Long-time news magazine correspondent leaves show after 20 years

After a storied 20-year tenure, a staple of Sunday evening television is moving on. Anderson Cooper has officially signed off as a correspondent for the iconic news program 60 Minutes.

A Family-First Decision

Cooper, who first joined the program in 2006, announced his departure on May 17. The decision comes as he looks to prioritize time with his two young sons, Wyatt, 4, and Sebastian, 6. As reported previously, balancing his duties on 60 Minutes with his role on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 had become increasingly taxing on his personal life.

Reflecting on his time at the show, the 58-year-old noted that much of his reporting occurred during what should have been weekends or vacation time. Despite leaving the magazine program, Cooper will continue his ongoing work as an anchor at CNN.

Final Reporting and Farewell

For his final segment on the long-running newsmagazine, Cooper explored the evolution of London’s cab industry in the era of autonomous vehicles, a story highlighted by USA Today. The episode also dedicated time to an extensive farewell interview, allowing the veteran journalist to reflect on his legacy.

Reflecting on the Experience

During his exit, Cooper spoke warmly about the unique nature of his work. "The thing is, it’s never felt like work," he shared. "It’s felt like you’re stepping into people’s lives, and you’re invited into people’s homes. You’re invited into their struggles, you’re invited into whatever it is that has brought them to be on 60 Minutes."

Regarding the future of the program he served for two decades, Cooper emphasized the importance of the show's integrity. "I hope 60 Minutes remains 60 Minutes," he said. "There are very few things that have been around for as long as 60 Minutes has and maintain the quality that it has. I think the independence of 60 Minutes has been critical. The trust it has with viewers is critical to the success of 60 Minutes."

Cooper concluded his tenure with a final, emotional delivery of the show’s signature opening: "I’m Anderson Cooper."