Steve Doocy Steps Back From Daily Fox & Friends Role, Embraces New Chapter With the Network
After nearly three decades as a cornerstone of Fox & Friends, longtime co-host Steve Doocy is turning the page on an extraordinary chapter. In an emotional announcement, Doocy revealed that he’s stepping back from his daily hosting duties and transitioning into a new, special role at Fox News—serving as the dedicated host for the show’s beloved remote segments.
Since the show’s launch nearly 30 years ago, Doocy has been a familiar and trusted face each morning. Now, while Ainsley Earhardt, Lawrence Jones, and Brian Kilmeade continue hosting from the network’s New York City studios, Doocy will appear remotely from Florida—bringing stories from across America directly to viewers’ screens.
Reflecting on his early mornings, Doocy shared a touching behind-the-scenes ritual. “For the last 30 years, when my alarm went off at 3:30 AM, if it woke up my wife Kathy, she’d say, ‘It’s time to make the donuts,’ and I’d say, ‘You’re right,’” he recalled with a smile. “Do you know how many mornings that’s been? According to AI, 6,828. That’s a lot of donuts—and a lot of dark drives into the city.”
Clearly emotional, Doocy continued, “It’s a great job, but the hours are brutal. Ainsley and I have often talked about the challenge of racing back from wherever we are on weekends just to be on that couch by 6 A.M. Monday morning. But the ‘curvy couch’ matters—it’s a big part of what we do.”
He assured fans this isn’t goodbye. “I’m not retiring. I’m not leaving the show. I’m just making a change.” In collaboration with Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott—whom he’s known for over 30 years—Doocy found a new balance. “Starting now, I’ll be working three days a week—kind of a Johnny Carson setup,” he joked. “And from now on, I’ll be based in Florida, which, let’s be honest, means you might never see me in a necktie again.”
Florida, he said, will serve as a hub for reporting across often-overlooked parts of the country. “I’ll be going from the Carolinas to the Keys, from Middle America to Mar-a-Lago. Call me the coast-to-coast host.”
Doocy also opened up about a more personal motivation for the shift: family. “When my kids were growing up, I never had breakfast with them. I was always here. But starting tomorrow, I’ll have breakfast with my grandkids whenever I can. I’m moving from ‘it’s time to make the donuts’ to ‘it’s time to make breakfast, Grandpa.’”
Next up for the Doocys? A trip to Washington, D.C., to meet their newest grandchild—two-week-old George. “Peter and Hillary’s daughter, Bridget, will be the first to taste the coast-to-coast host’s French toast,” Doocy joked. Then it’s on to Dallas to visit daughter Sally, her husband Ali, and their son Arthur—with another baby on the way in July. “And L.J. tells me July is beautiful in Dallas,” he quipped.
Of course, no visit would be complete without helping their daughter Mary and her husband Marshall wrangle their energetic dog, Peanut. “Gaga and Grandpa are hitting the road to spoil all the kids and grandkids.”
Doocy wrapped up his heartfelt announcement with gratitude and humor. “As for the cast on the couch, if this really were my last day, the waterworks would be unstoppable—you know me. But after a little vacation, I’ll be back, thanks to the magic of television. And somewhere along the way, someone’s going to ask me, ‘Is Ainsley really that sweet?’”
