5 Surprising Facts About Dana Perino’s Enduring Marriage That Shut Down Divorce Rumors

Contents

The question of whether Dana Perino got divorced has become a persistent search query, fueled by the intense public interest in the personal lives of high-profile political commentators. As of late December 2025, the reality is that the former White House Press Secretary and co-host of Fox News' *The Five* is not divorced and remains happily married to her husband, Peter McMahon. Their relationship, which began with a chance encounter and features a significant age gap, is one of the most stable and long-lasting in cable news, celebrating over 27 years of marriage, a fact that often surprises those who encounter the baseless rumors.

The persistent speculation surrounding Dana Perino’s marital status—often driven by clickbait headlines and online chatter—is definitively false. This article provides the most up-to-date and verified information, exploring the full biography of the Fox News star and diving deep into the unique details of her enduring partnership with Peter McMahon, a British businessman whose own background adds fascinating context to their life together.

Dana Perino: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Dana Marie Perino is an American political commentator, author, and former government official whose career trajectory from a small-town girl to a prominent voice in national politics is nothing short of remarkable. Her professional and personal life is often a subject of intense public interest.

  • Full Name: Dana Marie Perino
  • Date of Birth: May 9, 1972
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 53
  • Place of Birth: Evanston, Wyoming, U.S.
  • Parents: Jan and Leo Perino
  • Education: Ponderosa High School (Parker, Colorado); Colorado State University–Pueblo (B.A. in Mass Communications); University of Illinois Springfield (M.A. in Public Affairs)
  • Marital Status: Married (since 1998)
  • Spouse: Peter McMahon
  • Career Highlights:
    • White House Press Secretary (2007–2009) under President George W. Bush
    • Assistant to the President and Director of Communications for the Council on Environmental Quality
    • Co-host of Fox News' *The Five* (since 2011)
    • Co-anchor of *America's Newsroom*
    • Author of several best-selling books, including *And the Good News Is...: Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side*
  • Notable Pet: Henry, a Hungarian Vizsla

Perino’s tenure as the 26th White House Press Secretary made her one of the most visible faces in the Bush administration, and her subsequent career at Fox News cemented her status as a leading voice in conservative media. This high-profile career is arguably the main reason her personal life, including her marriage to Peter McMahon, draws such continuous scrutiny and the occasional unfounded rumor of a divorce.

The Truth Behind the Dana Perino Divorce Rumors

Despite the occasional sensational headline suggesting a split, all credible and recent information confirms that Dana Perino and Peter McMahon have not divorced. Their marriage is a testament to longevity, having surpassed the quarter-century mark. The genesis of the divorce rumors often stems from a few key factors that make their relationship unconventional and therefore newsworthy, which is then twisted by social media and clickbait sites.

The 18-Year Age Gap that Sparks Curiosity

One of the most talked-about aspects of their union is the significant age difference between them. Dana Perino is approximately 18 to 19 years younger than her husband, Peter McMahon, who was born in 1954. When they married in 1998, Perino was 25 and McMahon was 44. This age disparity, while common in many relationships, is often highlighted in the media, leading to speculation about the stability of their bond. Perino herself has often spoken about how the age gap has never been a factor in their deep connection, emphasizing that maturity and shared values are what truly matter.

Peter McMahon’s Previous Marriages

Another detail that sometimes fuels the "divorce" narrative is the fact that Peter McMahon had been married and divorced twice before meeting Dana. While this detail pertains to Peter's past before he met Dana, it is often misinterpreted or sensationalized by those looking to create drama around the couple’s current status. Perino has been open about this, stating that McMahon's past experiences only added to his wisdom and readiness for a lasting commitment with her. The focus on his previous divorces is a classic example of taking an old biographical detail and spinning it into a current, false rumor about the couple.

How Dana Perino and Peter McMahon Built a Lasting Partnership

The story of how Dana Perino and Peter McMahon met and built their life together is a charming tale of serendipity and commitment, providing a fresh and unique perspective that counters the constant flow of divorce speculation. Their narrative is a strong example of a successful, cross-cultural, and age-gap marriage.

1. A Chance Encounter on an Airplane

The couple's first meeting was a classic case of fate. They met on an airplane in 1997. Peter McMahon, a British businessman working internationally, was on a flight to Chicago. Dana, then a Capitol Hill aide, was also on the flight. Their conversation was immediate and engaging, leading to a connection that moved quickly. Within nine months of meeting, they were married in his native England in 1998, marking the beginning of their decades-long journey.

2. Peter McMahon's Global Business Career

Peter McMahon has had an impressive career in international business, primarily in the medical and healthcare sectors. Born in Blackpool, UK, he has held senior executive positions for major global companies, including roles that required him to work extensively in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This international background is a key element of their relationship, as it required both partners to be flexible and supportive of a demanding, often travel-heavy lifestyle. His career success, separate from Dana's political fame, demonstrates a partnership of two ambitious, successful individuals.

3. Commitment to a Bicoastal/Bicontinental Lifestyle

For a period, their relationship navigated the complexities of long-distance. When Dana Perino first moved to Washington D.C. for her White House role, Peter McMahon was living in London. They maintained a long-distance relationship, which required immense trust and dedication. Their ability to successfully manage a bicoastal (and at times, bicontinental) marriage during the high-stress years of the White House is a powerful indicator of their commitment to one another, further debunking any modern rumors of a split.

4. Shared Love for Their Hungarian Vizsla, Henry

A beloved and highly visible entity in their personal life is their dog, Henry. The Hungarian Vizsla is a frequent feature on Perino's social media and even in her books. The couple's shared devotion to Henry is often cited by Perino as a source of joy and stability in their busy lives, offering a relatable, domestic anchor to their otherwise high-profile existence. The presence of Henry is a constant, visible sign of their shared, happy home life.

5. A Partnership Built on Mutual Respect and Support

Ultimately, the longevity of their marriage is attributed to a foundation of mutual respect, humor, and unwavering support for each other's careers. Dana Perino has consistently credited Peter McMahon for his support during her high-stress role as White House Press Secretary and throughout her demanding schedule at Fox News on shows like *The Five* and *America's Newsroom*. Their relationship is a model of two successful professionals prioritizing their bond, proving that the age gap and past history are minor details compared to their deep, shared commitment. The answer to "did Dana Perino get divorced" remains a resounding 'No,' as the couple continues to thrive together, celebrating their enduring partnership into 2026 and beyond.

did dana perino get divorced
did dana perino get divorced

Detail Author:

  • Name : Hilda Johnson
  • Username : qosinski
  • Email : jwuckert@gmail.com
  • Birthdate : 1999-03-24
  • Address : 35469 Hamill Lodge East Darwin, DE 24304
  • Phone : +1-949-890-1792
  • Company : Mante PLC
  • Job : Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operator
  • Bio : Aut et eius sit est. Totam qui quam cupiditate. Optio minima natus numquam ex repellendus sit maxime omnis. Quasi provident ad et eum quia animi sed. Quia aut impedit dolore suscipit.

Socials

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/aylin.christiansen
  • username : aylin.christiansen
  • bio : Sunt qui dicta eveniet vero temporibus. Vel et laborum voluptas neque. Qui architecto hic tempore. Ad odit fugiat eum quaerat.
  • followers : 4016
  • following : 237

tiktok:

linkedin: