For decades, mornings in Peter Doocy’s life started with the same comforting sight: his father, Steve Doocy, already hard at work on Fox & Friends. But that familiar ritual recently shifted — and with it, a new chapter in both their careers and family life began.
In May, 68-year-old Steve Doocy stepped away from his daily New York studio duties, moving to a Florida-based role where he now appears three days a week. The change marks a dramatic adjustment after decades of shared routines that defined not only their work but the heartbeat of their family mornings.
“It’s definitely an adjustment not seeing him on TV for the full three hours of my weekdays,” Peter, 37, told Us Weekly. “He’s been there during every breakfast since I was in second grade.”
Yet, the new schedule has opened unexpected doors — especially for family time.
“We’re thrilled this assignment lets him spend more time with the grandkids,” Peter added. “They now get to do one of my favorite things: join him at work.”
Peter & Steve Doocy / Instagram
A New Routine, Shaped by Family and Distance
The Florida move has already created new memories. Earlier this month, Peter and his wife, Fox Business correspondent Hillary Vaughn, brought their two children to Nationals Park to spend time with Steve during the Congressional baseball game.
Steve embraced his new life in Florida with a mix of humor and practicality.
“Our kids today live all over the country,” he said. “If you were them — and your parents invited you for a weekend visit — would you rather go to the house in New Jersey you grew up in, where you still have to clean out closets, or to sunny, fun-filled Florida?”
“Get the suntan lotion, Dad! We’ll be there Friday night! Can mom get that smoked fish dip from Publix?” he joked.
Steve Doocy babysitting / Instagram
Peter, meanwhile, stays rooted in Washington.
“Absolutely, we love Florida!” he said. “But right now, Hillary and I need to be close to all the action on Capitol Hill and at the White House.”
From Childhood Memories to Shared Careers
Peter’s journey into journalism wasn’t always a given. Steve recalled how the family once assumed Peter would choose a different path — until a turning point led him straight into the newsroom.
“One thing led to another, and next thing you know, he was Fox News’ college-aged correspondent,” Steve said. “I never had ‘senior White House correspondent’ on my BINGO card for Peter.”
The contrast between Peter as a toddler and Peter at the White House is not lost on Steve.
“I remember taking him to the White House Easter Egg Roll when he was two, chewing on my press pass,” Steve said. “And then, in the blink of an eye… he works at the White House!”
Their professional connection continues to strengthen their bond.
“My dad is still the best in the business,” Peter said. “He taught me everything I know about how TV works.”
Even now, their conversations often revolve around the news.
“Talking with him about the day’s stories helps me distill the most interesting parts before I go pick the President’s brain,” Peter added.
Advice, Respect, and Shared Moments
Early on, Peter leaned heavily on Steve’s guidance, saving himself some rookie mistakes along the way.
“Having been there, done that, I probably saved him some time making the same mistakes I did 30 years ago,” Steve said.
Today, the dynamic has flipped.
“Honestly, I think I ask him for more advice than he asks me!” Steve admitted.
Even small gestures carry meaning.
“If I see a quote or statistic that might help him with reporting, I send it his way,” Steve said. “And if he uses my tidbit on TV, it makes me happy — even though the whole world hangs on his questions, he still listens to his old man.”
The lessons Steve passed on extend beyond journalism.
“He taught me not to spend all my time looking ahead at the next milestone for the kids,” Peter said. “To savor every moment in the present.”
Now, Peter is passing that wisdom to his own children, with Steve playing an active role in recreating the best parts of his son’s childhood.
From cherished toys to familiar books, the past lives on — lovingly carried forward into a new generation of Doocys.
