Anderson Cooper has become a dad! The CNN anchor shared the announcement via Instagram. He wrote:
“I want to share with you some joyful news. On Monday, I became a father. This is Wyatt Cooper. He is three days old. He is named after my father, who died when I was ten. I hope I can be as good a dad as he was. My son’s middle name is Morgan. It’s a family name on my mom’s side. I know my mom and dad liked the name morgan because I recently found a list they made 52 years ago when they were trying to think of names for me. Wyatt Morgan Cooper. My son. He was 7.2 lbs at birth, and he is sweet, and soft, and healthy and I am beyond happy.
"As a gay kid, I never thought it would be possible to have a child, and I’m grateful for all those who have paved the way, and for the doctors and nurses and everyone involved in my son's birth."
He continued:
“Most of all, I am grateful to a remarkable surrogate who carried Wyatt, and watched over him lovingly, and tenderly, and gave birth to him. It is an extraordinary blessing – what she, and all surrogates give to families who can’t have children. My surrogate has a beautiful family of her own, a wonderfully supportive husband, and kids, and I am incredibly thankful for all the support they have given Wyatt and me. My family is blessed to have this family in our lives.”
“I do wish my mom and dad and my brother, Carter, were alive to meet Wyatt, but I like to believe they can see him. I imagine them all together, arms around each other, smiling and laughing, happy to know that their love is alive in me and in Wyatt, and that our family continues.”
The news comes as a total surprise, as Anderson had not mentioned publicly that he was waiting for the birth of his baby. In a time that is filled with so much emotional and physical anguish for many people around the world, it's really moving to see happiness is still happening all around us.
It is unknown if Anderson is currently in a relationship, or if he is raising Wyatt on his own. Anderson and his former partner, Benjamin Maisani, broke up in 2018. He confirmed their separation with a statement:
“Benjamin and I separated as boyfriends some time ago. We are still family to each other, and love each other very much… we remain the best of friends, and will continue to share much of our lives together.”
While neither of the two ever gave reasons for their breakup, many believed that Anderson's demanding schedule had something to do with it. In 2017, Anderson told People that his work was sometimes an issue:
“I’m off about one weekend a month. During the week I’m on CNN, and also work for 60 Minutes – most of the weekends are traveling for CNN or 60 minutes. I think he’s annoyed that I travel so much but he also knows how much I like it. He’s kind of used to it. He’s never asked me not to go somewhere. He’s pretty understanding that the job requires travel, and he’s cool with that.”
Whether or not he's raising Wyatt with a partner, it's already clear that Anderson is head over heels for his son. His friend Andy Cohen, who welcomed his own child via surrogate last year, also celebrated Wyatt's birth with a sweet message: "'new life, new hope!' Wyatt Cooper, you couldn’t have come at a better time! I know a friend who can’t wait to meet you! ♥️."
