On May 1, 2025, Fox & Friends co-host Steve Doocy stunned viewers with a tearful announcement: after over 20 years on the show’s iconic “curvy couch,” he was stepping away from daily hosting duties in New York City. The 68-year-old Fox News veteran, who helped launch the morning show in 1998, clarified he’s not retiring or leaving the program entirely. Instead, Doocy is transitioning to a new “coast-to-coast” hosting role based in Florida, working three days a week on remote segments. The surprising reason behind his move—craving more family time and relief from grueling 3:30 a.m. wake-ups—has shocked fans, sparked emotional reactions, and fueled speculation about his future. Here’s the full story behind Doocy’s bombshell decision. 😱📺

A Morning Show Legend Steps Back

Doocy, a Fox News original since 1996, has been a cornerstone of Fox & Friends, the top-rated cable morning show for 23 years, averaging 1.3 million viewers in 2024. Starting as the network’s “weather guy” on Fox X-Press, he became a co-host when Fox & Friends debuted, alongside Brian Kilmeade, Ainsley Earhardt, and, more recently, Lawrence Jones. Known for his affable demeanor and occasional pushback against hardline GOP talking points, Doocy has interviewed figures like Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, earning praise as a “voice of reason” from critics like Brian Stelter.

His announcement came live on the May 1 broadcast, where he choked up, saying, “After decades of getting up at 3:30 and driving into New York City in the dark, today is the last day I will host this show from the couch. I’m not retiring. I’m not leaving the show. I’m still a host, but it’s time for a change.” He revealed that Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott, a friend for over 30 years, crafted a new role allowing him to work remotely, focusing on segments from “the Carolinas to the Keys, Middle America to Mar-a-Lago.” Doocy quipped, “Call me the coast-to-coast host—you may never see me in a necktie again!”

The Surprising Reason: Family and Freedom

Doocy’s decision hinges on two personal motivations: escaping the brutal morning show schedule and prioritizing family. He told viewers, “It’s a great job, but the hours suck,” noting he’s woken up at 3:30 a.m. for 6,828 days—over 31,000 hours of live TV, per his AI-calculated tally. The commute from his New Jersey home, including $14 tolls over the George Washington Bridge, wore him down. “I’ve cracked the code on how to do this, but after 30 years, I want the next stage of my personal life,” he told Mediaite.

Family was a bigger driver. Doocy, married to Kathy Doocy, a cancer survivor, has three children—Peter, Mary, and Sally—and four grandchildren, including Peter’s daughter Bridget (2) and newborn son George (born April 16, 2025). He lamented missing breakfast with his kids growing up due to work. “Starting tomorrow, I’m going to have breakfast with my grandkids whenever I can,” he said, planning visits to Peter in Washington, D.C., and Sally in Dallas. His move to Florida, where he’ll be closer to family, also offers tax benefits, as the state has no income tax, requiring only 183 days of residency annually.

The New Role: Coast-to-Coast Correspondent

Doocy’s new gig as a “coast-to-coast host” will see him host Fox & Friends remotely three days a week, focusing on remote segments like the show’s famous diner visits or his recent report from a Kansas City pickleball facility. He’ll cover areas underrepresented on network TV, from Florida’s Gulf Coast to Midwestern towns, and likely Mar-a-Lago, given Trump’s frequent presence there. Doocy told Fox News, “Florida is strategic—it makes it easier to report from parts of America that don’t get much airtime.” He’ll continue offering commentary, assuring fans, “You’ll still hear my voice and opinions, despite whatever seasonal pollen is killing me.”

Fox News has no plans to replace Doocy on the couch, with Kilmeade, Earhardt, and Jones continuing from New York, alongside contributors like Janice Dean and Carley Shimkus. Megan Albano, Fox News’ executive VP of morning programming, praised Doocy’s “unmatched” audience connection, saying, “We’re excited for him to take his trademark style to diners, pickleball courts, and more.” After a 10-day vacation, Doocy will debut his new role in late May 2025.

Fan Reactions: Shock, Support, and Skepticism

The announcement sparked a wave of reactions on X. Supporters like @ChuckGrassley wrote, “Congrats to Steve Doocy on his next move. After 30yrs he deserves more time w his gr8 family. Steve is a PROUD IOWAN BY BIRTH.” @JaniceDean added, “We love you @SteveDoocy! Happy you’re staying with @foxandfriends AND spending more time with your family in Florida!” Others, like @LisPower1, quipped, “Honestly, happy for him, this man deserves a break from Brian Kilmeade.”

Critics were less kind. Some called Doocy a “RINO” (Republican in Name Only), with one X post stating, “Nope, will not miss Doocy one bit. He’s one of many RINO’s we need less of.” Others blamed him for supporting Trump’s narrative, saying, “The damage he’s done from that couch will take years to repair.” Supporters countered, emphasizing his fairness, with @ArmandKleinX sharing Trump’s prerecorded farewell: “I just think you’re a fantastic guy. You’ve always treated me fairly.”

Doocy’s occasional skepticism of Trump, like challenging Biden probes or Trump’s tariffs, has made him a polarizing figure. A Washington Post report noted his clashes with co-host Kilmeade, though sources say they’re cordial off-air. Trump, once rating Doocy a “12 out of 10” for loyalty, recently called him “unwatchable” on TruthSocial, yet sent a warm send-off video, hinting at their “nice relationship.”

What’s Next for Doocy?

Doocy’s move aligns with a broader trend of veteran anchors scaling back, like Hoda Kotb and Lester Holt. At nearly 70, he’s the longest-running morning show host after Al Roker. His new role offers flexibility to enjoy grandparenting, pursue projects like his bestselling Happy in a Hurry Cookbook series, and maintain his Fox News presence without the daily grind. He told Variety, “I’m not done yet,” promising to keep engaging viewers.

The emotional farewell, marked by a sizzle reel of his best moments and Trump’s Oval Office message, underscored Doocy’s impact. Fans may miss his daily presence, but his Florida-based segments promise the same wit and warmth. As one X user posted, “Steve Doocy’s not gone—just trading the couch for a beach chair. Can’t wait to see him grill pancakes at a diner!” For Doocy, it’s not goodbye—it’s a new sunrise.