After nearly 30 years of waking up at 3:30 a.m., beloved Fox & Friends co-host Steve Doocy is making a big change—but he’s not saying goodbye. Instead, he’s stepping away from the studio and into a new, more flexible role that lets him stay with the show while finally enjoying breakfast with his grandkids.
A Big Announcement—With a Lot of Heart
Doocy shared the news live on Fox & Friends with his signature warmth and humor, joking that his alarm clock had gone off at 3:30 a.m. 6,828 times over the years—“and that’s a lot of donuts,” he quipped, referencing a favorite family catchphrase.
With visible emotion, Doocy explained, “I’m not retiring. I’m not leaving the show. I’m still a host, but it’s time for a change.”
Meet the “Coast-to-Coast Host”
His new title? “The coast-to-coast host.”
Doocy will now work three days a week from a new home base in Florida, reporting stories from all across the country. He hopes to shine a light on communities that often get overlooked in national news—from the Carolinas to the Keys, Middle America to Mar-a-Lago.
And yes—he may never wear a necktie again.
More Time for Family
One of the biggest reasons for the shift? Family.
“For years, I never had breakfast with my kids. I was always at work,” Doocy said. “But starting tomorrow, I’m going to have breakfast with my grandkids and my children whenever I can.”
Doocy’s first stops? Washington D.C. to meet his new grandson George, then Dallas to see his daughter Sally, who’s expecting another baby. He’s also planning visits to his daughter Mary and her husband—and their dog Peanut.
A Legacy That Stays On-Air
Doocy has been with Fox & Friends since the beginning, helping turn it into one of cable news’ most influential morning shows. He’s covered six presidents, major world events, and shared plenty of laughs—and recipes—along the way (including in his cookbooks with wife Kathy).
Now, while the studio will continue with Ainsley Earhardt, Lawrence Jones, and Brian Kilmeade, Doocy will still appear remotely. As he told his co-hosts: “If this was the last day I’d work with you, the waterworks would be flowing. But I’ll be back. Just not on the couch at 6 a.m.”
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As the media landscape shifts and veteran hosts like Doocy seek better balance, his move shows how careers can evolve without ending.
Doocy closed his announcement with a heartfelt sendoff:
“I’m transitioning from ‘it’s time to make the donuts’ to ‘it’s time to make the breakfast, Grandpa.’”
And honestly, after nearly 7,000 early wake-ups, who can argue with that?
