Dana Perino is one of the most recognized faces of an American political commentator, TV anchor, book author, and former government official. Her rise to national fame came after she served as the White House Press Secretary during the Presidency of George W. Bush. Extremely few females have ever had the distinction of holding this position. Currently, Dana is recognized as one of the main faces of Fox News. In this article, we will also read about who is Dana Perino first husband, age, family, husband, children, and more.
Who is Dana Perino?
Dana Perino is an American media personality and political analyst. She is best known as the 26th White House Press Secretary, serving between 2007 and 2009. She held this position as the second woman in U.S. history. After her tenure as the White House Press Secretary, she decided to pursue her career in television journalism and became an integral voice for Fox News as a conservative.
Quick Bio: Dana Perino
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dana Marie Perino |
| Nick Name | Dana |
| Date of Birth | May 9, 1972 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 53 Years |
| Birthplace | Evanston, Wyoming, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Political Commentator, TV Anchor, Author |
| Famous For | Former White House Press Secretary |
| Education | BA in Mass Communications; MA in Public Affairs Reporting |
| Political Affiliation | Republican |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Husband | Peter McMahon (m. 1998) |
| Children | None (Stepmother to two children) |
| Current Employer | Fox News |
| Net Worth | $10.2 Million |
Dana Perino Age
As of 2025, Dana Perino is currently 53 years old. Born on May 9, 1972, in the United States, she is a Taurus, as her birth date suggests. People born under the sign of Taurus are said to possess great determination, dependability, and leadership abilities, all of which can be found in Dana Perino.
Dana Perino Early Life and Background
Dana Perino started her life in Colorado, where she went to high school and participated in debates, speaking, and student media activities. It was during this period that she developed her communication skills.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications with minor degrees in Political Science and Spanish from Colorado State University Pueblo. Later on, she acquired another degree, Master’s in Public Affairs Reporting, from the University of Illinois Springfield. This has contributed to her specialization in political reporting.
Dana Perino Family Background
Dana Perino was born into a middle-class American family.
- Father: Leo Perino
- Mother: Janice “Jan” Perino
Her family has European roots, including Italian ancestry from her paternal great-grandparents. Dana has often spoken about the values of discipline, hard work, and integrity she learned from her parents, which significantly influenced her professional life.
Dana Perino Height, Weight, and Physical Stats
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) |
| Weight | Around 55 kg (121 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Blue |
Dana is known for her polished appearance and professional on-screen presence.
Dana Perino Career Journey
Dana Perino’s professional experience encompasses the fields of journalism, government, and television broadcasting.
Early Career
She started out as a reporter covering the Illinois State Capitol and later worked as a staff assistant and spokesperson for Congress. Her communication talents made her stand out from the start.
U.S. Department of Justice
After the 9/11 incident, Dana served as a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Justice, where he dealt with sensitive communications during a very critical phase in U.S. history.
White House Press Secretary
Dana Perino was named White House Press Secretary in 2007. She worked under then-President George W. Bush until 2009. She was greatly admired for her composure while carrying out her job during intense periods of domestic and foreign matters.
Career at Fox News Media
After her government service, Dana joined Fox News as a political commentator. She later became:
- Co-host of “The Five”
- Anchor on “America’s News
- Host ‘Dana’ (Short Form
She is also an internationally renowned best-selling author, having written books on various topics such as leadership and communication.
Dana Perino Husband
Dana Perino is married to Peter McMahon, a British businessman.
- Marriage Year: 1998
- Profession: International marketing and business executive
Their marriage is also recognized for being quite private and stable, with spouses supporting one another in professional matters.
Who was Dana Perino’s First Husband?
Peter McMahon is Dana Perino’s first and only husband. There aren’t any available records that could suggest that Dana Perino was married prior to her meeting with her current spouse.
Dana Perino Children
Dana Perino does not have biological children. She is a stepmother to two children of Peter McMahon’s former wife. Dana Perino has been very vocal about accepting her life of being a stepmother and appreciating family life.
Dana Perino Social Media
Dana Perino has an active presence on social media platforms where she updates her followers on her professional life, political ideology, and personal experiences:
| Platform | Username | Followers |
|---|---|---|
| @danaperino | 914K followers | |
| @DanaPerino | 2.4M followers | |
| DanaPerino | 1.6M followers |
Dana Perino Net Worth
Dana Perino Net Worth is approximately $10.2 million.
Income sources for her:
- Fox News salary
- Book sales
- Speaking
- Media appearances
Her long service in both government and media influences her financial success.
Lesser Known Facts About Dana Perino
- She is the second woman in U.S. history to hold the position of White House Press Secretary.
- Dana loves dogs and sometimes did share moments with her dog Jasper, later adopting another dog named Percy.
- She has appeared as a contestant on Jeopardy! during special episodes.
- In 2023, the Banker received an honorary doctorate from her alma mater.
- Dana is also actively involved in mentoring young professionals interested in a political or media career.
Conclusion
Dana Perino’s story is one that begins in small-town America and ends up at the White House and then broadcast media; it is one of hard work, smart thinking, and professional acumen. As a former Press Secretary at the White House and current media leader, she not only impacted positively the political debate in America, she is also one of the most admired individuals in the world of political broadcasting today because of her composure and her political acumen.
FAQ’s
Dana Perino is one of the most recognized faces of an American political commentator, TV anchor, book author, and former government official.
As of 2025, Dana Perino is currently 53 years old.
Peter McMahon is Dana Perino’s first and only husband.
Dana Perino Net Worth is approximately $10.2 million.
Approximately 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) tall.
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