Steve Doocy, a veteran Fox & Friends host, stunned viewers with a tearful announcement that he’s stepping away from the show’s iconic couch. After nearly three decades of grueling early mornings, the 68-year-old is trading New York’s predawn commute for a new role as a special correspondent based in Florida.
As reported by Daily Mail, Doocy revealed his departure from the daily hosting duties on Thursday, citing the punishing 3:30 a.m. wake-up calls as a key factor in his choice. He will remain a host, contributing three days a week from remote locations, allowing him to report from underrepresented regions like the Carolinas and the Florida Keys.
Having joined Fox News at its inception in 1996, Doocy began as a meteorologist on Fox X-Press before becoming a cornerstone of Fox & Friends in 1998. His tenure has made him one of the longest-serving morning show hosts, surpassed only by Today’s Al Roker. Doocy’s steady presence has been a bulwark against the creeping wokeism that infects much of modern broadcasting.
In an emotional on-air statement, Doocy explained that the move was not a retirement but a necessary change after decades of early mornings. “It’s a great job, but the hours suck,” he admitted, highlighting the toll of his 6,828 days rising before dawn.
Doocy shared that he and Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott devised a plan to keep him on the show without the daily studio grind. He’ll now focus on stories from Middle America to Mar-a-Lago, areas often ignored by liberal-leaning networks. This arrangement frees him to connect with the heartland, where values still matter.
The veteran anchor also revealed personal motivations, noting he missed breakfast with his children during their childhood due to his schedule. With his son, Fox News reporter Peter Doocy, recently welcoming a second child, Doocy plans to visit Washington, D.C., to meet his two-week-old grandchild. Family, he emphasized, is now a priority over career demands.
President Donald Trump marked Doocy’s transition with a heartfelt message from the Oval Office, calling him “a fantastic guy.” Trump praised Doocy’s fairness, joking that it was “sometimes more fair than other times,” which drew a laugh from the host. The tribute underscored Doocy’s reputation as a principled journalist in an era of biased reporting.
Doocy’s new role will see him contributing commentary from afar, ensuring his voice remains a fixture on Fox & Friends. “You will still hear my opinions loud and clear,” he promised viewers, despite joking about seasonal pollen affecting his delivery. His commitment to truth-telling cuts through the noise of progressive agendas.
The anchor’s decision was also shaped by his grueling commute from New Jersey to New York City, which included a $14 toll over the George Washington Bridge. In an interview with Mediaite, Doocy described the daily trek as a steep “price of admission” for his career. After 30 years, he’s ready to escape the urban hamster wheel.
Doocy’s move to Florida aligns with his desire for more freedom to pursue personal passions. “I’ve cracked the code on how to do this show,” he told Mediaite, noting that Fox & Friends’ 1.5 million average viewers and top cable morning show status reflect its success. Yet, he’s eager to transition to the next stage of life.
The show, which has dominated cable morning news for over 24 years, owes much of its staying power to Doocy’s steady hand. His ability to navigate divisive topics with reason has kept viewers loyal in an age of polarizing media. Woke talking heads could learn from his approach.
Doocy promised a swift return, vowing to be back on air in just 10 days. His new schedule will allow him to report from diverse locales, bringing attention to stories that matter to everyday Americans. This shift challenges the left’s obsession with centralized, studio-bound narratives.
Reflecting on his career, Doocy expressed gratitude to viewers who have trusted him for decades. His pledge to continue offering commentary ensures that his perspective, untainted by progressive dogma, will still reach millions. The anchor’s move is a bold stand for prioritizing life over work.
Fox & Friends remains a cultural touchstone, drawing 1.5 million viewers this year alone. Doocy’s influence as a founding host has helped it maintain its number one spot against competitors who often peddle woke ideologies. His legacy is one of resilience and authenticity.
As Doocy embarks on this new chapter, his focus on family and heartland stories offers a refreshing contrast to the urban elite’s echo chamber. He’ll trade neckties for a more relaxed approach, but his voice will remain a beacon for conservative values. America’s mornings won’t be the same without him on the couch.
