Norah O’Donnell Wiki, Height, Age, Family, Husband, Net Worth and Career

Norah O’Donnell stands as one of America’s most recognizable faces in broadcast journalism. As the anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News, she delivers breaking news to millions of viewers every night. Her journey from a military family background to the pinnacle of television journalism showcases a career built on dedication, excellence, and groundbreaking achievements.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about Norah from her early life and education to her current role at CBS News. Whether you’re curious about her personal life, career milestones, or professional achievements, you’ll find detailed answers to your questions about this influential journalist.

Norah O’Donnell Net Worth

As a leading figure in broadcast journalism, Norah O’Donnell’s compensation reflects her high-profile role.

• Norah O’Donnell Net Worth: While figures vary across different sources, her net worth is most widely estimated to be around $22 million. This wealth has been accumulated over a distinguished career spanning several decades at major news networks.

Norah O’Donnell’s Salary

• Norah O’Donnell Salary: Her annual salary at CBS News is reported to be approximately $8 million. This places her among the top-paid journalists in the industry, underscoring her value as the anchor of a flagship evening news program.

Who is Norah O’Donnell?

Norah Morahan O’Donnell is an American television journalist who currently serves as the anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News. She also works as a senior correspondent for CBS News and a contributing correspondent for the prestigious news magazine show 60 Minutes.

Born on January 23, 1974, in Washington, D.C., O’Donnell has become one of the most respected voices in broadcast journalism. Her authoritative interviewing style and commitment to in-depth reporting have earned her numerous awards and recognition throughout her career. She made history in 2019 by becoming the first woman to solo anchor CBS Evening News, cementing her position as a trailblazer in the industry.

How did Norah O’Donnell become famous?

Norah O’Donnell path to fame began with her educational foundation and gradually built through strategic career moves across major news networks. Her journalism career started as a staff writer for Roll Call, a Capitol Hill publication, where she honed her political reporting skills.

In 1999, she joined NBC News, where she spent twelve years building her reputation. During her time at NBC, she served as an anchor on Weekend Today and MSNBC Live, while also contributing reports to various NBC programs including The Today Show, Dateline NBC, and NBC Nightly News. Her work covering the September 11, 2001 attacks for Dateline NBC earned her the Sigma Delta Chi Award for Breaking News Coverage.

O’Donnell’s big break came when she transitioned to CBS News, where she initially served as Chief White House Correspondent. She later became co-anchor of CBS This Morning before ultimately taking over as the sole anchor of CBS Evening News. Her ability to cover six presidential elections and interview every living U.S. president has solidified her reputation as a premier political journalist.

Wikipedia and Wikipedia/Biography

Norah Morahan O’Donnell was born on January 23, 1974, in Washington, D.C. Her father, Francis Lawrence O’Donnell, was a doctor and a U.S. Army officer, which meant the family moved frequently during her childhood. At age three, she moved to San Antonio, Texas, and later spent time living in Seoul, South Korea, and Germany.

Her broadcasting career began at the early age of 10, when she recorded videotaped English lessons for the Korean Educational Development Institute. She is of Irish descen. For her higher education, O’Donnell attended Georgetown University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy in 1995. She later returned to her alma mater, completing a Master of Arts in liberal studies in 2003.

Norah O’Donnell Age

Norah O’Donnell is 51 years old as of 2025, having been born on January 23, 1974. Her zodiac sign is Aquarius, which often reflects traits of independence and intellectual curiosity qualities evident in her journalistic approach. O’Donnell holds American nationality and is of Irish-American ethnicity. Both her parents are of Irish descent, contributing to her strong cultural identity.

Norah O’Donnell Zodiac Sign and Nationality

Norah O’Donnell was born on January 23, 1974, making her zodiac sign Aquarius. This air sign is known for characteristics like independence, innovation, and strong communication skills traits that have clearly served her well throughout her journalism career. At 50 years old, O’Donnell continues to demonstrate the forward-thinking and humanitarian nature often associated with Aquarians.

