For nearly three decades, Steve Doocy has been a comforting constant in the homes of millions of Americans, his warm smile and familiar voice greeting viewers each morning on Fox News’ Fox & Friends. But on May 1, 2025, the television landscape shifted forever as Doocy announced his departure from the iconic “curvy couch” in New York City, marking the end of an era for the beloved morning show. The news sent shockwaves through the Fox News audience, leaving fans reeling with a mix of sorrow, gratitude, and nostalgia for a man whose legacy has become synonymous with the network’s morning success.

Born on October 19, 1956, in Algona, Iowa, Stephen James Doocy grew up in a small-town world of hard work and family values. His journey to becoming a household name was not one of overnight fame but of relentless determination. From his early days as a feature reporter in Kansas and Iowa to hosting NBC’s syndicated House Partyin the late 1980s, Doocy carved a path through the competitive world of broadcast journalism with charm and tenacity. When he joined Fox News at its inception in 1996, first as a weather reporter and then as a co-host of Fox & Friends in 1998, he became a cornerstone of the network’s rise to dominance in cable news.

Doocy’s announcement was not a retirement but a transition to a new chapter. After 6,828 days of waking at 3:30 a.m. to deliver news, commentary, and camaraderie, he revealed he would step back to a three-day-a-week role, broadcasting remotely from Florida. “I am not retiring, I’m not leaving the show. I’m still a host, but it’s time for a change,” he said during an emotional broadcast, his voice thick with emotion. He spoke of the grueling hours, the 3:30 a.m. alarm that prompted his wife, Kathy, to quip, “It’s time to make the donuts,” a nod to a classic Dunkin’ Donuts commercial. Yet, beneath the humor lay a deeper truth: Doocy’s desire to spend more time with his family, including his grandchildren, after years of missing breakfasts with his own children.

The decision to relocate to Florida, where he will take on the role of “coast-to-coast host,” reflects Doocy’s commitment to bringing stories from America’s heartland to the forefront. From diners to pickleball courts, from the Carolinas to the Florida Keys, he plans to shine a light on the people and places often overlooked by network news. This new role, described as “the Johnny Carson deal,” allows him to maintain his connection to Fox & Friends while embracing a more flexible schedule. “I’ll be going from Middle America to Mar-a-Lago,” he said, his signature wit shining through even in a moment of farewell.

Doocy’s tenure on Fox & Friends was marked by more than just longevity. He brought a unique blend of affability and skepticism to the show, often serving as a voice of reason amid heated political debates. In recent years, he gained attention for challenging the more extreme narratives pushed by colleagues, earning both praise and criticism. His willingness to question GOP orthodoxy, including occasional pushback against former President Donald Trump, set him apart in a network known for its conservative leanings. “He gets to express some skepticism about the narratives that are being pushed on his show that you don’t get from anyone else,” noted a political science professor in a 2024 analysis. This approach endeared him to viewers who saw him as the “everyman” conservative, a fatherly figure whose relatability transcended ideology.

Beyond the studio, Doocy’s life has been shaped by personal triumphs and profound losses. The death of his mother, JoAnne, on Christmas morning in 1997, left a lasting scar. He recalled speaking to her just hours before, seeking her guidance on her famous gravy recipe—a tradition he used as an excuse to hear her voice. At her funeral, he found solace in small signs, like a packet of gravy mix and daisies on the altar, symbols of her presence. Years later, the sudden loss of his father, Jim, to an abdominal aortic embolism in 2014, deepened his understanding of grief. Yet, it was his wife Kathy’s battle with ocular melanoma, a rare and aggressive eye cancer, that inspired their bestselling cookbooks. The couple turned pain into purpose, documenting family recipes as a legacy for their children, Mary, Sally, and Peter, the latter a senior White House correspondent for Fox News.

Doocy’s impact extends beyond journalism. His cookbooks, including The Happy Cookbook and Happy in a Hurry Cookbook, became New York Times bestsellers, resonating with readers through their blend of heartfelt stories and comfort food. His storytelling, whether on air or in print, captured the essence of family, resilience, and the small moments that define a life. His ability to connect with viewers—whether interviewing presidents or chatting with small-town mayors—made him a trusted figure in American homes.

As news of his departure spread, fans took to social media to express their heartbreak. “Steve Doocy is Fox & Friends. How do we wake up without him?” one viewer posted. Another wrote, “His smile got me through tough mornings. This hurts.” The outpouring of emotion underscored the deep bond Doocy forged with his audience over 27 years. Even President Trump, a frequent guest on the show, recorded a farewell message, calling Doocy “a very, very good man” and acknowledging their “nice relationship,” despite occasional tensions.

The Fox & Friends set will continue with co-hosts Ainsley Earhardt, Brian Kilmeade, and Lawrence Jones, but Doocy’s absence from the New York studio leaves a void. His move to Florida is not just a change of scenery but a reclaiming of time—time to have breakfast with his grandchildren, to walk along the beach with Kathy, to live the life he’s earned after decades of service. “You’ve trusted me for all these years, and don’t worry, you will still hear my voice and my opinions loud and clear,” he assured viewers, his words a promise to remain a part of their mornings, albeit in a new way.

Steve Doocy’s legacy is not just in the hours of live television—31,607, by his count—or the awards, including 11 local Emmys. It’s in the countless viewers who felt seen, heard, and understood through his presence. It’s in the stories he told, the debates he sparked, and the laughter he shared. As he steps into this new chapter, the tears of millions reflect not just loss but gratitude for a man who made mornings brighter, even when the world felt dark. His journey with Fox & Friends may have changed, but the memories, as one fan put it, “will stay with us forever.”