Steve Doocy Steps Back from Full-Time Hosting on ‘Fox & Friends’—But He’s Far from Retiring

After nearly three decades of waking up before dawn to greet millions of Americans from the iconic “curvy couch,” Fox News veteran Steve Doocy has announced a significant transition in his role on Fox & Friends. But make no mistake—Doocy isn’t saying goodbye. He’s simply reshaping his career and personal life to fit a new season.

On May 1, in a heartfelt on-air announcement, Doocy revealed that he will be stepping back from his full-time duties on the show. Instead of appearing five days a week from Fox News’ Manhattan studio, he will now be co-hosting three days a week remotely from Florida, allowing him more flexibility and precious time with his growing family.

“It is a great job, but the hours suck,” Doocy said candidly, with his signature chuckle. After decades of 3:30 a.m. alarms, he explained, it was time for a change.

A Shift in Routine, Not in Passion

Though his presence on the New York set will be less frequent, Doocy made it crystal clear: he is not retiring.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he assured viewers. “You’ll still see me on Fox & Friends—just from different locations and with a schedule that lets me enjoy mornings with my grandkids now and then.”

Indeed, rather than bowing out, Doocy is transitioning to a more dynamic, travel-focused role. With Florida as his home base, he’ll not only co-host the show remotely but also report from various spots across the country. From small-town diners to community events, his new assignment aims to spotlight stories from parts of America that often go underreported.

“Florida is strategic,” Doocy explained. “It’ll make it easier for me to report from the Southeast, Middle America, and beyond. I’ll be going from the Carolinas to the Keys. From Middle America to Mar-a-Lago. So call me the ‘coast-to-coast host.’”

Why He’s Leaving the Studio Behind

For Doocy, this lifestyle shift is about more than just sleep. After nearly 30 years of rushing back to New York on Sundays for a Monday morning show, the relentless cycle was wearing thin.

“Ainsley [Earhardt] and I have talked about this for years,” he said on-air. “The early mornings are tough, especially when you’re trying to balance work with family life. I want to be able to enjoy weekends with my wife, kids, and grandkids—and not always be thinking about the next broadcast.”

His brief absence from the show earlier this spring was the first step in this transition. Doocy noted that he’s taking a little personal time before fully stepping into his new role.

“I’ll be back in ten days when it’s time to make the donuts,” he joked, referencing a famous 1980s Dunkin’ Donuts commercial, reassuring fans that his break is only temporary.

A Beloved Face on Morning Television

Steve Doocy’s contributions to Fox & Friends are impossible to overstate. Since joining Fox News Channel in 1996, and becoming a founding co-host of Fox & Friends in 1998, he has become a cornerstone of conservative morning television.

Over the years, he’s interviewed presidents, first ladies, celebrities, and ordinary Americans with a blend of curiosity, humor, and affability. Along the way, he’s also earned 11 Emmy Awards, a testament to both his journalistic skill and storytelling prowess.

In fact, Doocy is one of the longest-running co-hosts in American morning TV—second only to Al Roker on NBC’s Today show in terms of longevity.

As of 2025, Fox & Friends continues to pull in an average of 1.5 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched cable news programs in the country.

A Network’s Gratitude—and a New Chapter

FOX executives were quick to praise Doocy’s legacy and embrace his evolving role.

“For nearly 30 years, Steve has been a force on the curvy couch with his signature smile and wit,” said Megan Albano, FOX News’ Executive Vice President of Morning Programming & Program Development. “His relationship with our audience is unmatched, and we’re excited to see him bring his personality and reporting style to communities across America’s heartland.”

Albano highlighted how this new format will allow Doocy to engage more directly with everyday Americans—hosting from local hotspots like diners, pickleball courts, and small-town fairs—without the daily grind of crossing the George Washington Bridge before sunrise.

Trump Reacts: “An Honor”

Doocy’s move didn’t go unnoticed by some of the highest-profile names in politics. Former President Donald Trump, a longtime viewer and frequent guest of Fox & Friends, shared a special video message congratulating him on the transition.

“It’s really been an honor to have spent so much time with you and watching you and the whole group in the morning,” Trump said in the prerecorded clip. He also commended Doocy for his “fair” and consistent coverage over the years.

Trump took the opportunity to give a shout-out to Peter Doocy, Steve’s son and rising star at Fox News, who was recently promoted to Senior White House Correspondent.

Family First—Finally

Behind the career move lies something deeper: Doocy’s desire to be more present with those who matter most.

“You’ve trusted me for all these years, and don’t worry—you’ll still hear my voice and my opinions, loud and clear,” he told viewers.

But the freedom to have breakfast with his grandchildren or spend an uninterrupted weekend with his family is a gift that no Emmy or ratings milestone can replace.

With homes in both New Jersey and Florida, valued at a combined $1.4 million, Doocy is well-positioned to enjoy a bi-coastal lifestyle, balancing professional duties with personal joys.

What’s Next?

Fans of Fox & Friends won’t have to look far to find Steve Doocy. He’ll still be a regular presence, just in a more mobile, modern, and family-friendly form. His reporting will now reach beyond studio walls, into the heart of the communities he’s always aimed to represent.

In the age of remote broadcasting and digital flexibility, Doocy’s evolution marks not a departure—but a smart adaptation to changing times.

For a man who has spent his life asking questions, this new chapter may finally give him the time to listen a little more, travel a little farther, and enjoy the life he helped so many viewers start their day with.