How Old Is Dana Perino’s Husband and Who Is Peter McMahon?
If you’ve ever searched “how old is Dana Perino’s husband”, you’re definitely not the only one. Dana Perino is constantly on-screen—anchoring, interviewing, moderating, and writing—and she often mentions her husband in passing. She’ll drop a sweet story, a funny quote, or a detail about their dogs, and viewers immediately become curious about the man behind those glimpses: Peter McMahon. So how old is he, and who is he beyond being Dana’s husband? Let’s take a natural, easy walk through his life, career, and their relationship.
Who Dana Perino Is—and Why People Want to Know About Her Husband
Most people know Dana Perino from Fox News, where she co-hosts The Five and America’s Newsroom. Long before cable news, she made history as the second female White House press secretary, serving under President George W. Bush. She’s also an author, podcast host, and one of the most polished communicators on television today. Because she’s so public-facing and often talks affectionately about her home life, it makes sense that viewers wonder about the husband she’s always referencing.
So, How Old Is Dana Perino’s Husband?
Peter McMahon was born on June 6, 1954, which makes him 71 years old in 2025. Dana, born in 1972, is 53. Their age gap of about 18 years is something they’ve both acknowledged openly, but it’s never been a problem for them. In fact, Dana has often said that Peter’s experience and calm perspective have been invaluable throughout her career.
Peter McMahon: The Man Behind the Name
Peter McMahon is originally from Blackpool, England, and spent decades building a career in international business. He worked in senior roles in retail, distribution, and medical supply companies across the U.K., Germany, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, and eventually the United States. His work required long hours, complex negotiations, and frequent travel—skills that helped shape the composed, thoughtful personality Dana often describes.
He is the definition of someone who prefers a quiet life. Although he has held high-level professional roles, he has never sought publicity. He leaves the spotlight to Dana and focuses on what he’s always done: leading teams, solving business problems, and building organizations. That low-key approach is one of the reasons their relationship works—she lives in a world of cameras and deadlines, while he brings a sense of calm and grounding.
How Dana and Peter Met—A Story Straight Out of a Movie
Their relationship began in 1997 on a flight from Denver to Chicago. Dana took her seat in row 13 and noticed the distinguished British man next to her wasn’t wearing a wedding ring. They started talking, and the conversation didn’t stop for the entire flight. Dana has joked that she gave him every available phone number she had—home, office, fax, and email—just to make sure he could reach her afterward.
He did. And what started as a chance encounter in an airplane row quickly turned into a long-distance relationship. Within a year, Peter proposed during a walk near the Washington National Cathedral, and Dana said yes.
Their 1998 Wedding and Life Abroad
Dana Perino and Peter McMahon married on September 30, 1998. Shortly after, they moved to the United Kingdom for a period of time because of Peter’s work. Dana has said this early phase, right at the start of their marriage, helped them build a strong foundation. They were far from home, navigating a new environment, and relying on each other more than ever. Once Dana’s career drew her back to Washington, they returned to the U.S. together and began building the life most people now see glimpses of on TV.
Life at Home: Dogs, Routines, and a Strong Partnership
Although they never had children together, Dana became a stepmother to Peter’s two grown children from his previous marriage. Over the years, their home became famous instead for their beloved dogs. First Henry, then Jasper—who became so well-known that Dana wrote an entire book about him—and now their dog Percy. Their pets have become part of their public story, especially during the pandemic when Dana anchored shows from their New Jersey home with a dog often wandering into the background.
Peter and Dana’s daily life looks remarkably normal despite their high-profile careers. Their routines involve long walks with the dog, cooking meals together, and supporting each other’s work. Dana has shared that Peter has always encouraged her to take professional risks, including when she joined Fox News full-time. He brings maturity and steadiness to their relationship, while she brings energy and optimism.
Why Their Marriage Works Despite the Age Gap
People often assume large age gaps create challenges, but Dana and Peter have shown that compatibility matters more than numbers. They simply balance each other well. Dana often describes Peter as wise, steady, and hilarious in a dry British way. He teases her, grounds her when she’s anxious, and gives honest advice when her public life gets stressful. In turn, Dana brings warmth and enthusiasm into the relationship, making sure that Peter doesn’t take life too seriously.
Their differences—age, background, career paths—have actually strengthened their marriage. They have learned from each other and built a relationship around loyalty, patience, and a shared sense of humor.
Featured Image Source: the-sun.com
