Anderson Cooper Departs 60 Minutes for Family Time

Anderson Cooper has bid an emotional farewell to his role as a correspondent for "60 Minutes," concluding his nearly two-decade tenure on the program. The CNN anchor announced his departure in February, citing a pressing need to dedicate more time to his young sons, Wyatt and Sebastian, aged six and four respectively. Cooper acknowledged the demanding nature of simultaneously anchoring "Anderson Cooper 360°" at CNN and producing impactful "60 Minutes" segments, often requiring him to use his vacation time for the latter.

Reflecting on his time with the newsmagazine, Cooper shared that growing up watching "60 Minutes" was a significant part of his childhood. He found the experience of stepping into people's lives and witnessing their struggles profoundly rewarding, often cherishing interviews with compelling, non-household names over celebrity profiles. Cooper's exit comes amidst a period of change at CBS News, with recent scrutiny over editorial decisions and leadership changes. He remains committed to his anchor duties at CNN, with "60 Minutes" expressing openness to his potential return in the future.