Dana Perino has been a recognizable face in American media for decades. As a former White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush, she made history as one of the few women to hold the position.
Today, she is a political commentator, co-host of The Five on Fox News, and co-anchor of America’s Newsroom. Beyond her professional life, she enjoys a fulfilling personal life with her husband, Peter McMahon.
Dana and Peter’s marriage has stood strong for over 25 years, a rare milestone in the fast-paced world of television and politics. Their love story began with a chance encounter that eventually blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Here’s everything you need to know about Dana Perino’s husband, their long-lasting marriage, and the life they’ve built together.
A Chance Meeting That Changed Everything
Dana Perino and Peter McMahon’s love story began in the most unexpected way—on an airplane. In August 1997, the two strangers happened to be seated near each other on a flight from Denver to Chicago.
At the time, McMahon was a British businessman visiting the U.S. for work, while Perino was focused on advancing her career in political communications. Though neither of them was actively looking for love, fate had other plans.
During the flight, they struck up a conversation that lasted for over two and a half hours. Perino was the one who initiated the talk, commenting on the book McMahon was reading, The Tailor of Panama. That simple icebreaker led to a deep conversation, and by the time the plane landed, they felt a strong connection. Before parting ways, Perino handed McMahon her business card—with multiple contact details, including her home phone, office number, fax number, and email.
From Long-Distance Romance to Marriage
A few weeks after their first meeting, McMahon reached out to Perino, and the two began communicating regularly. Despite living in different countries—McMahon in the U.K. and Perino in the U.S.—their connection only grew stronger.
Six weeks later, McMahon visited Washington, D.C., for a business trip and met up with Perino. Their relationship quickly became serious, and less than a year after their first encounter, McMahon proposed. The moment was spontaneous—he got down on one knee outside the Washington National Cathedral and asked her to marry him.
Instead of giving an immediate answer, Perino wrote him a heartfelt letter, closing with, “Yes, I will marry you.” A few weeks later, the couple flew to England and tied the knot on September 30, 1998, in McMahon’s hometown of Blackpool. Their wedding was an intimate affair attended by close friends and family.
After their wedding, they lived in the U.K. for a year before relocating to San Diego. Over time, they moved again, eventually settling in New York and later Bay Head, New Jersey, where they currently reside.
Do Dana Perino and Peter McMahon Have Children?
Despite their long and happy marriage, Dana Perino and Peter McMahon do not have any biological children together. However, McMahon has two children from a previous relationship. Though Perino has never spoken much about them publicly, she has fully embraced the family they have built together.
While they don’t have children of their own, Perino and McMahon have poured their love into their dogs. Over the years, they have raised three Hungarian Vizsla dogs: Henry, Jasper, and Percy.
Jasper, in particular, became a fan favorite, often appearing on Perino’s social media and even making guest appearances on Fox News. Sadly, Jasper passed away in 2021, leaving Perino heartbroken. A few months later, she and McMahon welcomed another Vizsla, Percy, into their family.
Perino has often said that their dogs are like children to them, bringing love, companionship, and adventure into their lives. She even wrote a book titled Let Me Tell You About Jasper, which details her bond with her beloved dog.
Who Is Dana Perino’s Husband, Peter McMahon?
Peter McMahon is not just Dana Perino’s husband—he is a successful businessman with an extensive career in sales and medical manufacturing.
Born and raised in the United Kingdom, McMahon initially aspired to become a pilot in the Royal Air Force. However, after officer training, he realized it wasn’t the right path for him. Instead, he shifted to the business sector, eventually finding his niche in medical sales.
Throughout his career, McMahon has worked in various countries, living in Germany twice for two years each time and spending a year in Saudi Arabia. His job has also taken him to Asia, South America, Europe, and the Middle East, giving him a deep appreciation for different cultures.
View this post on Instagram
In 1999, he founded Icon Medical, a medical manufacturing sales company. He remained with the company for over a decade before stepping down in 2016. In 2019, he took on the role of president at GreenSleeve Medical Corporation, further solidifying his reputation in the industry.
Though McMahon has spent most of his life in the corporate world, he has played a vital role in supporting Perino’s media career. He encouraged her to join Fox News as a co-host on The Five, assuring her that he would handle things at home so she could pursue the opportunity.
