Jane Pauley was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was the second child of Richard Pauley, a traveling salesman, and Mary Pauley, a homemaker. From an early age, Jane showed a keen interest in public speaking and debate, participating actively in her high school’s debate team. After graduating from Warren Central High School, she attended Indiana University, where she earned a degree in political science.
| Full Name | Margaret Jane Pauley |
| Date of Birth | October 31, 1950 |
| Age | 73 years old (as of 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Indianapolis, Indiana, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Indiana University, B.A. in Political Science |
| Occupation | Journalist, Television Host |
| Years Active | 1972–present |
| Spouse | Garry Trudeau (m. 1980) |
| Children | 3 (Rachel, Ross, and Thomas Trudeau) |
| Notable Works | “Today,” “Dateline NBC,” “CBS Sunday Morning” |
| Awards | Multiple Emmy Awards, Edward R. Murrow Award |
| Books | “Skywriting: A Life Out of the Blue” |
Career
Jane Pauley’s journalism career began in 1972 when she joined WISH-TV in Indianapolis as a reporter and anchor. Her work caught the attention of WMAQ-TV in Chicago, where she became the first woman to anchor a weekday evening newscast in Chicago in 1975.
In 1976, Pauley joined NBC’s “Today” show as a co-host alongside Tom Brokaw, making her a household name across America. She remained with the “Today” show until 1989, becoming one of the longest-serving hosts and a beloved figure in morning television. Pauley’s departure from “Today” was widely publicized and marked the end of an era for the show.
Following her time at “Today,” she became a co-anchor for “Dateline NBC” in 1992, a position she held until 2003. During her time at “Dateline,” Pauley covered significant national and international events, further solidifying her reputation as a respected journalist.
In 2004, Pauley launched her own talk show, “The Jane Pauley Show,” which was short-lived but demonstrated her versatility as a television host. She also published her memoir, “Skywriting: A Life Out of the Blue,” the same year, where she candidly discussed her struggle with bipolar disorder.
Since 2016, Jane Pauley has been the anchor of “CBS Sunday Morning,” bringing her warm and engaging style to a new generation of viewers.
Personal Life
Jane Pauley married cartoonist Garry Trudeau, best known for creating the comic strip “Doonesbury,” in 1980. The couple has three children: Rachel, Ross, and Thomas. Pauley has been open about her experiences with bipolar disorder, which she was diagnosed with in 2001. Her openness about her mental health challenges has been praised for reducing the stigma around mental illness.
Awards and Honors
Jane Pauley has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including multiple Emmy Awards and the Edward R. Murrow Award for Outstanding Achievement. In 2021, she was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame, recognizing her significant contributions to broadcast journalism.
Net Worth Table
| Estimated Net Worth | $40 million (as of 2024) |
| Primary Sources | Journalism, Television Hosting, Book Sales |
| Assets | Various real estate holdings, investments |
| Annual Salary | Approx. $6 million (as CBS Sunday Morning anchor) |
