When you see Norah O'Donnell anchoring the news, she’s the picture of composure and sharp journalistic focus. But once the cameras click off, her life revolves around a guy she met while she was basically still a kid. Honestly, it’s one of those rare "stable" Hollywood-adjacent marriages that actually makes sense when you look at the details.
So, who is Norah O'Donnell married to? The man behind the scenes is Geoff Tracy.
He isn't a news guy. Not even close. Geoff is a powerhouse in the D.C. food scene, known to locals simply as "Chef Geoff." While Norah was busy climbing the ladder at NBC and then CBS, Geoff was building a literal restaurant empire in the nation’s capital.
A cafeteria line meet-cute
They met at Georgetown University back in 1991. It was O'Donnell's first week on campus. They were standing in the New South cafeteria line—a place not exactly known for high-stakes romance.
Geoff says it was love at first sight. Norah? She says she had to be convinced.
📖 Related: Brooks Nader Naked: What Really Happened with That Sheer Dress Controversy
They were just teenagers, but something stuck. They spent their college years studying on the top floor of Lauinger Library and grabbing coffee at Wisemiller’s. They’ve been together for more than half their lives now. That's a long time.
The Chef Geoff legacy
Geoff Tracy didn't just stumble into the kitchen. After graduating from Georgetown with a degree in theology, he went to the Culinary Institute of America. He graduated first in his class.
He opened his first spot, Chef Geoff’s, in 2000. He wasn't even 30 yet.
Today, his business, Chef Geoff’s Deluxe Hospitality, is a massive operation. He’s got multiple locations across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. If you've spent any time in the area, you’ve probably heard of LIA’s in Chevy Chase or Hank’s Tavern & Eats. He basically feeds the people who Norah interviews on TV.
👉 See also: Brooklyn and Bailey Nose Job: What Really Happened with Those Plastic Surgery Rumors
Juggling three kids and a cookbook
The couple married in 2001 at Georgetown’s Dahlgren Chapel. It was a full-circle moment for them. Since then, they've added three kids to the mix: twins Henry and Grace, and a younger daughter named Riley.
Fun fact: Riley was named after a suggestion from the late Tim Russert.
They actually wrote a book together called Baby Love. It’s a New York Times bestseller about making healthy food for toddlers. Geoff handled the chef side of things, and Norah—who admits she isn't exactly a pro in the kitchen—helped make the recipes accessible for busy parents who don't have all day to simmer a sauce.
Why it works (According to them)
Norah has been pretty vocal about how Geoff is her biggest supporter. During the height of the pandemic, when she was anchoring the CBS Evening News from her house, Geoff was the one keeping the wheels from falling off.
✨ Don't miss: Bobby Sherman Health Update: What Really Happened to the Teen Idol
"Marry your best friend," she once told Woman's World. Simple advice, but it seems to be the secret sauce for them.
Geoff is a bit of a character on social media, too. He’s often posting about their kids' sports achievements or making fun of his own golf game. He calls himself a "lucky guy," and honestly, seeing them navigate two high-pressure careers while raising three teenagers is pretty impressive.
What to know if you're following their story
If you're interested in how they maintain that balance, look at their community involvement. Geoff isn't just a chef; he’s been involved in local D.C. politics, fighting for restaurant rights and serving on various boards.
- The Business: He employs hundreds of people and serves nearly a million guests a year.
- The Vibe: They live in the Wesley Heights neighborhood of D.C.
- The Support: When Norah has a late night, Geoff is usually the one with dinner ready.
If you want to keep up with them, Geoff’s Instagram is usually the place for the "real" behind-the-scenes family stuff, while Norah keeps it more professional. You could also check out their cookbook Baby Love if you're looking for actual meal prep ideas that don't take five hours.
Next Steps
If you're looking for more details on their business ventures or Norah's recent career shifts, you can check out the official Chef Geoff's website for his latest menu updates or follow Norah's reporting on CBS.