The Untold Story of Tony Dokoupil Balancing Morning TV Stardom with a Fatherhood Pledge Few Would Dare

Tony Dokoupil’s Real-Life Balancing Act: Fatherhood, Family, and the Stories He Doesn’t Tell on Air

Even before Tony Dokoupil became a familiar face on CBS Mornings, his life away from the lens was anything but conventional and always evolving.

He first navigated parenthood during his earlier marriage, raising two children who now live in Israel with their mother. He spoke candidly on-air about how deeply he felt the emotional ups and downs when conflicts flared—in one instance describing an especially “roller-coaster weekend” while ensuring viewers his kids were safe despite the turmoil around them.

In October 2017, Tony married fellow journalist Katy Tur—MSNBC’s longtime anchor and author. Their family quickly grew: son Theodore (“Teddy”) arrived in April 2019, followed by daughter Eloise in May 2021.

In candid moments, he’s shared what home life means to him: slowing down, sinking into couch time, and watching movies with his kids—not just as a break from the news cycle, but as precious story time that grounds them all.

On the more personal side, Tony has also discussed his childhood and how he’s determined to give his own kids something different. He’s open about a turbulent upbringing—recalling a father who was absent much of the time and, when present, “a coked-up lunatic,” as he once put it. His goal now is to eliminate those chaotic experiences from his children’s lives entirely.

Further, after welcoming Eloise, Tony publicly revealed he had undergone a vasectomy—encouraged by Katy—to share responsibility in family planning. He even used his platform to advocate for more balanced expectations around reproductive roles.

At a Glance

• Two older children from a previous marriage, now living in Israel with their mother.
• Married to Katy Tur since October 2017.
• Two children together: Teddy (born Spring 2019) and Eloise (born Spring 2021).
• A grounded dad who treasures simple family rituals like movie nights.
• Reflective and intentional about not repeating the instability he faced growing up.
• Open about sharing responsibility, including making his own choices like vasectomy public to help normalize such decisions.