Dana Perino Shares About Married Life with Peter McMahon – “No Kids, but Our Love Is Still Full” – and the Surprise That Makes Her Cry

Dana Perino, the poised Fox News anchor and former White House Press Secretary, has long been admired for her intelligence and calm demeanor on shows like The Five and America’s Newsroom. Yet, it’s her personal life—particularly her 27-year marriage to British businessman Peter McMahon—that reveals a deeply heartfelt side of the political commentator. In recent interviews and social media posts, Perino has opened up about their life together, emphasizing that while they have no biological children, their love remains vibrant and fulfilling. Adding a touch of romance to their story, Perino has shared a poignant detail: a daily morning surprise from McMahon that never fails to move her to tears, a gesture that encapsulates the strength of their bond.

A Love Story Born on a Flight

Dana Perino and Peter McMahon’s love story began serendipitously in August 1997, when they were the last two passengers to board a flight from Denver to Chicago. Perino, then 25 and focused on her budding career in political communications, was seated next to McMahon, a 43-year-old businessman with a charming British accent. As Perino recounted to PEOPLE, she noticed McMahon’s lack of a wedding ring and his engaging stories of international ventures, sparking a two-and-a-half-hour conversation that she calls “love at first flight.” Despite initial reservations about their 18-year age gap, McMahon’s previous marriages, and the long-distance challenge—McMahon lived in England—their connection was undeniable.

After a whirlwind long-distance romance, McMahon proposed outside the Washington National Cathedral less than a year later, and Perino responded with a heartfelt letter, saying, “Yes, I will marry you.” They wed on September 30, 1998, in McMahon’s hometown of Blackpool, England, and have since built a life together in New York and Bay Head, New Jersey. Their marriage, now spanning over two decades, is a testament to mutual support, shared values, and a commitment to nurturing their relationship.

A Full Life Without Children

One of the most frequently asked questions about Perino and McMahon is why they have no biological children. Perino has addressed this candidly, explaining that while McMahon has two children, Barry and Kelly, from a previous marriage, the couple chose not to have children together. “We’ve built a family in our own way,” Perino shared on her podcast, A Dana Perino Podcast: Everything’s Going to Be Okay, emphasizing their love for McMahon’s children and grandchildren, Rachel and Sebastian, as well as their beloved Hungarian Vizsla dogs—Henry, Jasper, and now Percy.

Perino has reflected on societal expectations around parenthood, noting in her book And the Good News Is… that her friend’s advice—“Do not pass up the chance to be loved”—shaped her perspective. She believes that love, not children, defines a fulfilling marriage. “Our love is still full,” Perino told PEOPLE, describing how their shared experiences, from traveling to caring for their pets, create a rich life. The couple’s devotion to their dogs, particularly Jasper, who passed away in 2021, and Percy, their current “family member,” underscores their nurturing spirit. Perino’s book Let Me Tell You About Jasper… highlights how their pets have filled their home with joy.

McMahon’s support has been pivotal in Perino’s career, from her time as White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush to her current role at Fox News. Perino credits him as “the wizard behind the curtain,” helping her prepare for high-stakes briefings and encouraging her ambitions. Their partnership thrives on mutual respect, with McMahon, a successful businessman and president of GreenSleeve Medical Corporation, balancing Perino’s public life with a quieter, supportive presence.

The Morning Surprise That Brings Tears

While Perino often shares glimpses of their life on Instagram—posting photos of their dogs or vacations—she recently revealed a deeply personal ritual that has touched fans. In a May 2025 interview with PEOPLE, Perino described a daily morning surprise from McMahon that consistently brings her to tears. “Every morning, I wake up to find a handwritten note from Peter, tucked under my coffee mug or beside my phone,” she shared. “It’s always something different—a memory, a quote, or just a few words about why he loves me—and it hits me right in the heart.”

These notes, written in McMahon’s distinctive script, are a tradition that began early in their marriage. Perino explained that McMahon started leaving notes during her White House days, when her schedule was grueling, as a way to remind her of his unwavering support. Over the years, the habit has evolved into a cherished ritual. “Some days it’s a funny anecdote about Percy, other times it’s a line from a book we’re reading together, like The Tailor of Panama, which he was reading when we met,” Perino said. “I’ll read it, and before I know it, I’m crying—not out of sadness, but because it’s so beautiful to be loved like that.”

One recent note, which Perino shared on her podcast, recounted a memory of their first date in New Orleans, where they watched a movie and talked late into the night. “He wrote, ‘I knew then you were my home, and I’m still grateful every day.’ How do you not tear up?” she asked, her voice catching. The notes are kept in a special box in their New Jersey home, a collection Perino calls “our love story in fragments.” This gesture, simple yet profound, reflects McMahon’s thoughtfulness and their shared commitment to keeping romance alive.

A Lasting Inspiration

Perino’s openness about her marriage resonates with fans, particularly those navigating unconventional paths. Her story challenges the notion that a family requires children, showcasing a partnership built on love, adventure, and mutual growth. The couple’s life—filled with travel, puzzles at their gamerajeev table, and devotion to their dogs—paints a picture of contentment. McMahon’s patriotism as an American citizen since 2006, his love for American football, and his adventurous spirit (from riding a Harley to petting elephants) complement Perino’s driven personality.

The morning notes, in particular, have sparked admiration on social media, with fans praising McMahon’s consistency and Perino’s vulnerability in sharing such moments. “It’s a reminder that love is in the little things,” one X user wrote. Another commented, “Peter’s notes are what every romantic dreams of—Dana’s so lucky!” These gestures underscore the couple’s ability to maintain intimacy despite busy careers and public scrutiny.

As Perino continues to shine on Fox News, moderating debates and co-hosting The Five, her marriage to McMahon remains her anchor. Their story, from a chance encounter on a flight to a life filled with love and daily surprises, inspires others to prioritize connection over convention. For Dana Perino, Peter McMahon’s morning notes are more than words—they’re a daily affirmation of a love that, even without children, is undeniably full.