Norah O’Donnell has built a remarkable career as one of the most respected figures in modern journalism. As the anchor of CBS Evening News and a contributing correspondent for 60 Minutes, she has become a trusted voice for millions of viewers. With decades of experience and a passion for uncovering the truth, O’Donnell is much more than a news anchor—she’s a trailblazer who has shaped the way we consume news today. Her story is one of resilience, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence. Let’s take a closer look at her life, career, and legacy.
Early Life: A Global Upbringing and Academic Excellence
Norah Morahan O’Donnell was born on January 23, 1974, in Washington, D.C., making her 51 years old in 2025. She grew up in a family deeply rooted in Irish heritage, with both parents hailing from Ireland. Her father, Francis Lawrence O’Donnell, was a doctor and a U.S. Army officer, while her mother, Noreen Bernadette O’Kane, managed their home life. The family’s Irish roots extend to Derry, Belfast, and Donegal, providing Norah with a rich cultural background.
Growing up, O’Donnell’s life was anything but ordinary. At the age of three, her family moved to San Antonio, Texas, before spending two years in Seoul, South Korea, due to her father’s military assignment. They also lived in Germany before eventually returning to San Antonio. Norah got her first taste of broadcasting at just 10 years old, teaching English through videotaped lessons for the Korean Educational Development Institute.
O’Donnell graduated from Douglas MacArthur High School in 1991 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Georgetown University in 1995. She later completed a Master of Arts in liberal studies in 2003, also at Georgetown—a testament to her commitment to intellectual growth.
Rising Through the Ranks: A Stellar Journalism Career
Norah O’Donnell began her career as a staff writer covering Congress for Roll Call, a Capitol Hill newspaper. Her talent and determination soon landed her a role at NBC, where she spent 12 years climbing the ranks. During her tenure, she served as a commentator for Today, Chief Washington Correspondent for MSNBC, and a White House correspondent for NBC News. Her work appeared across major platforms like NBC Nightly News, Dateline NBC, and MSNBC.
In 2011, O’Donnell made the pivotal shift to CBS News, where her career reached new heights. Initially serving as Chief White House Correspondent, she quickly rose through the ranks. In 2012, she was named co-anchor of CBS This Morning. Her hard-hitting interviews and incisive reporting cemented her reputation as one of the network’s most valuable journalists.
By 2019, O’Donnell became the anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News, making her the third woman to hold this position on weeknights. She also became the lead anchor for political events and continued her role as a contributing correspondent for 60 Minutes. Her in-depth reporting, such as her Emmy-winning investigation into sexual assault at the Air Force Academy, showcases her dedication to uncovering stories that matter.
Family Life: A Grounded Approach to Success
Despite her high-profile career, Norah O’Donnell places a strong emphasis on family. She has been married to Geoff Tracy, a successful restaurateur, since 2001. The couple met as freshmen at Georgetown University, and their relationship has been a cornerstone of her personal life. Together, they have three children: twins Grace and Henry, and their younger daughter, Riley.
The family splits their time between Washington, D.C., and the Upper West Side of New York City. O’Donnell and Tracy even co-authored a cookbook in 2010 titled Baby Love: Healthy, Easy, Delicious Meals for Your Baby and Toddler. The book highlights their shared passion for health and family life.
As of 2025, Norah O’Donnell’s net worth is estimated at $22 million, with an annual salary of $8 million from CBS. Her financial success is a reflection of her hard work and dedication to her craft.
Breaking Barriers and Earning Accolades
Throughout her career, O’Donnell has received numerous awards and accolades. She won her first Emmy in 2008 as part of NBC’s Election Night coverage team and another in 2018 for her investigative report on sexual assault at the Air Force Academy. Her reporting has been honored with the Sigma Delta Chi Award for Breaking News Coverage and an honorable mention for the Edgar Allen Poe Award from the White House Correspondents’ Association.
She has also been named one of Washington’s 100 Most Powerful Women by Washingtonian Magazine and one of Irish American Magazine’s Top 100 Irish Americans. These accolades underscore her influence and impact in both journalism and society.
For viewers and aspiring journalists alike, Norah O’Donnell remains a beacon of integrity, proving that the role of a journalist is as crucial today as ever.
