Norah O’Donnell Biography: Age, Husband, Career, Salary, Net Worth, Awards & Facts (2025) in 2025

Norah O’Donnell is a renowned American television journalist and anchor, best known as the lead anchor of the CBS Evening News. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, she has become a trusted voice in broadcast journalism, earning multiple awards and recognition for her insightful reporting and dedication to factual storytelling. O’Donnell’s influence extends beyond the newsroom, making her one of the most respected figures in American media today.

Quick Facts

Full Name	Norah Morahan O’Donnell
Nickname	Norah
Profession / Occupation	Journalist, News Anchor
Birth Date	January 23, 1974
Age	51 (as of 2025)
Birth Place	Washington, D.C., USA
Nationality	American
Famous For	Anchor of CBS Evening News
Known For	Broadcast Journalism, Political Reporting
Ethnicity	Irish-American
Zodiac Sign	Aquarius
Height & Weight	5 ft 7 in (170 cm) / approx. 128 lbs (58 kg)
Hair Color	Brown
Eye Color	Blue
Education	Georgetown University (B.A., M.A.)
Religion	Roman Catholic
Marital Status/Spouse	Married to Geoff Tracy
Children	Three
Relatives	Francis O’Donnell (father)
Hobbies	Cooking, Running, Reading
Employer/Organization	CBS News
Years Active	1994–present
Net Worth (Estimated)	$22 million (2025)

Early Life & Education

Norah O’Donnell was born on January 23, 1974, in Washington, D.C., into a military family. Her father, Francis O’Donnell, was a doctor and U.S. Army officer, which meant Norah spent part of her childhood in San Antonio, Texas, and even lived in Seoul, South Korea, during her formative years. She attended Douglas MacArthur High School in San Antonio before earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Georgetown University. Her early exposure to diverse cultures and global affairs sparked a passion for journalism and storytelling.

Career Journey

Beginnings in Journalism

Norah began her journalism career as a staff writer for Roll Call, covering Congress. Her analytical skills and confidence quickly set her apart, leading to opportunities in television news.

Major Milestones

Joined NBC News in the late 1990s, serving as Washington Bureau correspondent.
Became Chief Washington Correspondent for MSNBC and a regular contributor to Today and Dateline NBC.
Moved to CBS News in 2011, taking on roles including Chief White House Correspondent and co-anchor of CBS This Morning.
Appointed anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News in 2019, becoming the third woman to solo anchor a major network evening newscast.

Recent Activity & Current Position

As of 2025, Norah O’Donnell continues to anchor the CBS Evening News, leading coverage on major national and international events. Her reporting on the 2024 U.S. presidential election and global crises has been widely praised for its clarity and depth.

Career Highlights & Achievements

Interviewed U.S. Presidents, world leaders, and influential figures.
Led CBS’s coverage of COVID-19, the Ukraine conflict, and significant U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
Consistently high ratings for CBS Evening News under her leadership.

Personal Life

Norah O’Donnell is married to Geoff Tracy, a successful chef and restaurateur. The couple wed in 2001 and have three children together: Grace, Henry, and Riley. Norah is passionate about cooking and co-authored a cookbook with her husband. She enjoys running, reading, and spending time with family. O’Donnell is also involved in cancer awareness initiatives, inspired by her own health journey and her commitment to public health advocacy.

Awards & Achievements

Emmy Awards (multiple) for outstanding news coverage
Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast
Gracie Award for Outstanding Anchor
Honorary Doctorate from Georgetown University
Named among Forbes’ Most Powerful Women in Media

Physical Statistics

Height: 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
Weight: Approx. 128 lbs (58 kg)
Body Measurements: 34-26-36 inches (approx.)
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Brown
Shoe Size: 8 (US)
Sexuality: Straight

Quotes

“Journalism is about giving people the information they need to make the best decisions about their lives.”

“I believe in asking tough questions and holding those in power accountable.”

“There’s no substitute for hard work and integrity in the newsroom.”

Controversies

Norah O’Donnell has maintained a largely positive public image. However, she has faced scrutiny over alleged workplace tensions during her early years at CBS Evening News. O’Donnell and CBS have addressed these reports, emphasizing their commitment to a respectful and collaborative newsroom environment. She has also fielded criticism from political commentators on both sides of the aisle, a common experience for high-profile journalists.

Favorites

Food: Italian cuisine, especially homemade pasta
Book: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
TV Show: “60 Minutes”
Hobby: Cooking and running
Vacation Spot: Ireland

Salary & Net Worth

As of 2025, Norah O’Donnell’s estimated annual salary is approximately $8 million, according to industry sources and media reports. Her net worth is estimated at $22 million, accumulated through her long-standing journalism career, book deals, and public speaking engagements.

Interesting Facts

Norah is fluent in Spanish and has reported from over 20 countries.
She is a survivor of melanoma and advocates for skin cancer awareness.
Norah and her husband run several successful restaurants in Washington, D.C.
She was named to the Irish America Hall of Fame.
Norah is a frequent guest lecturer at major universities.

Social Media Links

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Norah O’Donnell in 2025?
Norah O’Donnell is 51 years old as of 2025, having been born on January 23, 1974.

Who is Norah O’Donnell’s husband?
She is married to Geoff Tracy, a prominent chef and restaurateur based in Washington, D.C.

What is Norah O’Donnell’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth in 2025 is around $22 million, primarily from her journalism career and book deals.

What awards has Norah O’Donnell won?
She has received multiple Emmy Awards, the Edward R. Murrow Award, and the Gracie Award for Outstanding Anchor, among others.

What is Norah O’Donnell’s height?
Norah stands 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.

How can I follow Norah O’Donnell on social media?
You can follow her on Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. See the links above for her official profiles.

Conclusion

Norah O’Donnell’s remarkable journey from a military family upbringing to becoming the face of CBS Evening News is a testament to her dedication, professionalism, and integrity. Her impact on American journalism continues to grow, inspiring audiences and aspiring journalists alike. If you found this biography insightful, please share it with others interested in the world of news and media.

Sources: CBS News, The New York Times, Forbes, Georgetown University, Variety, Adweek