“Optimism is a force multiplier.” — Dana Perino
Dana Perino is an American political commentator, author, and television personality, best known as a former White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush and as a longtime co‑host of The Five on Fox News. She was the second woman to serve as White House Press Secretary and has since built a career in broadcasting, publishing, and public speaking.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dana Marie Perino |
| Birthdate | May 9, 1972 |
| Birthplace | Evanston, Wyoming, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Religion | Christian |
| Age | 54 years (as of 2026) |
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (157 cm) |
| Hair | Blonde |
| Eyes | Blue |
| Education | Colorado State University–Pueblo (BA), University of Illinois Springfield (MA) |
| Profession | Political Commentator, Author, Broadcaster |
| Employers | White House (2001–2009), Fox News |
| Residence | New Jersey & South Carolina |
| Years Active | 1990s–Present |
| Awards | Recognition for government service and media contributions |
| Net Worth | Estimated $6–10 million |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
Parents, Siblings & Relatives
- Parents: Leo and Jan Perino.
- Siblings: Not widely publicized.
- Spouse: Married to Peter McMahon, a British businessman, since 1998.
- Children: None.
- Relatives: Family life kept private, though she often shares anecdotes about her marriage.
Early Life & Education
Dana Perino grew up in Colorado, where she developed an interest in communications and public affairs. She studied mass communications at Colorado State University–Pueblo, focusing on political science and Spanish, and later earned a master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois Springfield.

Career Journey
Perino’s career began in local media and congressional staff work before joining the White House staff in 2001. She rose through communications roles and was appointed White House Press Secretary in 2007, becoming the second woman to hold the position.
After leaving government service in 2009, she transitioned into media, joining Fox News as a commentator and later becoming a co‑host of The Five. She also appears on America’s Newsroom and contributes to political analysis across the network.
As an author, she published her memoir And the Good News Is… (2015) and the advice book Everything Will Be Okay (2021).
Major Works
- And the Good News Is… (2015)
- Everything Will Be Okay (2021)
- Co‑host of The Five (Fox News)
- Contributor to America’s Newsroom
Awards & Recognition
- Recognition for service as White House Press Secretary
- Media honors for broadcasting and commentary
- Public speaking engagements across the U.S.
Public Persona & Style
Dana Perino is known for:
- Calm, professional communication style
- Optimistic and pragmatic outlook
- Ability to simplify complex political issues for viewers
- Dedication to mentoring young professionals
Lifestyle & Personal Insights
Perino lives with her husband Peter McMahon in New Jersey and South Carolina. She is passionate about mentoring, writing, and encouraging optimism in public life. She is also known for her love of dogs, especially her late Vizsla, Jasper.
Physical Appearance
Dana Perino has a petite build, standing at 5 ft 2 in (157 cm). She has blonde hair, blue eyes, and a polished, professional television presence.
Salary & Net Worth
Her estimated net worth is $6–10 million, primarily from her broadcasting career, book sales, and speaking engagements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dana Perino? She is a political commentator, author, and former White House press secretary.
What books has Dana Perino written? And the Good News Is… and Everything Will Be Okay.
Is Dana Perino married? Yes, to Peter McMahon since 1998.
Does Dana Perino have children? No, she does not have children.
What is Dana Perino’s zodiac sign? Her zodiac sign is Taurus.
Related Figures
- Kayleigh McEnany Biography
- Sarah Huckabee Sanders Biography
- Ari Fleischer Biography
- Karl Rove Biography
- Laura Ingraham Biography
Legacy
Dana Perino’s legacy lies in her historic role as the second female White House Press Secretary, her influential career in political broadcasting, and her commitment to optimism and mentorship in public life.
Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1972 | Born May 9 in Evanston, Wyoming |
| 1990s | Studied mass communications at Colorado State University–Pueblo; earned master’s in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois Springfield |
| 1990s | Worked in local media and as a staff assistant in Congress |
| 2001 | Joined the White House staff under President George W. Bush |
| 2007 | Appointed White House Press Secretary (second woman to hold the role) |
| 2009 | Transitioned to private sector and media work |
| 2010s | Became co‑host of The Five on Fox News |
| 2015 | Published memoir, And the Good News Is… |
| 2021 | Released: Everything Will Be Okay |
| Present | Active commentator, author, and Fox News host |
Interesting Facts
- Dana Perino was the second woman to serve as White House Press Secretary.
- She has been married to Peter McMahon since 1998.
- She is passionate about mentoring young professionals.
- She is a dog lover, famously devoted to her Vizsla, Jasper.
- Her zodiac sign is Taurus.
Sources
- White House archives
- Fox News profiles
- Media interviews and coverage
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