Who Is Dana Perino’s Second Husband? Inside Her Marriage and Life
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Who is Dana Perino’s second husband?”, you’re not alone. With her polished demeanor, accomplished career, and long-standing presence on television, it’s natural for people to be curious about her personal life. Dana Perino, the respected journalist, author, and former White House Press Secretary, has always carried herself with quiet grace and confidence. But behind the scenes, she’s also a devoted wife. And here’s the truth—Dana Perino doesn’t have a second husband. She’s been married once, to a man named Peter McMahon, and their love story is one of those rare, enduring ones that still feels refreshing in today’s fast-paced world.
Who Is Dana Perino?
Before diving into her marriage, it’s worth understanding who Dana Perino is. Born on May 9, 1972, in Evanston, Wyoming, and raised in Denver, Colorado, Dana grew up in a close-knit family that valued education, humility, and hard work. She graduated from Colorado State University–Pueblo with a degree in mass communications and later earned a master’s in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois Springfield.
Her rise to national prominence came when she served as White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush from 2007 to 2009—the second woman ever to hold that position. After her tenure in politics, Dana transitioned to media, becoming a beloved co-anchor on Fox News’s America’s Newsroom, co-host of The Five, and a bestselling author. Her calm, balanced perspective and respectful communication style have earned her admiration across political lines.
But even with her impressive professional background, Dana’s personal story—especially her marriage—is what truly gives people a glimpse into her heart.
Clarifying the “Second Husband” Confusion
The phrase “Dana Perino’s second husband” has circulated widely online, largely because of how search engines interpret relationships. In reality, Dana has only ever had one husband—Peter McMahon. The confusion likely stems from Peter’s past, as he had been married twice before meeting Dana.
When you search for “Dana Perino second husband,” what you’re really looking for is more information about Peter—the man who’s stood by her side for over two decades. Dana has often joked in interviews about how people assume she’s been married more than once because of their age difference, but she’s quick to clarify that her marriage to Peter is her first and only one.
Their relationship defies expectations and proves that when two people share genuine respect, humor, and understanding, love can last regardless of where—or how—it begins.
Who Is Peter McMahon?
Peter McMahon may not be a household name like his wife, but his career and character have played a huge role in shaping their life together. Born in Blackpool, England, in 1954, Peter is a seasoned businessman with decades of experience in international management, retail operations, and supply chain leadership. He’s worked for major companies including Tesco, Loblaw, and Walmart, and his career has taken him around the world—from the United Kingdom to Canada and the United States.
Before meeting Dana, Peter had already built an accomplished career and experienced two previous marriages. That life experience gave him maturity and perspective, qualities Dana has often said she deeply values.
Though their backgrounds couldn’t have been more different—she was an American political communicator in her mid-20s, and he was a British executive in his mid-40s—they quickly realized they shared the same values: integrity, humor, and a deep appreciation for partnership.
How Dana and Peter Met
Their story began in the most unexpected way—on an airplane. In August 1997, Dana Perino and Peter McMahon met while seated next to each other on a flight from Denver to Chicago. As Dana has told the story in interviews and her books, the connection was instant. They struck up a conversation that lasted the entire flight, and by the time they landed, something had clicked.
After the trip, they began corresponding by email, as Peter was based in the U.K. at the time. Despite the distance—and an 18-year age gap—they stayed in touch and quickly fell in love. Just a year later, in September 1998, they married in England.
Dana has described their courtship as whirlwind but sincere. “When you know, you know,” she once said, reflecting on how naturally everything fell into place. Their marriage has since become a testament to lasting commitment in a world where many relationships fade under pressure.
Inside Their Marriage
Over two decades later, Dana and Peter remain as close as ever. They live in New York City with their two beloved dogs, Jasper (who passed away in 2021) and Percy, both Vizslas that have become almost as famous as Dana herself.
Their relationship thrives on balance and mutual respect. Dana often says that Peter brings humor and perspective into her life, helping her stay grounded even during her most high-pressure career moments. Likewise, Peter has expressed admiration for Dana’s drive, compassion, and steadiness.
Though they have no children together, they’ve built a rich, family-oriented life filled with shared adventures, travel, and quiet companionship. In interviews, Dana has called Peter her “rock” and “best friend,” emphasizing that their marriage is rooted in friendship as much as romance.
She once wrote, “Peter is the kind of man who lets me be who I am, fully and freely. That’s the greatest gift of all.”
Lessons from Their Relationship
There’s a lot you can learn from the relationship between Dana Perino and Peter McMahon—especially if you’ve ever wondered what makes a marriage last.
First, they respect each other’s individuality. Dana’s career in politics and media often requires long hours and intense public exposure, but Peter has always supported her independence. Likewise, Dana appreciates Peter’s quieter approach to life and his seasoned wisdom.
Second, they communicate with honesty and humor. Dana often mentions that laughter is one of the foundations of their relationship. Even with their different cultural backgrounds and the age gap, humor bridges any divide.
Third, they stay curious and supportive of each other’s dreams. Whether it’s Peter encouraging Dana’s book launches or Dana cheering Peter’s business milestones, their relationship thrives because both are each other’s biggest fans.
It’s a reminder that real love isn’t about grand gestures or constant public display—it’s about showing up, day after day, for the life you’ve built together.
A Modern Love Story
In a world where celebrity marriages often make headlines for the wrong reasons, Dana and Peter’s story stands out for its simplicity and strength. They’ve managed to stay happily married for more than 25 years, all while balancing busy, high-profile careers.
Their relationship also represents something deeper—how two people from completely different worlds can create a life that feels like home. Dana often credits Peter for teaching her patience and perspective, while Peter credits Dana for reminding him to stay optimistic and curious.
They’ve faced challenges like anyone else, but their commitment never wavered. Instead of letting differences pull them apart, they let those differences make their bond stronger.
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