“Journalism is about holding power accountable and telling stories that matter.” — Norah O’Donnell
Norah O’Donnell is an American television journalist, best known as a CBS News anchor and correspondent. She currently serves as co‑host of CBS Mornings and a correspondent for 60 Minutes, while also hosting interview specials such as Person to Person. Previously, she was the anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News (2019–2025), becoming only the third woman to solo anchor a network evening broadcast. With nearly three decades of experience, O’Donnell has covered Congress, the Pentagon, the White House, and eight presidential elections, interviewing every living U.S. president and global leader, including Pope Francis.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Norah Morahan O’Donnell |
| Birthdate | January 23, 1974 |
| Birthplace | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Irish descent |
| Age | 52 years (as of 2026) |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Hair | Blonde |
| Eyes | Blue |
| Education | Georgetown University (B.A., M.A.) |
| Profession | Journalist, Anchor, Correspondent |
| Employer | CBS News |
| Residence | Washington, D.C. & New York City |
| Years Active | 1996–Present |
| Awards | Multiple Emmy Awards; Edward R. Murrow Award |
| Net Worth | Estimated $18–20 million |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius ♒ |
Parents, Siblings & Relatives
- Parents: Noreen Bernadette (O’Kane) and Francis Lawrence O’Donnell, a U.S. Army physician.
- Siblings: Not widely publicized.
- Spouse: Married to Geoff Tracy (chef and restaurateur) since 2001.
- Children: Three children.
Early Life & Education
O’Donnell grew up in a military family, spending part of her childhood in San Antonio, Texas, and two years in Seoul, South Korea. She graduated from Douglas MacArthur High School in 1991. At Georgetown University, she earned a B.A. in Philosophy (1995) and later an M.A. in Liberal Studies (2003).
Career Journey
Norah O’Donnell began her career at NBC News, where she worked from 1996 to 2011 as a reporter, commentator, and eventually Chief Washington Correspondent for MSNBC. During this period, she covered Congress, the Pentagon, and the White House, establishing herself as a respected political journalist.
In 2011, she joined CBS News as Chief White House Correspondent, quickly rising to co‑anchor CBS This Morning from 2012 to 2019. She also became a correspondent for 60 Minutes in 2013, conducting high‑profile interviews with world leaders and U.S. presidents. In 2019, O’Donnell was named anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News, a role she held until 2025, making history as one of the few women to lead a network evening broadcast.
In 2026, she returned to CBS Mornings as a permanent co‑host, continuing her influential presence in American journalism while maintaining her role on 60 Minutes.
Major Works
- Exclusive interview with Pope Francis (2024)
- Interviews with every living U.S. president
- Coverage of eight presidential elections
- Reporting on global conflicts, including Middle East tensions and the Israeli‑Hamas war
- Author of We the Women: Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America (NYT Bestseller)
Awards & Recognition
- Multiple Emmy Awards for journalism
- Edward R. Murrow Award
- Named among the most influential women in media
Public Persona & Style
Norah O’Donnell is known for:
- Sharp, authoritative interviewing style
- Calm, professional on‑air presence
- Commitment to accountability journalism
- Strong focus on women’s health and leadership issues
Lifestyle & Personal Insights
O’Donnell balances her career with family life in Washington, D.C., and New York. She is passionate about women’s health advocacy, hosting the CBS podcast Healthful with Norah O’Donnell.
Physical Appearance
Medium build, standing at 5 ft 7 in (170 cm), with blonde hair and blue eyes, presenting a polished, professional television presence.
Salary & Net Worth
Her estimated net worth is $18–20 million, primarily from her CBS salary, book sales, and speaking engagements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Norah O’Donnell? She is a CBS News anchor and correspondent, currently co‑host of CBS Mornings and a 60 Minutes correspondent.
What is Norah O’Donnell’s most notable role? She was anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News (2019–2025).
Has she interviewed world leaders? Yes, including Pope Francis, U.S. presidents, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Related Figures
- Gayle King Biography
- Nate Burleson Biography
- Scott Pelley Biography
- Anderson Cooper Biography
- Kristen Welker Biography
Legacy
Norah O’Donnell’s legacy lies in her trailblazing role as a female anchor of CBS Evening News, her global reporting for 60 Minutes, and her ability to combine hard news with human‑interest storytelling.
Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1974 | Born January 23 in Washington, D.C. |
| 1995 | Graduated from Georgetown University (B.A. Philosophy) |
| 2003 | Earned M.A. in Liberal Studies from Georgetown |
| 1996–2011 | Reporter and anchor at NBC News; chief Washington correspondent for MSNBC |
| 2011 | Joined CBS News |
| 2012–2019 | Co-anchor of CBS This Morning |
| 2013–Present | Correspondent for 60 Minutes |
| 2019–2025 | Anchor and Managing Editor of CBS Evening News |
| 2025 | Transitioned from Evening News |
| 2026 | Returned as permanent co‑host of CBS Mornings |
Interesting Facts
- Youngest woman to solo anchor CBS Evening News.
- Conducted first‑ever papal interview by an American journalist (2024).
- Author of We the Women, celebrating hidden female heroes in U.S. history.
- Covered eight presidential elections.
- Her zodiac sign is Aquarius.
Sources
- CBS News profile
- Georgetown University alumni records
- Interviews and coverage of CBS Evening News and 60 Minutes