Peter Doocy opens up on fatherhood, career, and Steve Doocy’s big change at Fox News

For years, mornings in Peter Doocy’s life followed a familiar pattern — one that began with turning on the television and seeing his father already at work. But, that routine recently changed.

In May, Steve Doocy, 68, stepped away from his daily presence on Fox & Friends in New York, shifting to a new role based in Florida where he now appears three days a week. The decision marked a major shift in a schedule that had defined both his career and his family’s daily rhythm for decades.
Peter Doocy & father Steve Doocy / Instagram
“It’s definitely an adjustment not seeing him on the TV for the first full three hours of my weekdays,” Peter Doocy, 37, told Us Weekly. “He’s been there during every breakfast time since I was in second grade.”

While the absence is noticeable, the change has created new opportunities away from the studio.

“We are so excited that the new assignment means he gets to see so much more of the grandkids,” Peter added, “who now get a chance to do one of my favorite things: join him at work.”

A new routine shaped by family and distance

The shift to Florida has already brought the family together in new ways. Earlier this month, Peter and his wife, Fox Business correspondent Hillary Vaughn, brought their two children to Nationals Park, where they spent time with Steve during the Congressional baseball game.

Not long after, Steve returned to Florida, settling into a lifestyle he described in practical terms.

“Our kids today live all over the country,” Steve said. “So if you were them — and your parents invited them to a weekend visit — where would they rather travel? To the house in New Jersey they grew up in, where they still have to clean out their closets — or the sun-filled, fun-filled Florida?”
Steve Doocy babysitting / Instagram
“Get the suntan lotion Dad! We’ll be in Florida Friday night!” he added. “Can mom get that smoked fish dip from Publix?”

Peter made clear that while Florida is appealing, his current responsibilities keep him in Washington.

“Absolutely, we love Florida!” he said. “But right now, my wife Hillary and I need to be close to all the action on Capitol Hill and at the White House.”

From childhood moments to shared profession

The path that led Peter into journalism was not always expected.

Steve recalled that he and his wife once assumed their son would pursue a different career entirely — until a moment changed everything.

“One thing led to another and next thing you know, he was working as the Fox News college-aged correspondent,” Steve said. “So I never had senior White House correspondent on my BINGO card for Peter.”

The contrast between past and present is not lost on him.

“I fondly remember taking him to the White House Easter Egg Roll when he was about two, and he was chewing on my press pass,” Steve said. “Then in the blink of an eye… he works at the White House!”

The connection between their careers continues to shape how they interact.

Peter & Steve Doocy / Instagram
“My dad is still the best in the business at what we do,” Peter said. “And taught me everything I know about how TV works.”

These days, their conversations often center on the news itself.

“Talking to him about the news of the day is a great way to distill the most interesting parts of the big stories before I have to go pick the President’s brain,” Peter added.

A relationship built on advice, respect, and time

Early in his career, Peter leaned on his father for guidance in unfamiliar situations.

“Having been there, done that, I probably saved him some time making the same mistakes I made 30 years ago,” Steve said.

That dynamic has shifted over time.

“Today I think I ask him for more advice than he asks me!” Steve admitted.

Even now, the exchange continues in small but meaningful ways.

“Of course he’s my son,” Steve said. “And if I see a quote or a statistic that might help that day with his reporting — I send it his way.”

“Not going to lie,” he added, “if he uses my tidbit on TV, it makes me happy that even though the whole world hangs on his questions, he still listens to his old man.”

The lessons Steve passed down extend beyond journalism.

“Not to spend all my time looking ahead towards the next milestone for the kids… and to savor every moment in the present,” Peter said, describing one of the most important pieces of advice he received about fatherhood.

That guidance now shapes how he raises his own children — with Steve playing an active role.

“He’s helping me recreate the best parts of my childhood, for my kids,” Peter said.

From preserved toys to familiar books, the past has been carefully carried forward.