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The Truth About Who Was Dana Perino's 'First Husband' And Her Unique 1998 Love Story

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The persistent question about who was Dana Perino's "first husband" often leads to confusion, but the definitive answer is clear and well-documented. The popular Fox News host and former White House Press Secretary has only been married once, and she remains happily married to the same man she met on a flight over 25 years ago. The curiosity likely stems from her husband's own previous marriage, which is a key detail in their unique story.

As of today, December 19, 2025, Dana Perino's only husband is British-born businessman Peter McMahon. Their enduring marriage, which began in 1998, is a cornerstone of her personal life and a frequent topic of discussion due to their notable age gap and unconventional meeting. This article dives into the facts, clears up the confusion, and provides a full profile of one of America's most recognizable political commentators.

Dana Perino's Complete Biographical Profile

Dana Marie Perino is a highly successful American political commentator, author, and television personality, best known for her role as the 26th White House Press Secretary and as a co-host of Fox News Channel’s popular show, The Five.

  • Full Name: Dana Marie Perino
  • Date of Birth: May 9, 1972
  • Place of Birth: Evanston, Wyoming, U.S.
  • Current Age: 53 (as of 2025)
  • Spouse: Peter McMahon (m. 1998)
  • Children: None (They share their life with their Hungarian Vizsla dog, Henry)
  • Education:
    • Colorado State University-Pueblo (B.A. in Mass Communications)
    • University of Illinois Springfield (M.A. in Public Affairs)
  • Key Career Milestones:
    • Staff Assistant for Congressman Scott McInnis (1995)
    • White House Press Secretary (2007–2009) under President George W. Bush
    • Co-host of Fox News' The Five (2011–Present)
    • Author of several books, including And the Good News Is... Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side

The Definitive Answer: Who Was Dana Perino's First Husband?

The straightforward answer to the question "who was Dana Perino's first husband" is Peter McMahon. He is not just her current husband, but her *only* husband. They have been married since September 30, 1998, a relationship that has spanned over two decades and continued through her high-profile career in the White House and on television.

The reason this question is frequently searched is likely due to a common misconception or confusion about their respective marital histories. While Dana Perino had no prior marriages, Peter McMahon was, in fact, married before he met her.

Clearing Up the Confusion: Peter McMahon's Previous Marriage

The search query often confuses Peter McMahon's history with Dana Perino's. Peter McMahon, a successful British businessman in the international marketing and sales sector, had been married previously. This detail is often what leads people to assume Dana Perino must have also been married before their 1998 wedding.

This is a crucial distinction: Peter McMahon was the one with the "first marriage," not Dana Perino. Their relationship began when both were at different stages of their lives, adding a layer of depth and intrigue to their enduring partnership.

How Dana Perino Met Peter McMahon: An Unconventional Love Story

The story of how Dana Perino and Peter McMahon met is a classic tale of fate and international romance. The two met on an airplane in August 1997 while on a flight to Chicago.

Dana Perino, then 25, was seated next to the older, British-born Peter McMahon. Despite an 18-year age difference—a fact Perino has often discussed openly—they quickly hit it off.

A Whirlwind, Long-Distance Romance

The romance was a whirlwind. After their initial meeting, they conducted a long-distance relationship for a time, with McMahon living in England. Within a year of meeting, Dana Perino moved to England, and they were married in his home country on September 30, 1998.

Their honeymoon was a trip to the Greek Isles, marking the start of a partnership that would see Dana Perino rise to one of the most visible and powerful communications roles in the world.

The Role of Peter McMahon in Perino's Career

Dana Perino has consistently credited her husband, Peter McMahon, as a foundational support system throughout her career. When she was offered the role of White House Press Secretary in 2007, she was initially hesitant due to the intense demands and scrutiny of the job.

McMahon, who had moved to Washington, D.C., to be with her, encouraged her to take the opportunity, recognizing it as a once-in-a-lifetime chance. His support was crucial during her demanding tenure in the George W. Bush administration, a period that required immense personal sacrifice and long hours.

Today, the couple resides in Manhattan and are known for their love of their dog, Henry, a Hungarian Vizsla, who even has his own social media presence and is considered another key entity in their family life.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords Related to Dana Perino's Marriage

The enduring interest in Dana Perino's personal life is tied to several key entities and themes that define her public and private narrative:

  • The Age Gap: The 18-year age difference between Dana Perino and Peter McMahon is a frequently discussed topic, highlighting that age is merely a number in their successful partnership.
  • White House Press Secretary: Her role in the George W. Bush administration is the career highlight that brought her national prominence, making her personal life a matter of public interest.
  • Fox News The Five: Her daily presence on this highly-rated show keeps her in the public eye, where she often shares anecdotes about her husband and home life.
  • Henry the Vizsla: Their beloved dog is a major part of their family, often featured in her books and on her social media, symbolizing their shared life outside of politics.
  • And the Good News Is...: Her memoir details the story of meeting Peter McMahon and the importance of his support in her political journey.

In conclusion, the answer to "who was Dana Perino's first husband" is simple: Peter McMahon. The complexity and curiosity surrounding the question are a testament to their unique, long-lasting marriage that has thrived despite the pressures of Washington D.C. and the spotlight of cable news.

who was dana perino first husband
who was dana perino first husband

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