Her nationality is American, and she has spent her entire career in American broadcast journalism. O’Donnell’s deep connection to her country is evident in her extensive coverage of American politics and her role in informing the American public about critical national and international issues.

Norah O’Donnell Ethnicity

Norah O’Donnell’s ethnicity is Irish-American, with both her parents being of Irish descent. This heritage has influenced her identity and personal values, though she has primarily focused her public persona on her professional achievements rather than her ethnic background. Her Irish roots connect her to a rich tradition of storytelling and communication, skills that have undoubtedly contributed to her success in broadcast journalism.

Norah O’Donnell Height and Weight

Norah O’Donnell stands 5 feet 7 inches tall (1.72 meters) with a weight of approximately 65 kilograms. She has distinctive blue eyes and light brown hair, with body measurements of 35-29-36 inches. Her professional appearance has become iconic among news viewers.

Regarding Norah weight loss, she maintains her health through a disciplined approach to nutrition. She enjoys eating fruits and vegetables as part of her daily diet routine with minimal meat consumption. During her time as a CBS Morning anchor, she even participated in a weight loss special program before transitioning to anchoring the evening news, demonstrating her commitment to health and wellness.

Height	In Meter : 1.72 m In Feet : 5′ 7″ ft
Weight	In Kg : 65 Kg In Pound : 143 lbs
Figure Measurement	35-29-36
Eye Colour	Blue
Hair Colour	Blonde

Norah O’Donnell Weight Loss

Norah O’Donnell maintains her health through a disciplined approach to nutrition and lifestyle. She follows a diet rich in fruits and vegetables with little to no meat consumption, which aligns with many health experts’ recommendations for maintaining optimal weight and overall wellness. During her tenure as a CBS Morning anchor, O’Donnell participated in a special weight loss program before transitioning to anchor the evening news.

Her commitment to healthy eating reflects her overall approach to maintaining the energy and stamina required for her demanding career in broadcast journalism. O’Donnell’s dietary choices demonstrate how public figures can maintain their health while managing the pressures of a high-profile career.

Norah O’Donnell Illness

Norah O’Donnell has faced some health challenges throughout her career. In 2016, she was diagnosed with melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer that was successfully removed. This experience likely reinforced the importance of regular health screenings and early detection.

Additionally, in March 2019, O’Donnell underwent an emergency appendectomy. Despite these health concerns, she has continued to maintain her demanding schedule as a news anchor and correspondent, demonstrating remarkable resilience and dedication to her profession.

Norah O’Donnell Early Life and Education

Norah O’Donnell early life was filled with unique experiences due to her father’s military career. As the daughter of Francis O’Donnell, a military physician and US Army officer, she lived in various locations including San Antonio, Texas; Landstuhl, Germany; and Seoul, South Korea. This international exposure during her formative years likely contributed to her global perspective on news and current events.

Her mother, Norah Sr. O’Donnell, demonstrated the value of lifelong learning by returning to school at age 67 to study microbiology. O’Donnell has two siblings: Mary O’Donnell and Francis O’Donnell. The family’s emphasis on education and service influenced her career path.

For her education, O’Donnell attended Douglas MacArthur High School in San Antonio. She then pursued higher education at Georgetown University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy in 1995, followed by a Master of Arts degree in Liberal Studies in 2003. Georgetown University proved to be significant not only for her academic achievements but also for her personal life, as it’s where she met her future husband.

School	Douglas Mac Arthur High School
College	George Town University
Educational Qualification	Master of Arts

Norah O’Donnell Personal Life

Norah O’Donnell married Geoff Tracy, a restaurateur in Washington, D.C., in 2001. The couple met while both were students at Georgetown University, and their relationship has remained strong throughout O’Donnell’s demanding career in journalism.

The couple has three children together: twins Grace and Henry, born on May 20, 2007, and daughter Riley Norah Tracy, born on July 5, 2008. Balancing a high-profile career with motherhood, O’Donnell has spoken about the challenges and rewards of raising children while maintaining her position in broadcast journalism.

