Norah O’Donnell Biography: Journalist, Anchor & Correspondent – CBS News
Norah O’Donnell is a prominent American television journalist, currently serving as the anchor of the CBS Evening News, a correspondent for 60 Minutes, and the host of Person to Person.
Early Life and Education:
O’Donnell was born into a military family; her father was a medical doctor and U.S. Army officer.
Due to her father’s assignments, she grew up in various locations including San Antonio, Texas; Landstuhl, Germany; Seoul, South Korea; and Washington, D.C.
While living in Seoul, she began her broadcasting career at a young age by giving videotaped English lessons.
She graduated from Douglas MacArthur High School in San Antonio in 1991 and went on to attend Georgetown University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy in 1995 and a Master of Arts degree in liberal studies in 2003.
Career:
O’Donnell’s journalism career began as a staff writer for Roll Call, covering Congress.
She spent twelve years at NBC News and MSNBC, where she held roles such as a commentator for the Today Show, Chief Washington Correspondent for MSNBC, and a White House correspondent for NBC News.
She also filled in as an anchor for various programs including Weekend Today, MSNBC Live, and Hardball with Chris Matthews.
In 2011, O’Donnell joined CBS News as Chief White House Correspondent. She then became a co-anchor of CBS This Morning from 2012 to 2019.
From 2019 to 2025, she served as the anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News, becoming the only woman to anchor an evening news broadcast from Washington, D.C.
She has also been a contributing correspondent for 60 Minutes since 2013 and a fill-in host for Face the Nation.
Throughout her career, O’Donnell has covered numerous major stories, including seven presidential elections and interviewing every living U.S. President.
She has also conducted interviews with notable figures such as Pope Francis, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Prince Harry, Malala Yousafzai, and the Dalai Lama.
She is known for her “hard news with heart” approach and has reported extensively on the U.S. military.
Awards and Recognition:
O’Donnell is a multiple Emmy Award-winning journalist. Her accolades include an Edward R. Murrow Award (2023) for reporting on the overturning of Roe v. Wade, an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award (2022) and Scripps Howard Award (2021) for an investigation into sexual assault in the U.S. military, and a Sigma Delta Chi Award for Breaking News Coverage for her contributions to CBS News’ coverage of George Floyd.
Personal Interest:
O’Donnell and Tracy also co-authored a cookbook for kids. She is currently writing a book on a female-focused retelling of American history, expected to be published in the first half of 2026.
O’Donnell’s contributions to journalism have been recognized with several awards, including News & Documentary Emmy Awards for Outstanding Investigative News Coverage: Short Form and Outstanding Live Coverage of a Current News Story – Long Form.
Throughout her career, O’Donnell has demonstrated a commitment to investigative journalism, in-depth reporting, and insightful interviews.
She has covered a wide range of topics, from politics and current events to social issues and human interest stories.
Age
Norah O’Donnell was born on January 23, 1974, which makes her 51 years old. Her zodiac sign is Aquarius.
She is of Irish-American ethnicity, with her family roots tracing back to Ireland. Her nationality is American, as she was born in Washington, D.C., United States.
Parents and Siblings
Norah O’Donnell was born in Washington, D.C., to Noreen Bernadette (O’Kane) and Francis Lawrence O’Donnell.
Her father was a medical doctor and a U.S. Army officer, and her mother later pursued microbiology studies at the age of 67. Her parents are both of Irish descent, with roots in Derry, Belfast, and County Donegal.
When Norah was three years old, her family moved to San Antonio, Texas, and later spent two years in Seoul, South Korea, due to her father’s military assignment.
After returning to San Antonio, she attended Douglas MacArthur High School, graduating in 1991.
Norah has two sisters, Mary O’Donnell and Francis O’Donnell, and a brother, Matthew O’Donnell.
Mary followed in their father’s footsteps and became a military physician, while Francis works as the vice president of engineering at PubMatic.
Husband
Norah O’Donnell is married to Geoff Tracy, a chef and restaurateur. They met in 1991 at Georgetown University and have been together ever since. They got married on June 9, 2001, at Dahlgren Chapel on the Georgetown campus.
Children
Norah and Geoff Tracy have three children:
- Henry Tracy: Born on May 20, 2007.
- Grace Tracy: Born on May 20, 2007 (Henry’s twin sister).
- Riley Norah Tracy: Born on July 5, 2008.
Norah and her family reside in Washington, D.C., where Geoff Tracy owns several restaurants.
They have a strong connection to the city, as it is where they met and where Geoff’s culinary career took off.
Height
Norah O’Donnell stands at a height of 5 feet 8 inches (about 1.73 meters). She maintains a fit physique, weighing around 143 lbs (65 kg). Her body measurements are 34-30-38 inches (bust-waist-hip).
Career and Background
Norah began her journalism career as a staff writer for Roll Call, covering Congress.
She later transitioned to television, joining NBC News in 1999, where she served in various roles, including Chief White House Correspondent and co-anchor of Weekend Today.
In 2011, she moved to CBS News, where she initially worked as the Chief White House Correspondent. She later co-hosted CBS This Morning before becoming the anchor of the CBS Evening News in 2019.
Over her career, Norah has received multiple Emmy Awards for her outstanding reporting and has covered significant events, including presidential elections, the 9/11 attacks, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Early Career
Norah began her career as a staff writer for Roll Call, where she covered Congress.
She then spent twelve years at the NBC networks, working as a commentator for the Today Show, Chief Washington Correspondent for MSNBC, and a White House correspondent for NBC News.
