Dana Perino and Peter McMahon’s Choice to Remain Child-Free: A Thoughtful Decision After 26 Years of Marriage
Dana Perino, the respected Fox News anchor and former White House Press Secretary, has been a public figure for decades, known for her poise, intelligence, and dedication to her career. Alongside her husband, Peter McMahon, a British businessman, Perino has built a life marked by professional success, mutual support, and a shared love for their Hungarian Vizsla dogs. After 26 years of marriage, Perino recently opened up about a deeply personal decision: why she and McMahon chose not to have children. Contrary to common assumptions, their reasoning is neither conventional nor driven by career demands alone. This article explores their choice, the context behind it, and the broader implications, drawing on Perino’s own reflections and the couple’s unique journey.
A Love Story That Began in the Skies
Dana Perino and Peter McMahon’s relationship began with a chance encounter on a flight from Denver to Chicago in August 1997. Perino, then 25, was a rising political aide, while McMahon, 43, was an established businessman with an international career. Their connection was immediate, sparked by McMahon’s British accent and engaging stories of his global travels. As Perino recalled in a 2018 Yahoo! interview, “I thought, ‘OK, Lord, I know I asked you to help me find somebody, but he lives in England, he’s 18 years older than me, he’s been married twice before’”. Despite these challenges, their romance blossomed, leading to an impromptu proposal in front of the Washington Cathedral and a wedding in Blackpool, England, on September 30, 1998.
Their marriage, now spanning over 26 years, has been a testament to mutual respect and shared values. McMahon, who has two children, Barry and Kelly, from a previous marriage, became an American citizen in 2006 and has supported Perino through her high-profile roles, including her time as White House Press Secretary from 2007 to 2009 and her current positions on Fox News’ The Five and America’s Newsroom. The couple’s bond, strengthened by their shared love for dogs—Henry, Jasper, and now Percy—has been a cornerstone of their life together. Yet, one question has lingered among fans and observers: why did they choose not to have children?
The Revelation: A Deliberate and Personal Choice
In recent discussions, notably in interviews tied to her 2025 book I Wish Someone Had Told Me: The Best Advice for Building a Great Career and a Meaningful Life, Perino has shed light on the couple’s decision to remain child-free. Contrary to assumptions that her demanding career or McMahon’s existing family were the primary factors, Perino revealed that their choice was rooted in a combination of personal reflection, lifestyle preferences, and a shared vision for their future. The decision, she explained, was not a reaction to external pressures but a proactive choice to prioritize their relationship, careers, and unique contributions to the world.
1. Embracing a Different Kind of Family
Perino has often described her dogs as “family, too,” a sentiment echoed in her book Let Me Tell You About Jasper: How My Best Friend Became America’s Dog. The couple’s Hungarian Vizslas—Henry, Jasper (who passed in 2021), and Percy—have filled their lives with joy and companionship. Perino’s emotional Instagram post about Jasper’s death, where she wrote, “It is with broken hearts that Peter and I have to let you know that Jasper, America’s Dog, died today,” underscored the depth of their bond with their pets. For Perino and McMahon, their dogs have provided a sense of family without the responsibilities of parenthood, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their lives.
McMahon’s role as a father to two children from a previous marriage, and as a grandfather to Rachel and Sebastian, also shaped their perspective. Perino embraced her role as a stepmother, integrating Barry and Kelly into their lives, though she has kept details private out of respect for their family. This existing family dynamic may have reduced any pressure to have biological children, as Perino and McMahon already shared a rich family life.
2. A Lifestyle Suited to Their Passions
Perino and McMahon’s lives have been marked by adventure and flexibility, from their early long-distance romance to their travels across the U.S., U.K., and beyond. McMahon’s career in international business, including roles at Tesco and GreenSleeve Medical Corp, and Perino’s demanding schedule at Fox News, required significant time and energy. Their decision to remain child-free allowed them to maintain this dynamic lifestyle, which includes hobbies like ballroom dancing, solving puzzles, and engaging in community service.