O’Donnell’s hobbies reflect her intellectual curiosity and commitment to staying informed. She enjoys reading books, working out, and reading The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal daily. She has also co-authored a cooking book with her youngest child, Riley, showcasing the family’s shared interests beyond her professional life.

Norah O’Donnell Bikini and No Makeup

As a public figure, aspects of Norah personal style and appearance often draw interest from viewers.

• Norah O’Donnell Bikini and No Makeup: As a prominent television journalist, O’Donnell maintains a professional and polished on-air presence. While she leads a private personal life, discussions online sometimes touch on her appearance, including searches for “O’Donnell bikini” or “no makeup” photos, reflecting public curiosity about her life outside the news studio.

Norah O’Donnell Parents and Family

Norah O’Donnell comes from a family with strong ties to public service and medicine. Her father, Francis Lawrence O’Donnell, was both a medical doctor and a US Army officer, combining military service with healthcare. Her mother, Noreen Bernadette O’Donnell, was also a medical practitioner. This background in both military service and healthcare likely influenced O’Donnell’s dedication to public service through journalism.

The family’s commitment to serving others whether through medicine or military service appears to have shaped O’Donnell’s own career choice in journalism, where she serves the public by providing crucial information and holding powerful figures accountable.

Norah O’Donnell Sister

Norah O’Donnell’s sister is Mary O’Donnell, who followed in their parents’ footsteps by pursuing a career in medicine as a military physician. Mary’s career choice reflects the family’s continued tradition of combining public service with healthcare, similar to their father’s dual role as a doctor and Army officer.

The O’Donnell family also includes brothers Frank and Matthew, making Norah part of a close-knit family with strong values centered around service to others.

Norah O’Donnell Husband

Norah O’Donnell married Geoff Tracy in June 2001, and their marriage has remained strong for over two decades. Geoff Tracy is a successful chef and restaurateur who owns multiple restaurants in the Washington, DC area, including Chef Geoff’s and Lia’s in Chevy Chase. Born on January 23, 1974 (the same day as his wife), Tracy stands 5 feet 9 inches tall.

Tracy’s educational background includes attending Choate Rosemary Hall for high school before earning a bachelor’s degree in theology from Georgetown University in 1995. He also studied at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Beyond his restaurant empire, Tracy has co-authored a best-selling parenting cookbook titled “Baby Love: Healthy, Easy, Delicious Meals for Your Baby and Toddler.”

Marital Status	Married
Boyfriends	Geoff Tracy (Restaurateur)
Marriage Date	June 9, 200

Norah O’Donnell Son

Norah O’Donnell and Geoff Tracy have a son named Henry Tracy, who is one of their twin children. Henry was born on May 20, 2007, along with his twin sister Grace. As one of the O’Donnell-Tracy twins, Henry has grown up in a household where both parents have demanding careers his mother in broadcast journalism and his father in the restaurant industry.

Norah O’Donnell’s Career and Professional Journey

Norah O’Donnell career in journalism began in print. She started as a staff writer for Roll Call, a Capitol Hill newspaper, where she covered Congress. This role provided her with a deep understanding of the inner workings of Washington, D.C.

Norah O’Donnell’s career spans over two decades and includes numerous prestigious positions across major news networks. Her Emmy Award-winning journalism has covered some of the most significant events in recent American history, including 9/11 and the Iraq War.

At CBS News, O’Donnell has held several key positions. She served as Chief White House Correspondent, co-hosted CBS This Morning, and now anchors CBS Evening News with over 7 million viewers per episode. She also contributes to 60 Minutes and hosts Person to Person, showcasing her versatility as a journalist.

Her investigative work has earned critical acclaim. In 2018, she won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Investigative Report in a Newscast for her story “U.S. Air Force Academy Sexual Assault” on CBS This Morning. She also received an Emmy in 2008 as part of NBC News’ team for Election Night coverage.

