Anderson Cooper Exits '60 Minutes' to Spend More Time with Sons – How the Two Gorgeous Boys Look

For years, he reported from war zones and corridors of power, but off camera, a quieter transformation was unfolding, one that would ultimately pull him away from prestige television and into a life defined by sippy cups, bedtime stories, and small hands holding his own.

After nearly two decades at one of television's most iconic news programs, Anderson Cooper is closing a major chapter of his career.

But the real story isn't about television… It's about two little boys who quietly became the center of his universe. Scroll down further to see photos of Cooper's gorgeous sons!

When the World's Headlines Stopped Being the Biggest Story in His Life

For almost 20 years, Cooper managed to do something few journalists ever have: balance major roles on both cable and network television.

Since joining "60 Minutes" in 2007 — while continuing to anchor CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360°" — he became one of the rare figures trusted across both platforms.

That's what makes this decision feel so monumental. In a statement to People, Cooper reflected on what the role meant to him:

"Being a correspondent at '60 Minutes' has been one of the great honors of my career. I got to tell amazing stories, and work with some of the best producers, editors, and camera crews in the business."

For a journalist whose career has spanned war zones, presidential elections, natural disasters, and cultural milestones, that is no small statement.

But then he said something that revealed exactly where his priorities now lie:

"For nearly twenty years, I've been able to balance my jobs at CNN and CBS, but I have little kids now and [sic] I want to spend as much time with them as possible, while they still want to spend time with me."

That final clause — "while they still want to spend time with me" — speaks volumes. Additionally, he isn't walking away from journalism, as he remains firmly at CNN.

But he is choosing to step back from the intense travel and time demands of "60 Minutes" because fatherhood has changed the equation.

CBS News has since responded to his decision with warmth and gratitude: "For more than two decades, Anderson Cooper has taken '60 Minutes' viewers on journeys to faraway places, told us unforgettable stories, reported consequential investigations and [sic] interviewed many prominent figures."

The network added that they are grateful for his dedication, and that "60 Minutes" will be here if he ever wants to return. In other words, the door is open. But for now, home is calling...

The Road to Fatherhood

Cooper's shift in priorities began in 2020. In a deeply personal Instagram announcement made in May of that year, he introduced the world to his firstborn son. "I want to share with you some joyful news. On Monday, I became a father. This is Wyatt Cooper."

The beautiful baby boy was born weighing 7.2 pounds and named after Cooper's father, who died when the news anchor was just ten years old. "I hope I can be as good a dad as he was," Cooper wrote. Meanwhile, the middle name Morgan carries family significance on his mother's side.

In a touching detail, Cooper revealed he had found a list his parents made 52 years earlier while choosing names for him, and Morgan was on it.

But perhaps most powerful was what he shared about identity and possibility:

"As a gay kid, I never thought it would be possible to have a child, and I'm grateful for all those who have paved the way."

He expressed profound gratitude to the surrogate who carried his firstborn, calling what she did an "extraordinary blessing." "My surrogate has a beautiful family of her own [...], and I am incredibly thankful for all the support they have given Wyatt and me."

He also reflected on loss, penning, "I do wish my mom and dad and my brother, Carter, were alive to meet Wyatt [...] I imagine them all together [...] happy to know that their love is alive in me [sic] and in Wyatt."

It was one of the most emotionally open moments of his public life.

A Second Son, and an Expanding Definition of Family

In February 2022, Cooper's heart expanded again. During a broadcast of "AC360," he announced the birth of his second son, Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper, as reported by CNN.

"He was 6.8 pounds at birth, and he is healthy and happy. Even his occasional hiccups are, to me, adorable," Cooper divulged, before adding, "[He] mostly just sleeps and eats and [sic] he certainly poops, but he already seems like a wise and thoughtful little chap."

Cooper again thanked the doctors and nurses, and especially the surrogate who carried his secondborn. "The sacrifices she and her family [...] made, and the love that they gave Sebastian this past year has been extraordinary."

He also shared that he would be taking time off to be with his children, something that, in hindsight, foreshadowed his eventual decision regarding "60 Minutes."

Cooper's Split from Benjamin Maisani, and Why They Chose to Co-Parent

Long before the babies arrived, Cooper and his ex, Benjamin Maisani, ended their romantic relationship in 2018. But the story didn't end there…

In a statement to People, Cooper explained:

"Benjamin and I separated as boyfriends some time ago. We are still family to each other, and love each other very much [...] We remain the best of friends, and will continue to share much of our lives together."

That phrase — "still family to each other" — would soon take on even deeper meaning. Though they were no longer a couple, Cooper knew he wanted Maisani to be part of his children's lives from the very beginning. When his first son was born in 2020, the two had already decided they would raise him together.

Speaking to People, Cooper described their parenting dynamic candidly, "It's awesome. It's probably an unusual setup, but I knew he would be a great dad, and he is. We're exes, but we're family to each other, and we love each other as family and as co-parents."

Of course, no parenting situation is without its quirks. "There's the usual bickering that any two people have when there's a kid involved, like what time should he go to swimming class, or should he wear the overalls, or whatever," he admitted. "But all silly, minor things. We get along great."

Cooper continued, "I've always believed that if you've been with somebody and that ends, in terms of an intimate relationship, if you love somebody, there's no reason why that love shouldn't continue."

Maisani, for his part, even reflected on how fatherhood changed Cooper. "Anderson has changed a lot since Wyatt arrived. He's happy and relaxed in a way he's never been before. Wyatt has grounded him," the business owner disclosed.

In another interview with People, Cooper later dubbed co-parenting as "very natural," adding, "I work nights, and so he's there at night. And we both wake up right before they wake up, get them their milk and [sic] spend the first couple of hours of the day just us with them."

And then, in classic Cooper fashion, he noted, "And Benjamin speaks French to them. I have no idea what they're saying. I think they're plotting against me."

The boys even play with toys from Cooper's own childhood. "I recently found wooden blocks that my brother and I played with [...] And so now to see Wyatt playing with those and building things, it's crazy."

He called it "lovely to see this cycle of life and of love and how all these things sort of repeat." But perhaps the most revealing insight into why he chose this co-parenting path came during an interview, which Page Six reported on…

Reflecting on his own childhood after losing his father, Cooper shared:

"We didn’t work out as a couple, but … when I was a little kid, it was just my mom and my brother but it was my mom — she was not the most parental person and I wish some adult after my dad died had stepped in and just been like, ‘You know what, I’ll take you to a ball game.'"

He continued, "If more people love my son and are in his life, I'm all for that." And then came the line that defines his parenting philosophy: "You know, my ex is a great guy, and I think it's good to have two parents if you can."

A Closer Look at the Two Boys Who Changed Everything

So what do the two sons who inspired Cooper to step away from "60 Minutes" look like now?

The answer is as joyful as the story behind it.

Wyatt, now 5, has piercing blue eyes and an expressive little face that swings easily between mischief and sweetness.

Little Sebastian, 4, has equally striking blue eyes and a softer, observant expression.

There are sweet everyday moments and milestone memories.

Family adventures also fill their days.

And then there are the quiet, grounding moments.

Looking at these images, one thing is undeniable: These boys are not just adorable; they are clearly the center of Cooper's world. Bright-eyed, playful, thoughtful, and deeply loved.

After decades spent reporting from war zones and interviewing presidents, Cooper has chosen a different front line: Not the newsroom, not the field, but the living room floor, building blocks, bedtime stories, and mornings that start before sunrise.

And judging by those love-filled faces? He didn't just leave "60 Minutes," he stepped further into the role that matters most.