FOX & Friends star Steve Doocy has shocked viewers with a surprise announcement about stepping back from his morning show.
And the beloved star received a special message from prestigious fan US President Donald Trump, who praised him for being a “fantastic guy.”
However, it’s not all bad news as Doocy, 68, said he would remain a Fox & Friends co-host – but for just three days a week.
The founding co-host of the popular show is set to embark on a new nationwide co-hosting journey, traveling across various cities and towns to explore and share insights on the people, places, and important issues throughout the United States.
He told viewers that he is making a permanent move to Florida where he’ll be based as a special correspondent for the show.
Doocy joked, “It is a great job, but the hours suck.”
The switch means that the Fox star will be able to enjoy future lie-ins.
He explained, “After decades of getting up at 3:30am and driving into NYC in the dark, today is the last day I will host the show… from the couch.”
Doocy then vowed, “I am not retiring, I’m not leaving the show. I’m still a host.”
And he became emotional as he explained, “But it’s time for a change.”
In a light-hearted moment, Doocy mentioned that Suzanne Scott, the CEO of Fox New Media, and he “have been trying to figure out something for a guy who’s been waking up at 2:30 am for many years.”
The star’s big move got the thumbs-up from the president, despite Trump slamming him two years ago for being “not nice.”
Political reporter Jake Lahut, who covers the White House, disclosed on X that “Trump recorded a special sendoff for Doocy’s transition to semi-retirement on Fox & Friends.”
The president issued a special message, saying, “I just think you’re a fantastic guy.
“You’ve always treated me fairly — sometimes more fairly than other times, but that’s okay…
“It’s really been an honor to spend so much time with you, and watching you, with the whole crew in the morning.”
You’ve always treated me fairly.
But in 2023, Trump, 78, took a swipe at the long-time host, reported The National Pulse.
He said, “You know, Steve Doocy’s interesting because he’s always been so nice to me for years, for years going back to 2016.
“But I, you know, I am loyal to people and I had a great relationship with him.
“But I would say over the last year, I don’t know, he just seems to be not nice like he should be. Maybe and maybe I’m wrong about that.”
Lis Power, media intelligence director at Media Matters for America, also hailed the star’s plan to enjoy precious time with his family.
She said on X, “Steve Doocy announces he’s stepping back (a bit) at Fox & Friends.
“He’ll still host 3 days a week, but not from New York.
“He’ll be spending more time with family, and will be based in Florida.”
Power added, “Honestly, happy for him, this man deserves a break from Brian Kilmeade.”
Steve Doocy dramatically quits on-air
Fox & Friends founding co-host Steve Doocy is stepping back from his prominent role on the hit morning show
Steve Doocy will take on a new coast-to-coast co-hosting role.
The star has announced a permanent move to Florida, where he will co-host Fox & Friends three days a week.
He has spent 29 years in morning television – first in the weather role on Fox X-press and then as a co-host of Fox & Friends since 1998.
Doocy is the longest running co-host in network morning television other than Al Roker who is part of the Today show ensemble.
Megan Albano of Fox News said, “For nearly 30 years, Steve has been a force on the curvy couch with his signature smile and wit.
“His relationship with our audience is unmatched.
“We are looking forward to him taking his trademark style from the couch to cities across America’s heartland, where he will co-host from diners to pickleball courts and more and finally not have to drive across the George Washington Bridge at 3:30am every morning.”
FAMILY TIME
The role change comes as the star is set to enjoy more time with his grandkids.
In April, Fox News’ Peter Doocy and his wife Hillary Vaughn welcomed their second child after an intense 30 hours of labor.
Doocy and Vaughn, who became first-time parents in 2023 with the birth of their daughter Bridget, announced the birth of George Jack Doocy in a touching Instagram post.
“So thank you, son, for being the reason I’ll never forget to get your mom a card when I’m grabbing a birthday card for you,” the White House correspondent said.
The reporter’s dad Steve Doocy joked that George was born just hours after a bird attacked his son live on air.
“I woke up my wife Kathy, who listened, paused for a moment and said, ‘That bird that hit Peter – was it a stork?'” the host laughed.
In June last year, the Fox & Friends star thanked his children and admitted to becoming “misty-eyed” when looking at family photos.
He said on Facebook, “Thanks Doocy kids for making everyday as your dad an adventure.”
Fox & Friends airs weekdays from 6 am to 9 am.
