resilience, and unexpected beginnings. Perino’s romance with her husband, Peter McMahon, began in August 1997 on a flight from Denver to Chicago, an encounter she describes as “love at first flight.”

At the time, Perino was 25, a young professional embarking on a career in Washington, D.C., while McMahon, then 43, was a British businessman with a wealth of international experience. Seated next to each other in seats 13A and 13C, the two struck up a conversation that lasted the entire two-and-a-half-hour flight. Perino noticed McMahon’s British accent, his lack of a wedding ring, and his engaging stories of global business ventures and a Royal Air Force childhood. “He was a handsome guy,” McMahon later recalled Perino thinking, a sentiment she confirmed with a smile.

Their connection was immediate, but it came with challenges. McMahon lived in the United Kingdom, while Perino was building her career in the United States. The 18-year age gap and McMahon’s previous marriages—he has two children from an earlier relationship—added complexity to their budding romance. Perino initially hesitated, concerned about the long-distance relationship and societal perceptions of their age difference. Yet, a friend’s advice to “not pass up the chance to be loved” resonated deeply, guiding her toward a life-changing decision.

A Leap of Faith and a Lasting Commitment

Less than a year after their meeting, McMahon proposed impulsively in front of the Washington Cathedral. Perino, cautious but smitten, took two months to respond, ultimately accepting with a heartfelt letter that concluded, “Yes, I will marry you.” On September 30, 1998, the couple married in a private ceremony in England, marking the beginning of a partnership that has endured for over 26 years.

Their early years were marked by significant adjustments. Perino moved to England in 1998 after her employer, Congressman Dan Schaefer, retired. McMahon, supportive of her ambitions, assured her they could return to the U.S. if she wished. In 1999, they relocated to San Diego, and following the September 11, 2001, attacks, they moved to Washington, D.C., where Perino joined the Bush administration. McMahon’s unwavering support became a cornerstone of her success, as she rose to become the second female White House Press Secretary in 2007.

The couple’s marriage, now spanning over two decades, thrives on mutual respect, communication, and shared values. Perino has described McMahon as her “best friend and best guide,” crediting him for her professional achievements. McMahon, a successful businessman in the medical and healthcare industries, has served as president of GreenSleeve Medical Corporation and previously held leadership roles at companies like Tesco and Icon Medical. His career, coupled with Perino’s high-profile roles, has created a dynamic partnership where both support each other’s ambitions.

A Childless Marriage by Choice

One aspect of Perino and McMahon’s marriage that stands out is their decision to remain childless. While McMahon has two children, Barry and Kelly, from a previous marriage, and grandchildren Rachel and Sebastian, the couple has chosen not to have children together. This decision, often scrutinized in public discourse, is one Perino has addressed with candor. In interviews, she has suggested that their busy careers and lifestyle may have influenced this choice, but she expresses no regret. Instead, their home is filled with love for their pets, who have become integral family members.

Perino has shared that their childless marriage allows them to focus on their careers, travel, and personal passions. The couple’s commitment to each other is evident in their shared experiences, from navigating long-distance challenges to celebrating milestones like their 25th wedding anniversary in 2023. Their decision reflects a modern perspective on family, prioritizing partnership and mutual support over societal expectations.

Jasper: The Heart of Their Family

At the center of Perino and McMahon’s life is their love for their dogs, particularly their Hungarian Vizsla, Jasper, often referred to as “America’s Dog.” Jasper, who passed away on September 4, 2021, at age nine due to a fast-spreading cancer, was more than a pet—he was a beloved companion who captured the hearts of Fox News viewers. Perino frequently featured Jasper on The Five and America’s Newsroom, and even wrote a book, Let Me Tell You About Jasper…: How My Best Friend Became America’s Dog, published in 2016.

Jasper’s presence brought joy and unity to the couple’s life. Perino described him as filling the “vacant space” of children, noting that she and McMahon nurtured him like a child. From romping on the beach to riding in the sidecar of their Harley-Davidson, Jasper was a constant source of laughter and love. His passing was mourned not only by the couple but also by fans who sent condolences and artwork, reflecting his widespread popularity. Perino wrote movingly about his death, saying, “There wasn’t a day he didn’t make us laugh out loud, melt my heart, or smooth my rough edges.”

Following Jasper’s death, Perino and McMahon welcomed another Vizsla, Percy, into their home. Like Jasper, Percy has become a cherished part of their family, continuing the couple’s tradition of finding joy in their pets. Perino has emphasized the importance of dogs in their marriage, stating, “Dogs are one of the best ways to keep a marriage happy and joyful.”

An Unconventional Yet Enduring Love Story

Dana Perino and Peter McMahon’s love story is unconventional in its origins and choices, yet it exemplifies resilience and devotion. Their chance meeting on a flight, the challenges of an age gap and long-distance relationship, and their decision to forgo children in favor of a life filled with career achievements and beloved pets like Jasper and Percy paint a picture of a modern, adaptable partnership. Perino’s career, from White House Press Secretary to Fox News star, has been bolstered by McMahon’s support, while their shared love for their dogs has added warmth and humor to their life together.

Their story resonates because it defies traditional expectations while embracing what truly matters to them: love, mutual respect, and the simple joys of companionship. As Perino wrote in a 2018 Fox News essay, marrying McMahon was the “best decision” she ever made, a testament to a bond that continues to thrive after 26 years.