She also served as a contributing anchor for MSNBC Live and an anchor on Weekend Today.
Career at CBS News
In 2011, Norah joined CBS News as Chief White House Correspondent. She later became a co-anchor on CBS This Morning in 2012.
On May 6, 2019, she was named the anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News, a position she continues to hold. Norah is also a correspondent for 60 Minutes and the host of Person to Person.
Notable Coverage
Throughout her career, Norah has covered a wide range of high-profile events and stories, including:
- Presidential Elections: Norah has reported on multiple presidential elections, providing in-depth analysis and coverage.
- State of the Union Addresses: She has anchored the network’s coverage of these significant events.
- International Affairs: Norah has reported from various locations around the world, covering major international events and issues.
- Interviews: She has conducted impactful interviews with world leaders, celebrities, and newsmakers.
Awards and Recognitions
Norah O’Donnell has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her distinguished career in journalism:
- Emmy Awards: Norah has won multiple Emmy Awards for her outstanding reporting, including coverage of significant events like the Boston Marathon bombing and the Newtown school shooting.
- Sol Taishoff Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism (2021): This prestigious award was given to Norah by the National Press Foundation for her exceptional contributions to broadcast journalism.
- DuPont-Columbia Award (2022): Norah was part of the CBS News team that won this award for their investigative reporting on sexual assault in the U.S. military.
- Scripps Howard Award for Excellence in Broadcast National/International Coverage (2021): This award recognized her exclusive, year-and-a-half-long investigation into sexual assault in the U.S. military.
- News & Documentary Emmy Award: Norah has been nominated and won this award multiple times for her live coverage of current news stories, including the Supreme Court health care ruling and the election of Pope Francis.
Recent Developments
In 2024, Norah announced that she would be leaving her role as the anchor of the CBS Evening News after the presidential election to take on a new role at the network.
This new position will allow her to focus more on storytelling and big interviews, leveraging her illustrious career.
Norah O’Donnell has worked with many talented journalists and colleagues throughout her career at CBS News. Some of her close colleagues include:
- Wendy McMahon: President and CEO of CBS News & Stations and CBS Media Ventures, who has supported Norah throughout her career.
- Jeff Glor: Co-anchor on “CBS This Morning” and a fellow correspondent at CBS News.
- Gayle King: Co-anchor on “CBS This Morning” and a long-time friend and colleague.
- Jericka Duncan: National Correspondent for CBS News, known for her in-depth reporting and collaboration with Norah on several major stories.
- Tony Dokoupil: Co-anchor on “CBS Mornings,” who has shared the anchor desk with Norah and contributed to the network’s reporting efforts.
- Major Garrett: CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent, who has frequently collaborated with Norah on political coverage and reporting.
These colleagues have contributed to Norah’s growth and success in the field of journalism.
Norah O’Donnell Weight Loss
Norah O’Donnell has undergone a remarkable weight loss journey. She has shed approximately 50 pounds.
This transformation has not only improved her physical appearance but also significantly boosted her health and confidence.
Key Elements of Her Weight Loss Journey:
- Bariatric Surgery: Norah underwent bariatric surgery, which helped jump-start her weight loss by restricting the amount of food her stomach could hold.
- Diet: Post-surgery, she adopted a balanced and nutritious diet, focusing on portion control and healthier food choices. Her diet includes lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
- Exercise: Norah committed to a consistent workout regimen, incorporating strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises.
- Mindful Choices: She emphasized the importance of making mindful choices in her diet and prioritizing her health.
Norah’s journey is an inspiration to many, showcasing her dedication to a healthier lifestyle and setting a positive example for her children.
Net Worth and Salary
Norah O’Donnell’s estimated net worth is $22 million. This wealth has been accumulated through her extensive career in journalism, including her work at NBC and CBS News.
Norah earns an annual salary of $8 million for her work at CBS News. This figure includes her base salary, bonuses, and other compensation. Additionally, she receives an annual wardrobe allowance of $65,000.
Norah’s financial success is a testament to her dedication and hard work in the field of journalism. She has covered numerous high-profile events and conducted impactful interviews, contributing to her reputation as a respected journalist.
Is Norah O’Donnell Married?
Yes, Norah O’Donnell is married to restaurateur Geoff Tracy, whom she met at Georgetown University.
They married in June 2001 and have three children: twins Grace and Henry, and daughter Riley Norah Tracy.
The family resides in Washington, D.C., and New York City.
How Old Is Norah O’Donnell?
Norah O’Donnell was born on January 23, 1974, which makes her 51 years old as of 2024.
Where Is Norah O’Donnell Working?
Norah O’Donnell is currently working at CBS News. She serves as the anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News. Additionally, she is a correspondent for 60 Minutes and the host of Person to Person.
Norah O’Donnell announced that she will be stepping down from her role as the anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News after the 2024 presidential election.
She will take on a new position as a senior correspondent at CBS News. In this new role, Norah will focus on long-form reporting and interviews across various CBS News platforms, including 60 Minutes, CBS News Sunday Morning, and CBS Evening News.
This change will allow Norah to leverage her experience and skills in storytelling and conducting in-depth interviews, while also giving her more flexibility to work on special projects and primetime specials.
Norah O’Donnell is active on social media. She uses platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to engage with her audience, share updates about her work, and connect with fans.
Norah often posts about her reporting assignments, behind-the-scenes insights, and personal interests.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.