Norah O’Donnell, an accomplished journalist and prominent figure in American media, has built a remarkable career spanning decades. Best known as the anchor of CBS Evening News and a contributing correspondent for 60 Minutes, O’Donnell has become one of the most recognized faces in television news. With an estimated net worth of $22 million as of 2025, her annual salary of $8 million underscores her influential role at CBS. Here’s a deep dive into her career, accolades, personal life, and financial achievements.
Early Life and Education
Norah Morahan O’Donnell was born on January 23, 1974, in Washington, D.C., making her 51 years old as of 2025. She is the daughter of Noreen Bernadette O’Kane and Francis Lawrence O’Donnell, a doctor and U.S. Army officer. Both of her parents are of Irish descent, with roots in Derry, Belfast, and Donegal. Her grandparents were Irish immigrants, and her grandmother lived in the U.S. undocumented for 16 years, a fact O’Donnell has shared with pride, reflecting her deep connection to her heritage.
Due to her father’s military career, O’Donnell’s early life was marked by frequent relocations. At age three, her family moved to San Antonio, Texas, followed by stints in Seoul, South Korea, and Germany. Her first foray into broadcasting came at just 10 years old, when she recorded English language lessons for the Korean Educational Development Institute.
After graduating from Douglas MacArthur High School in San Antonio in 1991, O’Donnell attended Georgetown University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy in 1995. She further pursued her education, obtaining a Master of Arts in liberal studies in 2003 from the same institution.
Career Milestones
O’Donnell began her career as a staff writer for Roll Call, covering Congress. She then spent 12 years at NBC, where she held roles such as Chief Washington Correspondent for MSNBC, White House correspondent for NBC News, and contributing anchor for MSNBC Live. Her reporting appeared on NBC Nightly News, Dateline NBC, and Today, establishing her as a versatile and trusted journalist.
In 2011, O’Donnell transitioned to CBS, initially filling in for Scott Pelley on CBS Evening News. By the fall of 2012, she was named co-anchor of CBS This Morning, a role she held until May 2019. During her time there, O’Donnell delivered groundbreaking investigative reports, including a six-month investigation into sexual assault at the U.S. Air Force Academy, which earned her an Emmy Award.
In May 2019, Susan Zirinsky, then-president of CBS News, announced O’Donnell’s appointment as anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News. She also became the network’s lead anchor for political events and a contributing correspondent for 60 Minutes. O’Donnell’s appointment marked a historic moment, making her the third woman to anchor the program’s weeknight broadcast, following Connie Chung and Katie Couric.
Accolades and Achievements
Throughout her career, Norah O’Donnell has received numerous accolades. She has won two Emmy Awards, including one for her investigative report on sexual assault at the Air Force Academy and another as part of NBC’s 2008 Election Night coverage team. Her story “D.C. in Crisis,” aired on Dateline NBC the night of the September 11 attacks, earned her the prestigious Sigma Delta Chi Award for Breaking News Coverage.
O’Donnell has also been named one of Washington’s 100 Most Powerful Women by Washingtonian Magazine and included in Irish American Magazine’s Top 100 Irish Americans. Her work has consistently highlighted her commitment to journalistic integrity and storytelling.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Norah O’Donnell has been married to Geoff Tracy, a successful restaurateur, since June 2001. The couple met as freshmen at Georgetown University and have three children: twins Grace and Henry, and a younger daughter, Riley. The family splits their time between Washington, D.C., and the Upper West Side of New York City.
In 2010, O’Donnell and Tracy co-authored a cookbook titled Baby Love: Healthy, Easy, Delicious Meals for Your Baby and Toddler, inspired by their experience as parents. The cookbook emphasizes nutrition and simplicity, reflecting the couple’s dedication to family health and wellness.
Financial Success and Net Worth
Norah O’Donnell’s estimated net worth of $22 million is a result of her decades-long career in journalism and her lucrative role at CBS. Her $8 million annual salary is a testament to her prominence in the industry. O’Donnell’s financial achievements underscore her ability to balance a high-profile career with personal commitments and philanthropy.
Norah O’Donnell’s journey from a young girl recording English lessons in South Korea to one of America’s most prominent journalists is a story of perseverance, talent, and dedication. At 51, she continues to inspire with her investigative journalism, anchoring CBS Evening News and contributing to 60 Minutes. Her legacy is not only defined by her professional success but also by her commitment to family, philanthropy, and storytelling excellence. With a remarkable career and an enduring impact on the media industry, Norah O’Donnell remains a trusted voice in American journalism.