Norah O’Donnell, the well-known CBS News journalist, recently took to Instagram to celebrate her daughter Riley’s graduation, a significant milestone in the young woman’s life. O’Donnell, who shares three children with her husband Geoff Tracy, expressed her pride in a heartfelt post, accompanied by family photos from the event.
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On Saturday, 6 June, the 52-year-old journalist proudly shared images showcasing 17-year-old Riley in a sophisticated white graduation dress, complemented by a delicate pearl necklace. The family’s joy was palpable, as they posed together on this noteworthy day. In her Instagram caption, O’Donnell simply stated, “Graduation season. Proud of our Riley. ✨”
Riley is not the only focus of O’Donnell’s excitement; she is also the mother to twins Henry and Grace, who are both 19. The couple, who have been married since 2001, have fostered a nurturing environment for their children, with a special emphasis on the family bond created through cooking. O’Donnell has shared in the past how she cherishes the time spent around the dining table, allowing for family discussions and togetherness.
Reflecting on family traditions in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE in 2019, O’Donnell described the importance of these meals. “It’s an important time to sit down and talk about everything that’s happened over the weekend, and then we watch 60 Minutes together,” she said. O’Donnell noted that cooking together as a family instils in her children a sense of responsibility and appreciation for home-cooked meals.
In the O’Donnell-Tracy household, cooking is a collaborative activity. O’Donnell highlighted that while she and her husband share kitchen responsibilities, their children also contribute. She remarked, “It’s easy to order out, and we love that too, but I’m glad the kids have an appreciation for making meals for each other.” Such shared duties extend to household tasks, ensuring that everyone pulls together for the family’s well-being.
Cooking is a passion for O’Donnell, who finds joy in creating meals for her loved ones. She stated, “To cook something for the people you love is like therapy. To make a beautiful meal for your family or friend is incredibly relaxing and brings me a lot of joy.” Among her family’s favourite dishes are steak fajitas, lasagna, and whole-grain blueberry pancakes—recipes that likely come with fond memories of family gatherings.
When it comes to parenting, O’Donnell and Tracy embrace the challenges with a hands-on approach. They have frequently documented the experiences of their children, such as learning to drive and attending prom, on their social media accounts. The family dynamic evolved further during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they navigated remote learning and working from home.
Discussing the juggle of family life with a demanding career, O’Donnell informed PEOPLE in 2020, “I’m a work-at-home mum and the managing editor of the CBS Evening News.” She recalled a particularly chaotic moment during a conference call with a White House representative when Riley was urgently trying to resolve a printer issue. “Lots of times, I’m on a conference call and cooking breakfast for the kids at the same time. Luckily, they have the ‘stop video’ feature on Zoom,” she recalled with a hint of humour.
O’Donnell’s narrative highlights the challenges of balancing professional responsibilities and family life, particularly during unprecedented times. Despite the hurdles, the CBS journalist appears to thrive in her dual role, finding gratefulness in both her family and work commitments. This proud mother’s public celebration of her daughter’s graduation serves as a reminder of the importance of milestones and togetherness, both within families and communities.