In an emotional moment that touched viewers across the country, Fox News anchor Dana Perino and her husband, Peter McMahon, shared that they have officially adopted a 4-year-old boy who had been abandoned by his biological family. The announcement was made during a heartfelt segment on The Five, where Perino proudly introduced the child as their son. The reveal left fans misty-eyed and quickly spread across social media, with hashtags like #PerinoFamily and #NewBeginnings trending within hours.
Dana Perino, 53, a former White House Press Secretary and one of Fox News’ most recognizable personalities, has long been admired for her composure, compassion, and dedication to issues such as foster care reform. Her marriage to British businessman Peter McMahon, 70, has been a foundation of her personal life for nearly three decades. Together, the couple has embraced family at every stage, from welcoming their daughter Mira through surrogacy in December 2024 to supporting McMahon’s four adult children from a previous marriage. Now, with the adoption of Liam, they have expanded their circle in the most meaningful way.
According to friends close to the couple, the decision to adopt stemmed from their visit to a children’s shelter where they first met Liam. Despite his difficult past, the boy’s resilience and vibrant spirit left a lasting impression on them. “Dana and Peter met Liam months ago during a shelter visit,” a family friend shared. “They were deeply moved by his strength and knew they had to give him a home.” The adoption process remained private until it was finalized, reflecting Perino’s preference to handle personal matters with quiet dignity.
The announcement itself was one of the most emotional moments viewers have seen from Perino. As the studio dimmed, she walked onto the set holding Liam’s hand. The child, with wide eyes and a shy smile, stayed close to her as she introduced him. “This is Liam,” she said, her voice trembling. “He’s been through more than any child should, but today he is our son. Peter and I are honored to give him the love and home he deserves.” The camera captured McMahon watching proudly, while co-hosts Greg Gutfeld and Jesse Watters offered warm congratulations. Gutfeld even lightened the moment with a quip, “Dana, you’re making us all cry here!”
The segment included a touching video of Liam’s early days with his new family—reading bedtime stories, exploring their home, and bonding with their rescue dog Theo. Perino described Liam as curious, brave, and fascinated with dinosaurs. “Every day feels like a new adventure,” she said, smiling.
Perino closed the segment with a message about the importance of adoption and foster care. “There are so many kids like Liam,” she said. “They just need someone to believe in them.” Her words echoed her long-standing commitment to helping children who age out of foster care, a number estimated at 23,000 each year in the United States. In a follow-up interview, she emphasized that their choice was about action, not just advocacy. “We wanted to be part of the change. Liam is our family now, and we’re giving him everything we can.”
The announcement sparked a wave of positive reactions. Social media quickly filled with messages of admiration and support. One user wrote, “Dana Perino is a class act—adopting Liam and sharing his story with such grace.” Another added, “This is what love looks like. Seeing Liam with Dana and Peter brought tears to my eyes.” The hashtag #LiamPerino trended as fans shared their own adoption stories.
Fox News also released a statement praising Perino’s compassion, while colleagues such as Bill Hemmer and Laura Ingraham expressed admiration. Ingraham noted, “Dana has always been a mentor and a light—now she’s a mom to Liam, and it’s beautiful to see.”
For Dana Perino, balancing a high-profile career with a deeply personal journey, the adoption marks a powerful new chapter. “Liam’s our miracle,” she said simply. “And we’re just getting started.”
