After nearly three decades on Fox & Friends, Steve Doocy is stepping back from his daily role—and the reason goes beyond the typical work-life balance. Heartbreaking personal tragedies, including the sudden loss of his parents and his wife Kathy’s fight with eye cancer, have led to this emotional decision. But what pushed the beloved host to prioritize family after years of tireless commitment? This shocking shift has left fans wondering: what’s really going on behind the scenes of Doocy’s life, and how will this change affect the future of Fox & Friends? Don’t miss the full, emotional story.

Steve Doocy Steps Back from ‘Fox & Friends’ to Focus on Family After Decades of Service

As Steve Doocy nears his 70s, many fans and industry insiders were surprised when he recently announced a significant shift in his role at Fox & Friends. The beloved co-host revealed in April 2025 that he would no longer be appearing daily on the famous “curvy couch” with co-hosts Ainsley Earhardt, Brian Kilmeade, and Lawrence Jones. Instead, Doocy will transition into a new position as the show’s “coast-to-coast host,” where he will cover niche, nationwide stories from his home base in Florida. The announcement marks a monumental change in his career, but the reasons behind the move are rooted in his deep commitment to family, after years of balancing work and personal life.

The Decision to Scale Back: A Focus on Family

During a recent episode of Fox & Friends, Doocy explained his decision to scale back, stating that family had become his top priority. “When my kids were growing up, I never had breakfast with them. I was always here,” he said, referencing the grueling schedule that often kept him away from his family. “But starting tomorrow, I’m going to have breakfast with my grandkids and my children whenever I can.” His shift in focus to family is timely, especially considering the hardships he has endured over the years.

Throughout his career, Doocy has faced a series of personal tragedies that have shaped his worldview. From the unexpected loss of his parents to the challenges faced by his wife, Kathy Doocy, in battling a rare cancer, Steve’s warm and approachable TV personality has been forged in the fires of these hardships. His decision to step back from Fox & Friends is, in many ways, an opportunity to give more of his time to his family after enduring so much loss.

The Loss of His Mother: A Devastating Blow

For Steve Doocy, the holiday season will always be bittersweet, as it marks the anniversary of his mother JoAnne’s sudden death on Christmas Eve in 1997. In a touching excerpt from his and Kathy’s The Happy Cookbook Series, Doocy shared the heartbreaking story of receiving the call from his sister, informing him that their mother had passed away just hours after they had spoken. JoAnne’s unexpected death cast a shadow over the holidays, a time that was traditionally full of family and warmth. Doocy often reminisces about his last phone call with his mother, a seemingly simple conversation about making gravy for the holiday dinner, which turned into a poignant memory after her passing.

To cope with his grief, Doocy began looking for signs from his mother, searching for ways to feel connected to her. He recalled an emotional moment during a church service when he spotted a packet of gravy at the altar—a sign that filled him with goosebumps. The presence of the gravy packet, paired with daisies (the flowers his mother carried on her wedding day), felt like a message from beyond, offering him comfort during a difficult time.

The Loss of His Father: A Heartfelt Goodbye

As if losing his mother wasn’t enough, Steve Doocy faced another devastating loss in 2014 when his father, Jim Doocy, passed away unexpectedly from an abdominal aortic embolism. In another moving excerpt from The Happy Cookbook Series, Doocy shared a deeply personal memory of a trip he took to Ireland with his father and his uncle, Phil. They hoped to trace their Irish ancestry but were disappointed to learn that the records had likely burned in a fire. Despite the setback, the trip turned into a cherished week filled with laughter and family bonding—a fitting tribute to the close relationship Steve had with his father.

The grief from losing both parents was overwhelming, but Doocy found solace in the small moments, like when his father proudly showed off a newspaper ad featuring Steve from Fox & Friends, keeping it as a keepsake in a scrapbook. “Some kids wait a lifetime for that moment,” Doocy said of the time his father told him how proud he was of his career. “And when it arrived, I was so choked up the only thing I could say was ‘Thank you.’”

Kathy Doocy’s Rare Cancer Diagnosis and the Birth of a New Project

Amid these personal tragedies, Steve Doocy’s unwavering dedication to his wife, Kathy, has been a driving force in his life. Kathy’s rare diagnosis of ocular melanoma in 2015, a cancer that develops in the eye, was another pivotal moment for the couple. Kathy’s cancer was discovered through a routine eye exam for new prescription sunglasses, a check-up that ultimately saved her life. The diagnosis came as a shock, and Kathy’s survival instincts led her to reflect on what she could leave behind for her family. That’s when the idea for the Doocys’ cookbook series, The Happy Cookbook, was born. The couple’s journey through Kathy’s cancer treatment and her eventual remission added an emotional layer to their successful project, which continues to resonate with fans today.

Saying Goodbye to Charlie, the Family Dog

Throughout his career, Steve Doocy has also demonstrated a deep love for animals, particularly his beloved dogs. In a poignant moment shared in The Happy Cookbook Series, Doocy reflected on the loss of his Golden Retriever, Charlie, who passed away from cancer. Charlie had been a member of the Doocy family for many years, and his death was deeply felt, particularly by Steve’s children, who had grown up with the dog. The emotional farewell to Charlie marked another chapter in the Doocy family’s journey, illustrating how deeply they cherish the bonds of family, whether human or animal.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Steve Doocy

As Steve Doocy transitions into his new role as a “coast-to-coast host” for Fox & Friends, it’s clear that family will be at the forefront of his life. His decision to step back from daily appearances on the show is a reflection of his desire to prioritize his loved ones and create lasting memories with his children and grandchildren. While Doocy will no longer be a daily fixture on the “curvy couch,” his legacy as a trusted voice in American media is secure. His compassionate demeanor, his resilience in the face of personal tragedy, and his unwavering commitment to his family will continue to resonate with viewers for years to come.

Conclusion: A Family Man First

Steve Doocy’s decision to scale back his duties at Fox & Friends is a reminder that even public figures must find time to focus on what matters most. As he embraces this new chapter in his life, fans will undoubtedly continue to support him, appreciating his balance between career and family. While the Fox & Friends family will miss his daily presence, Doocy’s dedication to his loved ones is an example of how the greatest treasures in life are often found outside of the spotlight.