Norah O’Donnell Bio, Age, Husband, Kids, CBS News, Salary, Net Worth
Norah O’Donnell Biography
Norah O’Donnell is one of America’s most respected television journalists. She currently serves as a senior correspondent for CBS News and contributes to 60 Minutes, delivering in-depth reporting. Born on January 23, 1974, in Washington, D.C., she grew up in a military family with time spent in Texas, Germany, and South Korea. Later, she attended Georgetown University, earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.
Norah began her career at Roll Call, covering Congress, and then joined NBC News, reporting on the White House, Pentagon, and Capitol Hill. Her strong reporting skills earned her a role at CBS News, where she became chief White House correspondent and co-anchored CBS This Morning. In 2019, she made history as the anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News, covering major events like the 2024 presidential election, global conflicts, and natural disasters. She has also interviewed every living U.S. president and other world leaders.
Her achievements include multiple Emmy Awards, the Edward R. Murrow Award, and the duPont-Columbia Award. She serves on the International Women’s Media Foundation board and is writing a book on overlooked women in American history, set for 2026. Off-screen, she is married to chef Geoff Tracy, and they have three children. She continues to shape American journalism, inspiring future generations and delivering trustworthy news coverage.
Norah O’Donnell Age | How Old is Norah O’Donnell?
Norah O’Donnell age is 52 years old as of 2026, having been born on January 23, 1974, in Washington, D.C.. Moreover, she has built a long and respected career in broadcast journalism. She gained national recognition as anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News. Today, she works as a senior correspondent for CBS News and contributes to 60 Minutes, covering politics, global events, and major interviews.
Norah O’Donnell Height | How Tall is Norah O’Donnell?
Norah O’Donnell height is 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), giving her a confident on-screen presence. Moreover, her height complements her polished appearance during CBS News broadcasts. In addition, she carries her stature with professionalism while covering politics and global events.
Norah O’Donnell Education
Norah O’Donnell education reflects a strong academic foundation in journalism and critical thinking. She attended Georgetown University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. Later, she completed a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies at the same institution. Moreover, her studies sharpened her analytical skills and interviewing style. Today, her education supports decades of success in broadcast journalism and national news reporting.
Norah O’Donnell Early Life | Family: Parents & Siblings
Norah O’Donnell grew up in a military family with strong roots in American and Irish heritage. She was born to Noreen Bernadette (O’Kane) and Francis Lawrence O’Donnell, a doctor and U.S. Army officer. Her parents both traced their ancestry to Ireland. When Norah was three, her family moved to San Antonio, Texas, and later lived in Seoul, South Korea, due to her father’s assignment. Moreover, she has a sister named Mary O’Donnell and a brother named Francis O’Donnell, who grew up with her during frequent moves. This early family life exposed her to diverse cultures and worldviews, shaping her global awareness. Ultimately, Norah’s upbringing and family experiences influenced her path into broadcast journalism and public service reporting.
Norah O’Donnell Husband | Geoff Tracy
Norah O’Donnell’s husband is Chef Geoff Tracy, a successful restaurateur and entrepreneur. They met as students at Georgetown University and married in June 2001. Moreover, Geoff owns the well-known Chef Geoff’s restaurant group in the Washington, D.C. area. Together, they share three children: twins Henry and Grace and daughter Riley Norah Tracy. Furthermore, the couple co-authored a parenting cookbook titled Baby Love to help families make healthy meals. Geoff has supported Norah’s rising career in broadcast journalism, even during busy times. Overall, their long marriage blends family life and professional success.
Norah O’Donnell Children | Kids
Norah O’Donnell has three children with her husband, Geoff Tracy: twins Henry and Grace Tracy, and daughter Riley Norah Tracy. The twins Henry and Grace were born on May 20, 2007, and are now teens. Meanwhile, Riley Norah Tracy arrived on July 5, 2008, rounding out their family. Moreover, Norah often speaks about balancing her high-profile broadcast journalism career with parenting. Although she keeps her kids mostly out of the public eye, she shares pride in their growth and interests. Overall, her three children remain a central part of her life alongside her journalistic work.
Norah O’Donnell Illness | Weight Loss |Health Journey and Wellness Update
Norah O’Donnell has discussed both health challenges and her weight loss journey with honesty and purpose. In 2016, she faced melanoma skin cancer, which strengthened her focus on health and prevention. Later, she underwent an emergency appendectomy, which highlighted the need to listen to her body and seek care promptly. Moreover, Norah committed to a healthier lifestyle in 2025, making balanced diet and exercise changes that helped her lose significant weight and improve energy levels. Through this journey, she emphasized wellness over quick fixes, showing how consistent choices can enhance both physical well‑being and work performance.
Norah O’Donnell TV Career | CBS News | Anchor, Correspondent & 60 Minutes Reporter
Norah O’Donnell is a veteran American television journalist who began her career at Roll Call, covering Congress. She then joined NBC News, reporting on the White House, Pentagon, and Capitol Hill, gaining recognition for her in-depth political coverage. Later, she joined CBS News, where she became chief White House correspondent and co-anchored CBS This Morning, gaining nearly three decades of reporting experience. She also serves as a contributing correspondent for 60 Minutes and hosts a special interview series, Person to Person. Moreover, she led CBS Evening News as anchor and managing editor from 2019 to 2025. Before that, she co‑anchored CBS This Morning and was Chief White House correspondent. Additionally, Norah has covered major global events, eight U.S. presidential elections, and interviewed every living U.S. president. Beyond the desk, she reports from key world locations and anchors election specials. Today, she continues deep reporting and high‑impact storytelling across CBS platforms.
Norah O’Donnell Awards | List of Honors & Recognitions in Journalism
Norah O’Donnell has earned numerous prestigious awards throughout her journalism career, reflecting her excellence in reporting and broadcast leadership. Her dedication to covering major U.S. and global events has earned her recognition from top industry organizations. Major awards include:
- Multiple Emmy Awards – for distinguished news coverage.
- Sol Taishoff Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism – National Press Foundation.
- Edward R. Murrow Awards – for investigative and national reporting.
- Alfred I. duPont‑Columbia Award – for outstanding investigative journalism.
- Scripps Howard Award – for excellence in reporting.
- Gracie Awards – Outstanding News Anchor and Best National News On-Air Talent.
- Merriman Smith Memorial Award – for presidential news coverage excellence.
- Sigma Delta Chi Awards – for breaking news reporting.
These honors highlight Norah O’Donnell’s impact as a top CBS News journalist, showcasing her commitment to high-quality journalism and influential storytelling.
Norah O’Donnell Salary
Norah O’Donnell earned a reported $8 million per year at her peak as CBS Evening News anchor. Moreover, after later contract adjustments, her annual salary was estimated at around $3.8 million. This compensation reflects her status as a top CBS News journalist and seasoned senior correspondent, highlighting decades of influential reporting and on-screen leadership.
Norah O’Donnell Net Worth 2026
Norah O’Donnell net worth is estimated at about $22 million in 2026, reflecting decades of work in broadcast journalism and national news reporting. Moreover, she has earned a substantial annual salary from her roles at CBS News and 60 Minutes, which contributed significantly to her wealth. In addition, her extensive career at major networks, including NBC and CBS, helped build her financial success.

