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Norah O’Donnell Shares the Long-Lasting Marriage Advice She Got From Her Mom

Norah O’Donnell, the Emmy-winning anchor of CBS Evening News, has a headline-worthy event of her own to report on later this year: her 20th wedding anniversary.

She and husband Geoff Tracy, a chef and restaurateur, met while attending Georgetown University and tied the knot in June 2001. The couple have three children, twins Grace and Henry (13) and youngest daughter Riley (12). O’Donnell tells us her secret to long-lasting love is based on some simple advice she got from her mom — and it couldn’t be sweeter.  

“The one nugget that really stands out is my mom saying ‘marry your best friend,’” O’Donnell says. “That turned out to be good advice! Having a partner who makes you laugh and who is supportive means everything!”

We’re sure that laughter and support has been extra appreciated after long days of reporting on all the heavy topics circling around us lately. O’Donnell opens up about how stressful the past year has been, both professionally and personally, in the latest issue of our print magazine.

“[The past year] had its share of difficult headlines as we’ve told the story of this pandemic, but it’s also been tough personally,” she admits. “Every one of us has the same goal: To stay as healthy as possible and keep our loved ones safe, and it can take a toll.” 

O’Donnell says focusing on the humanity of the stories she covers and staying grateful for even the most basic things in her life — like the ability to walk up stairs or take a deep breath — helps to keep everything from getting too overwhelming. 

She adds that small acts of kindness can also make a huge difference. “The other night, I came home after a long day and was touched that my husband had dinner waiting for me,” she explains. Judging by the menus for Tracy’s Washington, DC, restaurants, Chef Geoff’s, we bet the sweet gesture tasted great, too.

Be sure to pick up the latest issue of our print magazine (buy on newsstands now or on Amazon, $59.60 for a year’s subscription) to hear more from O’Donnell!

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