Anderson Cooper hosts final 60 Minutes show in emotional farewell
News anchor Anderson Cooper made his final appearance on CBS News’ investigative program *60 Minutes* after announcing his resignation in Febuary. In an extended farewell interview, he reflected on his career-from childhood as a viewer to interviewing high-profile figures-and said he plans to continue as a CNN host.cooper, 58, cited his young children as a key reason for stepping away, emphasizing that he wants to spend as much time with them as possible.
His exit comes amid broader changes at CBS,including Bari weiss being appointed editor-in-chief last October. Weiss has faced criticism over editorial decisions related to a *60 Minutes* report about conditions at el Salvador’s CECOT prison, with critics alleging political delays and Weiss saying the story wasn’t ready as it lacked a White House response and stronger development. Cooper said he hopes *60 Minutes* will keep its core identity and independence, and CBS noted Cooper could return to the show.
News anchor Anderson Cooper made his last appearance on the CBS News investigative series 60 Minutes on Sunday night after announcing his resignation from the role in February.
Cooper bid farewell to the iconic program in an extended farewell interview, during which he reflected on his path from a childhood viewer to a correspondent who interviewed prominent figures such as Prince Harry. Cooper will remain a CNN host after appearing on 60 Minutes for nearly 20 years.
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The 58-year-old cited his family during the show and in February when he decided to resign, saying then “I have little kids now and I want to spend as much time with them as possible, while they still want to spend time with me.”
Cooper’s departure comes during a period of change at CBS after former New York Times opinion editor and founder of The Free Press Bari Weiss was appointed as editor-in-chief last October.
Weiss has received internal and external criticism for editorial decisions since taking over, including delaying the release of a 60 Minutes report about the conditions within El Salvador’s CECOT prison. Critics said it was held for political reasons, while Weiss stated that the original version of the story wasn’t ready because it didn’t include comments from a White House official and didn’t meaningfully build on existing reporting. The segment ultimately aired largely unchanged weeks later.
Cooper said in the interview that he hopes “60 Minutes remains 60 Minutes” though “things can always evolve and change. But I hope the core of what 60 Minutes is always remains.” Cooper also said he thinks the show’s independence “has been critical.”
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CBS’s February statement about Cooper’s departure said he can always return to host the show.
Cooper said in the interview that he has mostly worked on 60 Minutes pieces on the weekends and during vacation time. “It’s been really challenging to do the kind of work you need to do to have a great ‘60 Minutes’ piece,” he said.
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