In 1999, she transitioned to broadcast journalism by joining NBC News. Over her 12 years with the network, she took on numerous significant roles, including:

• Chief Washington Correspondent for MSNBC
• White House correspondent for NBC News
• Commentator for the Today show
• Anchor on Weekend Today and MSNBC Live

Her work at NBC established her as a formidable political reporter, covering the Pentagon, Congress, and the White House.

Norah O’Donnell at CBS News

In 2011, O’Donnell made a significant career move to CBS News. She quickly became a central figure at the network, initially serving as the Chief White House Correspondent. In 2012, she was named co-anchor of CBS This Morning, where she helped lead the program to a period of consistent ratings growth.

In 2019, she was promoted to anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News, a prestigious role that placed her among the elite journalists in broadcast history. In this position, she became the only woman to currently anchor a network evening news program, leading the broadcast from Washington, D.C.

Beyond the evening news, O’Donnell is also a contributing correspondent for the legendary newsmagazine 60 Minutes and serves as a lead anchor for CBS’s political event coverage. Throughout her time at CBS, she has conducted high-profile interviews with major figures, including an exclusive 2024 interview with Pope Francis, as well as conversations with President Joe Biden and former Vice President Mike Pence.

Is Norah O’Donnell Leaving CBS Evening News?

Despite occasional rumors and speculation, a common feature in the high-stakes world of network news, there has been no official announcement that Norah is leaving CBS Evening News. She continues to be the face of the network’s flagship news broadcast.

Norah O’Donnell’s Political Party

O’Donnell has never publicly declared a political party affiliation, which is standard practice for objective journalists at major news organizations. While some observers suggest she may lean toward the Democratic party, her reporting is focused on maintaining impartiality.

Awards and Recognition

Norah O’Donnell has received numerous awards for her journalism.

• Emmy Awards: She has won two Emmy Awards, one in 2008 for NBC News’s election night coverage and another in 2018 for her report on sexual assault in the U.S. Air Force Academy.
• Sigma Delta Chi Award: She was recognized for breaking news coverage of the “D.C. In Crisis” story.
• Other Honors: O’Donnell has also received an Edward R. Murrow Award, a Scripps Howard Award, and a duPont-Columbia Award. Additionally, Washingtonian Magazine has named her one of the 100 most powerful women in Washington.

Norah O’Donnell Twins

The twins Grace and Henry Tracy were born on May 20, 2007, making them 16 years old as of 2023. Growing up as the children of two successful parents, the twins have experienced life in the spotlight while their parents have worked to maintain their privacy. Grace and Henry have a younger sister, Riley Norah Tracy, who was born on July 5, 2008, completing the family of three children.

The family’s dynamic reflects the challenges and rewards of balancing high-profile careers with parenting responsibilities. Both O’Donnell and Tracy have spoken about the importance of family time and creating stability for their children despite their demanding professional schedules.

Social media Account

Norah uses both Instagram and Twitter a lot. You can find her on Instagram using the name @norahodonnell, where 173k people follow her, but she only follows 1,797 people. She also has a Twitter account with her actual name, @norah O’Donnell, where she has more than a thousand followers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Norah O’Donnell net worth?
Norah O’Donnell’s net worth is estimated to $22 million, reflecting her successful career in broadcast journalism and various media ventures.

What awards has Norah O’Donnell won?
O’Donnell has won multiple Emmy Awards, including recognition for her investigative work and election coverage. She also received the Sigma Delta Chi Award for Breaking News Coverage, the 2021 Sol Taishoff Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism, and the 2019 New York Women in Communications Matrix Award.

When did Norah O’Donnell become the anchor of CBS Evening News?
Norah O’Donnell became the anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News in 2019, making history as the first woman to solo anchor this prestigious evening newscast.

Where did Norah work before CBS?
Before joining CBS News, O’Donnell worked at NBC News for twelve years, serving in various roles including White House Correspondent, Chief Washington Correspondent for MSNBC, and anchor positions on Weekend Today and MSNBC Live.