Prayers Pour In For Dana Perino After She Shares Heartbreaking News

Fox News host and former White House press secretary Dana Perino is mourning the loss of her father, Leo Perino, who has died at the age of 79.

The news has led to an outpouring of support for Perino, a respected conservative voice in American media and one of Fox News’ most recognizable personalities. It has also brought renewed attention to the family values, work ethic, and sense of service that helped shape her life and career.

Leo Perino and his wife, Jan Perino, raised two daughters, Dana and Angie, in a home rooted in responsibility, civic engagement, and commitment to others.

According to reports, Leo spent much of his life in the Denver area, where he was active in community improvement efforts and civic causes.

While Dana would eventually rise to national prominence in Washington and television, she has often spoken about the lessons she learned from her parents and the steady foundation they provided.

Jan Perino, Dana’s mother, also built much of her life around service.

Raised in Rawlins, Wyoming, Jan was described in a 2013 interview as an accomplished athlete who later dedicated years to volunteer work and nonprofit service. At the time, she was preparing for retirement and looking forward to spending more time on hobbies including golf, skiing, and tai chi.

Jan said one of the most meaningful chapters of her volunteer work came through Lutheran Family Services.

But despite her years of community involvement, Jan made clear that her greatest pride was her family.

“But…my favorite ‘job’ was raising two daughters to be professional, compassionate women who are making a difference in the world,” Jan said.

She also explained that serving others became something the family did together.

“Working for a non-profit helping organization, I involved my family in volunteering to help them understand and see the needs of the world. Families who volunteer together stick together!” she said.

Those early lessons in faith, discipline, service, and family would help guide Dana Perino from Wyoming to Washington, D.C., and eventually into millions of American homes through television.

Perino served as White House press secretary under President George W. Bush, becoming one of the most prominent Republican women in modern political communications. She later became a longtime Fox News personality and co-host of “The Five.”

Throughout her public career, Perino has frequently credited her family with keeping her grounded despite the pressures of politics and media.

She has also spoken warmly about the support of her husband, Peter McMahon.

The couple met in 1997 while seated next to each other on a flight shortly after Dana began working on Capitol Hill. According to Perino, an ordinary conversation quickly turned into something far more meaningful.

“We had polite conversation at first. I asked him about his book, he asked me how my trip was, but we ended up talking for two and a half hours. We call it love at first flight,” Dana recalled.

Despite their 12-year age difference, Dana said her father approved of the relationship from the beginning.

She later told People magazine that Leo believed an older man was a good match for her because she had always been mature, focused, and determined in pursuing her goals.

McMahon, an international businessman, has remained a steady presence throughout Dana’s career.

Perino has often called him “the wizard behind the curtain,” crediting him with helping her research foreign policy topics and offering quiet support away from the spotlight.

The Perino family also includes Dana’s sister, Angie Machock.

Angie is an artist whose work has drawn praise from friends, family, and even some of Dana’s Fox News colleagues. Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt once publicly praised Angie’s artistic talent after receiving one of her paintings.

For many viewers, Dana Perino represents a style of conservatism grounded not only in politics, but in family, humility, faith, and personal discipline. The passing of her father is a reminder that behind every public figure is a private story shaped by the people who loved, taught, and guided them.

As Perino grieves the loss of Leo Perino, many Americans who have followed her career are offering prayers and condolences to a family that clearly helped shape one of conservative media’s most respected voices.