In a 2020 Business Insider interview, Perino reflected on her year in England after their 1998 marriage, saying, “I was so in love. And I loved the idea of adventure”. Choosing not to have children enabled the couple to pursue these adventures without the constraints of parenthood, which might have limited their ability to relocate, travel, or take on new professional challenges.
3. A Focus on Mentorship and Impact
Perino’s commitment to mentorship, evident in her work with Minute Mentoring and her recent book, suggests that she has channeled her nurturing instincts into guiding others. Her charity initiatives, such as the leaked $250,000 plan to support dog owners who raise pets for veterans and people with disabilities, reflect a desire to make a broader societal impact. By remaining child-free, Perino and McMahon have had the time and resources to invest in causes like veterans’ support, education, and the human-animal bond, which align with their values.web:previous_artifact
Perino’s reflections in I Wish Someone Had Told Me emphasize that “love is not a career-limiting choice”. This philosophy extends to their decision about children, as they chose a path that allowed them to maximize their professional and personal contributions while maintaining a strong partnership.
Addressing Misconceptions and Rumors
The revelation about Perino and McMahon’s choice has dispelled several misconceptions. Many assumed that Perino’s career, particularly her high-pressure roles in the White House and at Fox News, left no room for motherhood. While her schedule was demanding—she once noted working 90-hour weeks as Press Secretary—the decision was not solely about time constraints. Others speculated that McMahon’s existing children or their 18-year age difference played a decisive role, but Perino has clarified that their choice was mutual and intentional, not a default outcome.
Recent misinformation, such as a false claim that Perino was previously married to a White House speechwriter named Peter McMahon from 1998 to 2005, has also muddied the narrative. In reality, Perino has only been married once, to her current husband, Peter McMahon, since 1998, and no divorce has occurred. This misinformation underscores the importance of verifying sources, as Perino’s openness about her marriage and child-free decision aims to set the record straight.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
Perino’s candidness about remaining child-free has sparked discussion on social media platforms like X, where fans have praised her for challenging societal expectations. Many admire her and McMahon’s ability to craft a fulfilling life without children, highlighting the validity of diverse family models. The couple’s focus on their dogs, stepchildren, and charitable work resonates with those who see family as more than traditional parenthood.
Their decision also reflects a growing trend among couples who prioritize personal fulfillment, career goals, or societal contributions over having children. According to a 2021 Pew Research study, about 44% of non-parents aged 18–49 in the U.S. say they are unlikely to have children, often citing lifestyle preferences or a desire for other forms of impact. Perino and McMahon’s story aligns with this shift, offering a high-profile example of a child-free life that is rich, purposeful, and deeply connected.
What’s Next for Perino and McMahon?
As Perino continues her work at Fox News and promotes her latest book, she and McMahon remain committed to their shared life. Their recent charity plan, which supports dog owners aiding veterans, suggests they will continue to channel their energy into meaningful causes. Perino’s role as a stepmother and her advocacy for mentorship indicate that she finds fulfillment in nurturing others, even without biological children.
The couple’s love for their Vizsla, Percy, and their active lifestyle—complete with beach trips, puzzle-solving, and community engagement—shows that their life is far from empty. McMahon’s recovery from a minor stroke in August 2024, reported by Lawyers Club India, has further strengthened their bond, as Perino supported him through his treatment at Mount Sinai Hospital. Their resilience and partnership continue to inspire fans, who see their marriage as a model of mutual support.
Conclusion
Dana Perino and Peter McMahon’s decision to remain child-free after 26 years of marriage is a thoughtful reflection of their values, lifestyle, and vision for their future. Far from being a compromise or a career-driven necessity, their choice was a deliberate embrace of a life filled with love, adventure, and impact. By prioritizing their relationship, their dogs, McMahon’s existing family, and their contributions to society, they have crafted a legacy that challenges traditional expectations. Perino’s openness about this decision, shared through her writings and interviews, offers a powerful reminder that family and fulfillment come in many forms, inspiring others to define their own paths with intention and courage.