Dana Perino, the beloved Fox News host and former White House Press Secretary, has announced that she will be taking a step back from her professional duties to focus on her family during a challenging time. The decision comes in the wake of her husband, Peter McMahon’s, recent diagnosis with a serious, life-altering illness—a development that has deeply affected the political commentator and her long-time partner.

Known for her intelligence, grace, and unwavering dedication, Dana has long been a trusted voice in political commentary, captivating audiences with insightful analysis and measured responses. Yet even those who seem unshakable in the public eye sometimes face moments when personal priorities must take center stage. In a heartfelt message shared with her viewers, Dana explained that her husband’s health is now the focus, and she must devote her energy to supporting him and their family during this difficult period.

The news has resonated with fans and colleagues alike, many of whom have expressed their support and admiration for Dana’s courage in prioritizing family over the demands of a high-profile career. Dana’s decision is a poignant reminder that even those who have built their careers on being a pillar of strength and resilience sometimes need to lean on loved ones in times of crisis.

Dana and Peter have been together for over 25 years—a partnership that began in a chance encounter on an airplane back in 1997 and blossomed into a deep, lasting bond. Their wedding in 1998 marked the start of a life built on mutual support and shared values. Throughout their journey together, Peter, who built a successful career in sales and medical manufacturing, has been more than just a spouse; he has been a steadfast supporter and best friend.

As Dana now steps away from the spotlight to concentrate on her husband’s care, many are reminded of the true meaning of family and the strength that comes from leaning on one another. In her own words, Dana has often credited her success to the unwavering support of Peter—a testament to the powerful foundation of their relationship.

In these uncertain times, fans, friends, and colleagues have rallied around Dana, sending messages of encouragement and prayers for Peter’s recovery. As the Perino-McMahon family faces this new chapter, there is a collective hope that with love, support, and the strength that has defined their journey, they will overcome this challenge together.

We send our thoughts and prayers to Dana, Peter, and their family as they navigate this difficult road ahead. Their story is a reminder that, even in the midst of public service and constant scrutiny, family remains the most precious priority of all.

McMahon works in sales

On an episode of A Dana Perino Podcast: Everything’s Going to Be Okay, McMahon revealed that as a child, he and his best friend thought he’d be a pilot in the Royal Air Force.

“In the officer training, it just didn’t work out with me. I was a jokester, I didn’t take things seriously enough,” he said on his wife’s Audible series. “At the end, they decided I wasn’t suitable material.”

McMahon instead went to work in Germany and started a career in medical manufacturing sales. In 1999, he launched Icon Medical. Per his LinkedIn, McMahon left Icon Medical in December 2016 and in November 2019, became president of GreenSleeve Medical Corporation.

He’s an avid traveler

In addition to residing in his native U.K. and then stateside with Perino, throughout his life, McMahon has lived in Germany twice for two years each time and in Saudi Arabia for a year. He’s also spent significant periods in various countries in Asia, Europe, South America and the Middle East.

“It gives you great insight into other people’s lives,” he said of traveling on Perino’s podcast.

He and Perino have shared three dogs

Throughout their relationship, Perino and McMahon have had three dogs: Henry, Jasper (who died in 2021) and Percy. Perino says of their pets, “They’re family, too.”

All three of their dogs have been Hungarian vizslas. Perino even wrote a book about their second dog, Let Me Tell You About Jasper, How My Best Friend Became America’s Dog.