Anderson Cooper Departs '60 Minutes' After Two Decades With Heartfelt Farewell

Anderson Cooper has wrapped his final appearance on '60 Minutes' after spending two decades with the venerable news program.

The 58-year-old correspondent signed off during Sunday's episode on May 17, delivering a poignant farewell that underscored his deep connection to the show. His departure comes after he announced earlier in 2026 that he would be leaving, concluding a run that began when he joined as a correspondent in 2006.

Family time became the driving force behind Cooper's decision to move on. "I've got a four-year-old and a just now six-year-old and I want to spend as much time with them as I can while they still want to spend time with me," he explained, noting that "the clock is ticking" to be present during these formative years.

During his sign-off, Cooper reflected on the gravity of stepping away from a program he has long admired. "I don't think the reality has really hit me that I'm not going to be doing this any longer. You know, to give up something you've watched since you were a kid. I will miss this," he said. He expressed hope that the program maintains its standing, adding, "I hope 60 Minutes remains 60 Minutes. There's very few things that have been around for as long as 60 Minutes has and maintain the quality that it has."

Cooper emphasized the hallmarks that have made the program enduring in his view. "I think the independence of 60 Minutes has been incredible. I think also the variety of stories. And I think the trust it has with viewers is critical to the success of 60 Minutes," he noted, while acknowledging that evolution is necessary. "Things can always evolve and change and I think that's awesome and things should evolve and change. But I hope the core of what 60 Minutes is always remains."

Looking toward the future, Cooper expressed a wish that his own children might one day share the program with their families. "I hope 60 Minutes is around for when my kids grow up and have kids of their own and they can watch it with their kids," he said.