Who Is Dana Perino’s Husband? Inside Her Enduring Marriage to Peter McMahon
When people search for Dana Perino’s husband, they often want to know about the man who stands beside one of America’s most recognizable television personalities. Dana Perino, best known as a co-host on The Five on Fox News and a former White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush, has captured the admiration of millions for her intelligence, professionalism, and calm composure. But behind her success is a personal story that’s equally inspiring—a love story built on trust, humor, and mutual respect. Her husband, Peter McMahon, is not just her life partner but also a man with a fascinating life of his own. Together, they’ve built a marriage that has stood strong for over two decades, proving that true partnership can thrive even in the busy, high-pressure world of politics and media.
Who Is Dana Perino?
Dana Marie Perino was born on May 9, 1972, in Evanston, Wyoming, and raised in Denver, Colorado. From a young age, she displayed a keen interest in public speaking, debate, and communication. She graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in mass communications and minors in both political science and Spanish—a combination that would later define her career.
Her path to national prominence began when she worked in political communications, serving in various press roles before joining the George W. Bush administration. In 2007, she made history as one of the youngest women to become the White House Press Secretary. After her time in Washington, Perino transitioned to broadcasting, becoming one of Fox News’ most respected and influential figures.
Despite her visibility and success, Dana Perino has always kept her personal life remarkably grounded. She often credits her husband, Peter McMahon, for providing her with the balance and wisdom that help her navigate life in the public eye.
Who Is Dana Perino’s Husband?
Dana Perino’s husband is Peter McMahon, a British-born businessman known for his impressive career in international management and retail operations. Born in Blackpool, England, in 1954, McMahon built a decades-long career in the corporate world, working with leading companies across Europe and North America.
Peter has held leadership roles at major retail chains such as Sainsbury’s and Tesco in the United Kingdom and later at Loblaw, one of Canada’s largest food retailers. His expertise in supply chain management and business strategy earned him a reputation as a strong, level-headed leader. Eventually, his work brought him to the United States, where his life would take a fateful turn when he met Dana Perino.
Although McMahon maintains a much lower profile than his wife, he is admired by those who know him for his intelligence, charm, and sense of humor. Dana often describes him as her “calm in the storm,” a grounding presence who complements her driven personality perfectly.
How Dana Perino and Peter McMahon Met
The story of how Dana Perino met her husband sounds like something straight out of a romantic comedy. In 1997, while flying from Denver to Chicago, Dana happened to sit next to Peter on the plane. The two struck up a conversation that lasted the entire flight, discovering that they shared a love of politics, travel, and good conversation. Dana later said that she knew there was something special about him right away.
Despite their instant connection, there were a few surprising differences between them. Peter was 18 years older than Dana and lived across the Atlantic in England at the time. However, their age gap and geographical distance didn’t deter them. After keeping in touch following their meeting, their relationship blossomed into something deeper.
Within a year of that serendipitous airplane encounter, Peter and Dana were married in 1998 in England. Their love story proves that sometimes, the most unexpected meetings can lead to lifelong partnerships.
Their Marriage and Life Together
Over 25 years later, Dana Perino and Peter McMahon’s marriage remains one of the strongest and most admired in the media world. Despite the demands of Dana’s career and Peter’s international business commitments, they’ve built a relationship founded on respect, communication, and shared values.
After their marriage, the couple lived in the U.K. for a while before moving to the United States, where they eventually settled in the New York area. Dana’s professional responsibilities at Fox News often require long hours, but Peter’s steady nature and understanding personality have made him her biggest supporter.
Dana often says that Peter has a calm, steady influence on her life. While she thrives on structure and discipline, he brings balance through his humor and relaxed outlook. The couple’s dynamic is one of mutual admiration—Dana respects Peter’s wisdom and experience, and he encourages her to continue growing in her career.
They also share a deep love for their pets, particularly their dogs. Their beloved Vizsla, Jasper, became a favorite among Dana’s viewers when she often shared stories and photos of him on social media and even wrote a book titled Let Me Tell You About Jasper…. After Jasper’s passing in 2021, they welcomed another Vizsla named Percy, who now fills their home with energy and affection.
What Makes Their Relationship Work
When asked about the secret to their long and happy marriage, Dana often credits their ability to communicate openly, laugh often, and respect each other’s individuality. She has said in interviews that Peter’s sense of humor has helped her keep perspective during stressful times. He, in turn, admires her discipline, kindness, and optimism.
Their 18-year age difference has never been a source of conflict—in fact, Dana has said it’s one of the strengths of their relationship. Peter’s life experience and calm temperament complement Dana’s youthful energy and curiosity. Their relationship thrives because they both value independence while still prioritizing quality time together.
They also share a mutual love of travel and often spend time exploring new places together. Whether it’s visiting Peter’s hometown in England or taking trips across the U.S., they cherish experiences that allow them to learn and connect.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
Both Dana and Peter have demanding professional lives, but they approach their marriage as a true partnership. Dana has described Peter as her mentor as well as her husband, someone who gives her thoughtful advice on leadership and life. Peter, in turn, has expressed pride in her accomplishments, supporting her as she transitioned from political communications to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in television news.
The couple shares a philosophy rooted in gratitude and simplicity. Despite their success, they lead a relatively quiet life, focusing on family, close friendships, and meaningful work. They enjoy cooking together, spending time outdoors, and taking walks with their dog—a reminder that happiness often lies in the little things.
Featured Image Source: foxnews.com
