New York City—Steve Doocy, the silver-haired morning staple of Fox News’ “Fox & Friends,” choked back tears on April 16, 2025, as he told viewers he’s stepping away from his daily co-hosting gig after nearly three decades. The announcement, delivered live from the show’s Manhattan studio, hit like a curveball for fans who’ve sipped their coffee to Doocy’s folksy banter since the program’s early days.
Doocy, 67, didn’t mince words. He’s not retiring, he said, but taking on a new role at the network, one focused on remote assignments. Think special reports, on-the-ground coverage, maybe even some heartland dispatches from places where diners still serve pie with every meal. The shift means he’s handing over the daily reins of “Fox & Friends,” the morning juggernaut that’s long been a go-to for conservative viewers craving news with a side of charm. His co-hosts, Ainsley Earhardt and Brian Kilmeade, will keep the studio couch warm, joined by rotating contributors, while Doocy ventures out for stories beyond the skyline.
The veteran anchor’s voice cracked as he reflected on his run. He joined Fox News in 1996, back when cell phones flipped and the internet was a clunky novelty. Two years later, he helped launch “Fox & Friends,” turning it into a breakfast-table fixture for millions. Over the years, he’s grilled presidents, swapped jokes with celebrities, and weathered the occasional on-air flub with a grin. His departure from the daily grind isn’t a full exit—just a pivot—but it’s a big enough change to leave loyal viewers misty-eyed.
Doocy’s new gig will lean on his knack for storytelling, taking him away from the studio’s bright lights to chase reports across the country. Fox News confirmed the move in a statement, noting his “unique ability to connect with audiences” will drive the network’s push for more field coverage. The change comes as “Fox & Friends” continues to dominate morning cable ratings, pulling in an average of 1.2 million viewers daily in the first quarter of 2025, per Nielsen data.
No specific reason for the shift was given, though Doocy hinted at wanting to shake things up after 27 years of early wake-up calls. He’ll still pop up on “Fox & Friends” for special segments, but the daily rhythm of co-hosting—those 6 a.m. starts, the relentless news cycle—will fall to others. Earhardt and Kilmeade, visibly emotional during the announcement, praised Doocy’s mentorship and promised to keep the show’s spirit intact.
The transition is effective immediately, with Doocy’s first remote assignment slated for later in April. Fox News has not named a permanent replacement, and the network’s brass seems content to let the current team steer the ship for now.