Anderson Cooper’s decision to sign off from “60 Minutes” in May 2026 is tied closely to his life as a father to two sons, Wyatt and Sebastian, whom he welcomed via surrogate and co-parents with Benjamin Maisani.
Anderson Cooper’s television life has long been defined by major broadcasts and high-profile reporting. but a different kind of responsibility has begun to steer the pace.. When he signed off from “60 Minutes” in May 2026. the anchor framed the shift as deeply personal—because fatherhood now demands more of his time.
In a February 2026 statement announcing his departure, Cooper said fatherhood played a major role in his decision.. “For nearly twenty years. I’ve been able to balance my jobs at CNN and CBS. but I have little kids now and I want to spend as much time with them as possible. while they still want to spend time with me. ” he said.
Cooper’s sons—Wyatt and Sebastian—have been at the center of how he talks about his days off and his priorities.. He welcomed both children via surrogate. co-parenting them with his former partner. Benjamin Maisani. whom Cooper has described as his “best friend.” The CBS and CNN anchor has also said the boys’ family dynamic includes nicknames that underline how close their household feels: Cooper explained that Wyatt calls him “daddy. ” and that the kids call Maisani “papa.”
Wyatt Morgan Maisani-Cooper arrived first.. Cooper announced the birth of his eldest son via surrogate in April 2020. sharing the news on Instagram with an emotional caption.. “I want to share with you some joyful news.. On Monday, I became a father.. This is Wyatt Cooper.. He is three days old.. He is named after my father, who died when I was ten,” Cooper wrote.
By April 27, 2023, Cooper was marking Wyatt’s third birthday with another tribute post.. “This little peanut turned 3 today!. Wyatt Morgan Maisani-Cooper.. He and their brother Sebastian are the greatest blessings I could ever have hoped for. ” he captioned the carousel of photos.. In the last slide, Cooper included a family photo featuring his two kids and his ex, Benjamin.
Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper followed two years later.. Just before Wyatt turned two. Cooper announced the arrival of his youngest son during a live episode of CNN in February 2022.. The next day. he returned to Instagram to share a video of the announcement and a short caption: “last night i announced the birth of my second son. Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper.. Thank you so much for all the kind messages!”
Cooper later marked Sebastian’s first birthday in February 2023 with a new video and message.. “Sebastian just celebrated his 1st birthday!. He loves listening to an old music box that belonged to my mom.. Sebastian is sweet and strong and smart and loves his big brother Wyatt a lot,” he wrote.. He added: “They fill my heart with joy and love in a way i never imagined possible.. Happy Birthday Sebastian!”
The way Cooper describes parenthood also connects back to the practical rhythm of family life.. During a September 2023 interview with PEOPLE. he called raising his two sons “the best time in my life. ” adding. “There is no doubt about it.” He also joked about how Benjamin talks to their kids in French.
“I work nights, and so he’s there at night.. And we both wake up right before they wake up. get them their milk and spend the first couple of hours of the day just us with them. ” Cooper said.. He added, “And Benjamin speaks French to them.. I have no idea what they’re saying.. I think they’re plotting against me.”
There’s a clear through-line in the timing Cooper chooses to share big moments: Wyatt’s major milestone posts show up in April 2020 and then again at age three on April 27. 2023. while Sebastian’s arrival was announced in February 2022 and followed by a first-birthday celebration in February 2023. with Cooper repeatedly pairing those updates with direct. personal captions about the boys.
For now. Cooper’s public schedule may be changing. but the personal center of his life remains steady—built around Wyatt and Sebastian. welcomed via surrogate and co-parented with Benjamin Maisani. while Cooper continues to speak about fatherhood as something that reshaped not just his routine. but his decisions.
Anderson Cooper CNN 60 Minutes Wyatt Morgan Maisani-Cooper Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper Benjamin Maisani fatherhood surrogate parenting