While millions of viewers tune in every morning to watch Steve Doocy on Fox & Friends, his wife of nearly four decades, Kathy Doocy (born Kathy Gerrity), has largely lived away from the daily broadcast spotlight. Before shifting her focus to family life and writing, Kathy forged her own path in the media and modeling industries. Understanding who she is involves looking past the morning show desk to a career in television broadcasting, a decades-long marriage, and a tight-knit family.
Early Career in Modeling and Broadcasting
Long before she became a fixture of morning television trivia, Kathy Gerrity built an active professional life in front of the camera. She started out as a Ford model, appearing in numerous national print advertisements and television commercials. Sharp-eyed pop culture historians often note her early commercial work, which included high-profile campaigns for major brands.
Transitioning from commercial modeling to journalism, Kathy worked as a television news reporter and sports broadcaster. She served as a host for ESPN's Sidelines and held reporting roles at local and national network affiliates. Her background in newsrooms is actually how she crossed paths with her future husband.
Meeting Steve Doocy and Building a Family
Kathy met Steve Doocy in the mid-1980s while both were working at WRC-TV, the NBC owned-and-operated station in Washington, D.C. What started as a professional acquaintance blossomed into a relationship. On Valentine's Day in 1986, Steve proposed to Kathy at The Palm restaurant in Washington, D.C. They married later that year.
As their family began to grow, Kathy made the intentional choice to step back from daily on-air broadcasting to become a full-time stay-at-home mother. The couple welcomed three children:
- Peter Doocy, born in 1987, who followed his parents into journalism and serves as a prominent White House correspondent for Fox News.
- Sally Doocy, who maintains a private life away from cable news production.
- Mary Doocy, the youngest sibling, who also pursued paths outside the public eye.
Steve and Kathy made a deliberate choice to raise their children in a single, stable suburban home in New Jersey, ensuring the kids didn't have to endure constant relocations as their father's broadcasting career took off.
Authorship and Creative Projects
Though she stepped away from daily reporting, Kathy didn't completely abandon writing and publishing. She collaborated with her husband on The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook, published via HarperCollins, which humorously and candidly details the dynamics of a long-term marriage.
Later, inspired by a desire to preserve family culinary traditions for her adult children, she authored the Happy Cookbook. The book compiles comfort food recipes and family favorites that defined her household while raising Peter, Sally, and Mary.
Health Challenges and Public Advocacy
In recent years, Kathy faced a significant personal health battle when she was diagnosed with eye cancer. Steve Doocy has spoken openly about supporting his wife through treatment, emphasizing the importance of early detection.
Fortunately, Kathy received successful medical care and emerged with a clean bill of health. The couple used the experience to raise public awareness about ocular melanoma, prompting many viewers to schedule preventative screenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Steve and Kathy Doocy get married?
Steve and Kathy married in 1986 after dating for a couple of years following their meeting at WRC-TV in Washington, D.C. They celebrated nearly four decades of marriage.
What was Kathy Doocy's career before marriage?
Before focusing on family life, Kathy worked as a Ford model, appeared in national commercials, and worked as a sports reporter and host for programs like ESPN's Sidelines.
How many children do Steve and Kathy have?
They share three children: Peter, Sally, and Mary. Their eldest son, Peter Doocy, is a well-known national journalist.
Did Kathy Doocy write any books?
Yes. She co-authored The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook with her husband and later wrote the Happy Cookbook to pass down family recipes to her children.
