Steve Doocy, a founding co-host of Fox News‘ Fox & Friends, announced on May 1 that he is stepping back from his full-time role on the show.

After nearly three decades of early morning broadcasts from the New York City studio, Doocy will now co-host three days a week from Florida, allowing him more time with his family and the opportunity to report from various locations across the country. He emphasized that he is not retiring but transitioning to a new phase in his career.

What Happened to Steve Doocy?

In an emotional on-air announcement, Doocy shared that he would no longer be hosting Fox & Friends from the New York studio.

He explained that after decades of waking up at 3:30 a.m. for early broadcasts, he sought a lifestyle change.

“It is a great job, but the hours suck,” he laughed on-air in the lead-up to the announcement. “Ainsley [Earhardt] and I have talked about this for years, about how hard it is to dash back from wherever we are on the weekends to be live, on this couch, at 6 A.M. on Monday. But we have to because the Curvy Couch is an important part of the show.”

Doocy will now be based in Florida, hosting the show remotely three days a week and reporting from various locations across the country. This move allows him more time for family and the opportunity to cover stories from regions that often receive limited media coverage.

“Florida is strategic. It’s going to make it easier for me to report from Florida and other parts of America that don’t get a lot of network airtime,” he explained. “I’ll be going from the Carolinas to the Keys. From Middle America to Mar-a-Lago. So, call me the coast-to-coast host.”

Doocy also said he was taking some time away before his transition to visit with his family, which explains his temporary absence from the show.

“I’ll be back in ten days when it’s time to make the donuts,” he said on May 1, referencing a Dunkin’ Donuts commercial from the 1980’s. It suggests Doocy will likely return to his new position sometime next week.

Did Steve Doocy Retire from ‘Fox & Friends’?

Despite stepping back from daily hosting duties, Doocy made it clear that he is not retiring. He will continue to contribute to the show as a co-host, providing commentary and reporting from different parts of the U.S.

“You’ve trusted me for all these years, and don’t worry, you will still hear my voice and my opinions, loud and clear,” he said on-air.

Doocy expressed excitement about this new chapter, stating that the change allows him to have breakfast with his grandchildren and children whenever he can.

In a press release, FOX’s Executive Vice President of Morning Programming & Program Development Megan Albano said: “For nearly 30 years, Steve has been a force on the curvy couch with his signature smile and wit. His relationship with our audience is unmatched and we are looking forward to him taking his trademark style from the couch to cities across America’s heartland where he will co-host from diners to pickleball courts and more and finally not have to drive across the George Washington Bridge at 3:30am every morning.”

What Did Donald Trump Say About Doocy?

Former President Donald Trump, a frequent viewer of Fox & Friends, shared a special message congratulating Doocy on his transition.

In a prerecorded video, Trump thanked Doocy for his “fair” coverage over the years and wished him well in his new role.

“It’s really been an honor to have spent so much time with you and watching you and the whole group in the morning,” Trump said in a pre-recorded clip.

Trump also positively referenced his son, Peter Doocy, who was promoted to Senior White House Correspondent with Fox News in 2024.

Who is Steve Doocy?

Steve Doocy joined Fox News Channel in 1996 and was named co-host of Fox & Friends in 1998 when the show launched. Doocy is the longest running co-host in network morning television other than Al Roker who is part of the TODAY show ensemble.

Fox & Friends has averaged 1.5 million viewers in 2025 to date, per a press release.

Over the years, he has been a familiar face for viewers, engaging in political discussions and interviewing major figures like Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Doocy has earned multiple awards for his reporting and writing, including 11 Emmy Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

In his new role, Doocy will continue to be an integral part of Fox & Friends, bringing stories to viewers while enjoying a more flexible schedule that allows for more family time.