New York, NY – June 03, 2025, 12:06 AM ET – Fox News’ The Five co-host Dana Perino has finally broken her silence on a deeply personal matter, revealing the real reason she and her husband, Peter McMahon, couldn’t have biological children together—a truth that corrects years of public misunderstanding. In an exclusive interview with Good Housekeeping published late Monday, the 53-year-old political commentator shared a revelation that has shifted the narrative, earning admiration for her candor and resilience.
For years, fans and media speculated that Perino and McMahon, married since 1998, chose not to have children due to her demanding career or their 27-year age gap, with McMahon, 70, already a father to four adult children from a previous marriage. Others whispered about fertility issues tied to Perino’s 2018 preventative double mastectomy after a BRCA gene mutation diagnosis. But Perino set the record straight: the couple faced challenges because McMahon had undergone a vasectomy reversal that failed before their marriage, a decision made after his earlier family planning. “Peter had the procedure reversed hoping we could try, but it didn’t work,” Perino explained. “We explored options, but biology wasn’t on our side.”
The revelation upends assumptions that Perino prioritized her career over motherhood—a narrative she’s quietly endured. “I’ve heard people say I didn’t want kids because I was too busy climbing the ladder,” she said, her voice tinged with frustration. “That couldn’t be further from the truth—we wanted a family together so badly.” The couple eventually turned to surrogacy, welcoming their daughter Mira in December 2024, a joy Perino often shares on The Five, alongside her recent $4.2 million home purchase in Summit, NJ, on May 25, 2025. Her openness comes amid family tensions, including a reported rift with stepdaughter Kelly over the home’s paperwork, as noted by The Daily Mail on June 02.
Perino’s admission highlights the complexities of family planning, especially in blended families, and her vulnerability has resonated deeply. On X, #PerinoTruth trends with support, as fans write, “Dana’s honesty is so raw—I had no idea!” and “America owes her an apology for those assumptions.” Colleagues like Greg Gutfeld praised her, posting, “Dana’s strength is unreal—proud to know her.” The story also sheds light on her advocacy for women’s health, seen in her 2021 launch of a mentoring program for young women, often discussed on her podcast A Dana Perino Podcast.
Perino, whose net worth stands at $6 million per ComingSoon.net, admitted the journey was emotionally taxing but strengthened her bond with McMahon. “Peter’s been my rock—we grieved, then found joy in other ways,” she said, referencing their decision to adopt a sixth child, contingent on reuniting a sibling, as reported on May 30. Fox News issued a statement: “Dana’s openness inspires us all—we support her fully.”
As Perino continues to balance her roles as a stepmother, new mother, and media powerhouse, her revelation has not only corrected a national misunderstanding but also deepened her connection with viewers, proving that even the most private struggles can become a source of shared healing and understanding.