Veteran Fox News anchor Steve Doocy, a beloved fixture on Fox & Friends for nearly three decades, has revealed his retirement plans, marking the end of an era for the morning show’s loyal viewers. After announcing earlier this month that he would step back from daily hosting duties and relocate to Florida, the 68-year-old host has now confirmed he will fully retire from Fox & Friends by the end of 2025, transitioning to occasional short news segments. The news has left fans filled with regret, as they bid farewell to the charismatic anchor who has been a morning staple since 1998, while sending heartfelt wishes for his next chapter.
Doocy’s decision to retire comes after his recent move to Florida, where he and his wife, Kathy, have settled to be closer to family, including their son, Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy, and their grandchildren. In an emotional on-air announcement on May 15, Doocy shared his plans, citing a desire to prioritize family time after decades of grueling 3:30 a.m. wake-up calls. “It’s been the honor of my life to share your mornings,” he said, his voice cracking. “But after 29 years, it’s time to slow down, spend breakfasts with my grandkids, and enjoy the Florida sunshine.”
The announcement follows Doocy’s earlier transition to a part-time “coast-to-coast” role, where he began hosting Fox & Friends remotely three days a week from Florida, reporting from locations like diners and community events across the Southeast and Midwest. However, his full retirement means viewers will now see him only in brief, pre-recorded segments, focusing on human-interest stories and political commentary. “I’ll still pop up with my two cents,” Doocy quipped, “but don’t expect me in a tie anymore.”
Fans have taken to X to express their bittersweet sentiments, with many lamenting the loss of Doocy’s warm presence and sharp insights on the “curvy couch.” One user posted, “Steve Doocy’s retirement hits hard—he’s been our morning coffee for years. Wishing him the best in Florida!” Another wrote, “Fox & Friends won’t be the same without Steve’s smile. Enjoy your grandkids!” The hashtag #ThankYouSteve has trended, reflecting the outpouring of gratitude for his nearly 30 years at Fox News, where he joined in 1996 and helped launch Fox & Friends in 1998.
Doocy’s career has been marked by his ability to connect with viewers, often serving as a voice of reason amid heated political debates. His occasional dissent, such as questioning investigations into Joe and Hunter Biden or supporting the COVID-19 vaccine, earned him praise as an “unexpected voice of dissent” by The Washington Post. His move to Florida aligns with other Fox News hosts like Sean Hannity and Bret Baier, who also own homes in the state, signaling a trend among network veterans seeking a slower pace.
Fox News executives have celebrated Doocy’s legacy, with Megan Albano, EVP of morning programming, noting his “unmatched” relationship with the audience. “Steve’s trademark style will still shine in his segments, but we’re thrilled he’s getting time with his family,” she said. A montage aired on Fox & Friends highlighted Doocy’s career, featuring a message from President Donald Trump, who called him a “fantastic guy” who “treated me fairly.”
As Doocy settles into his Jupiter, Florida, home—purchased after selling his New Jersey property valued at $1.4 million—he plans to focus on family, including visits to his daughter Sally in Dallas and son Peter in Washington, D.C. While fans regret his departure, they’re rallying behind his new chapter, with one X post summing it up: “Steve Doocy’s earned his rest. Here’s to sunsets and grandkid hugs!” As Doocy steps back, his occasional segments will keep his voice alive, but his daily presence will be deeply missed.
