Dana Perino’s husband: The "love at first flight" story
Honestly, if you saw it in a movie, you’d probably roll your eyes. A high-powered political staffer boards a plane from Denver to Chicago in 1997, sits next to a handsome stranger with a charming British accent, and by the time they land, her entire life has shifted. That is exactly how it went down for Dana Perino. She was 25 at the time, working for a Colorado congressman, and Peter McMahon was a 43-year-old international businessman.
They were in seats 13A and 13C.
Two and a half hours of talking followed. It wasn't just small talk about the weather or the peanuts. They swapped life stories, and Perino—usually a very disciplined, career-focused person—ended up handing him a business card with every piece of contact info she had. Her home phone, office line, fax number—basically, she made sure he could find her.
Who is Peter McMahon?
Peter McMahon isn't just "the husband" in the background. He’s a successful British-born businessman who spent years in the medical and healthcare industries. Born in Blackpool, England, on June 6, 1954, he eventually moved into the world of medical manufacturing sales.
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Before he became the supportive partner seen on Fox News specials, McMahon had a pretty diverse international life. He lived in Germany twice and even spent a year in Saudi Arabia. He wasn't some political junkie when they met; he was a guy who once thought he might be a pilot in the Royal Air Force before realizing he was, in his own words, a bit too much of a "jokester" for the officer training.
By 1999, he launched Icon Medical, and more recently, he’s been the president of GreenSleeve Medical Corporation.
The age gap and the "Yes"
You can't really talk about who is Dana Perino married to without mentioning the 18-year age difference. When they first started dating, Perino was a little nervous about it. She worried about what her friends and family would think. But her dad actually loved the idea, thinking an older, more grounded guy was exactly what his "always in a hurry" daughter needed.
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The proposal was just as spontaneous as their meeting.
McMahon popped the question in front of the Washington Cathedral. Perino didn't say yes right away—she actually laughed and told him to "hold that thought." It took a year for her to officially agree. She eventually sent him a letter that ended with the words, "Yes, I will marry you." They tied the knot on September 30, 1998, in England.
A partnership behind the scenes
While Dana Perino was briefing reporters in the White House or debating on The Five, Peter was often her secret weapon. She’s called him the "wizard behind the curtain." When she was preparing to become the White House Press Secretary under George W. Bush, she had to get up to speed on complex international issues like the Middle East peace process. Peter sat with her, watching documentaries and asking her the hard questions a reporter might throw her way.
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- Nationality: British (became a U.S. citizen later).
- Children: Peter has two children from a previous marriage, making Dana a stepmother.
- The Dogs: If you follow Dana, you know about the Hungarian Vizslas. Henry, Jasper, and now Percy. For this couple, the dogs are family.
Dealing with the tough stuff
No marriage is a fairy tale for 26 years straight. They’ve dealt with the death of beloved pets and the stresses of public life. Recently, there have even been emotional segments on Fox where Dana has spoken about the challenges of supporting a spouse through health scares. It’s clear they’ve moved past the "honeymoon" phase into that deep, gritty kind of support that defines long-term relationships.
Basically, they are a team. He helps her with her books—like I Wish Someone Had Told Me—and she credits him for the confidence she has to take on new career challenges. It’s a pretty solid dynamic for a couple that met randomly on a United Airlines flight in the late 90s.
Actionable insights for a lasting partnership
If there's anything to take away from the Perino-McMahon marriage, it's these few things:
- Prioritize communication over proximity: They started as a long-distance couple (UK to DC) and made it work through constant contact.
- Support the "Spread Your Wings" phase: Peter encouraged Dana's career even when it meant she was in the spotlight and he wasn't.
- Keep the humor alive: Both have mentioned that laughing together is what keeps them grounded.
Whether you're a fan of her political commentary or not, it's hard not to respect a 26-year marriage that started in seat 13C.