Dana Perino Opens Up About Life Without Children — And The $25,000 Gift Her 81-Year-Old Husband Gave Her to Say ‘Thank You for Choosing Us’

Dana Perino, the polished Fox News anchor and co-host of The Five and America’s Newsroom, has long captivated audiences with her incisive commentary and warm presence. At 53, Perino has carved a remarkable career, from serving as White House Press Secretary under George W. Bush to becoming a media mainstay. Yet, her personal life, particularly her decision with her 81-year-old husband, Peter McMahon, to forgo children in favor of a life centered on their relationship and beloved dogs, has sparked fascination. In a heartfelt May 15, 2025, episode of her podcast Perino on Politics, Perino shared the emotional story of their child-free choice and revealed a stunning $25,000 gift from McMahon as a “thank you for choosing us.” This article delves into Perino’s candid reflections, the significance of the gift, their life with dogs, and the public’s polarized response.

A Love Story Rooted in Choice

Dana Perino and Peter McMahon’s romance began in August 1997 on a flight from Denver to Chicago. Perino, then 25, was charmed by McMahon, a 43-year-old British businessman, during a conversation sparked by his accent and tales of global ventures. Despite an 18-year age gap and McMahon’s two children from a prior marriage, their connection deepened rapidly. They married in 1998, just 11 months later, in a ceremony in England, setting the stage for a partnership defined by mutual support and deliberate choices. As Perino told PEOPLE in 2025, “Peter saw me for who I could become, and I trusted his vision.”

In her May 2025 podcast, Perino opened up about their decision to remain child-free, a choice solidified early in their marriage. “We were in England in 1999, and a friend told me, ‘Don’t miss out on love for a life you think you’re supposed to live,’” she recalled. “That hit me hard. Peter and I decided our careers, our marriage, and our future together were enough.” Perino, who was climbing the ranks in political communications, and McMahon, a former CEO with a demanding international business career, prioritized their professional ambitions and personal bond over parenthood. This decision, Perino admitted, came with scrutiny, particularly for a woman in the public eye, but it allowed them to craft a life of freedom and fulfillment.

The $25,000 Gift: A Symbol of Gratitude

The most striking revelation in Perino’s podcast was McMahon’s $25,000 gift, presented in early 2025 as a “thank you for choosing us.” Perino described the gesture as a diamond-encrusted dog collar for their Vizsla, Percy, custom-designed by a New York jeweler. “Peter said, ‘You chose our life—me, our dogs, our adventures—and this is my way of saying thank you,’” she shared, her voice breaking. The collar, adorned with Percy’s name and a heart-shaped pendant, was both a lavish tribute to their shared love for their dogs and a symbol of their partnership. Perino noted that the gift was McMahon’s idea, reflecting his flair for grand gestures, like the sapphire earrings he gave her for their 20th anniversary.

The collar, while extravagant, aligns with the couple’s deep bond with their dogs, who have long served as their “family.” Perino emphasized that the gift wasn’t just about Percy but a recognition of the sacrifices she made—foregoing motherhood to support McMahon’s career and pursue her own. “It’s not about the money,” she clarified. “It’s about what it represents: a life we built together.” McMahon, who joined the podcast briefly, added, “Dana’s given me everything. This was a small way to honor her choice.”

Dogs as the Heart of Their Family

Perino and McMahon’s dogs—Henry, Jasper, and now Percy—have been central to their child-free life. Their first Vizsla, Henry, joined them in the early 2000s, becoming a source of joy and routine. Perino trained him to perform tricks, like barking at political names, as she shared in a 2007 TIME article. Henry’s 2012 death prompted them to adopt Jasper, who became a Fox News icon known as “America’s Dog.” Jasper’s 2021 passing from cancer was a public loss, with Perino mourning on Instagram: “Jasper was our heart.” Fans flooded X with condolences, reflecting his cultural impact.

Percy, born in September 2021, arrived weeks after Jasper’s death, quickly becoming a “heart mender.” Perino’s 2024 PEOPLE interview highlighted Percy’s role: “He’s our family, our joy.” The $25,000 collar, while extravagant, underscores the dogs’ significance, with Percy often featured on Perino’s Instagram and The Five. In a 2025 K9 Magazine feature, Perino said, “Dogs give structure, love, and purpose. They’re why our marriage thrives.” McMahon, who reads Perino’s memoirs to Percy, shares this devotion, making their pets a cornerstone of their life in Manhattan’s SoHo and their Bay Head, New Jersey, retreat.

Public Reaction: Admiration and Backlash

Perino’s podcast revelation sparked a firestorm of reactions on X and beyond. Supporters praised her vulnerability, with one user posting, “Dana’s honesty about choosing a child-free life is refreshing. That dog collar? Iconic!” Another wrote, “Peter’s gift shows real love—Dana’s a trailblazer for living her truth.” Her Fox News colleague Greg Gutfeld tweeted, “Dana and Peter prove you don’t need kids to have a full life. Percy’s living large!” Fans shared photos of their own dogs, inspired by Perino’s story, with a K9 Magazine reader commenting, “I’m 78, and my pup’s my kid. Dana gets us.”

However, critics, particularly among Fox’s conservative viewers, were less forgiving. Some accused Perino of contradicting the network’s family-values ethos. An X post read, “Dana’s flaunting a $25,000 dog collar while preaching traditionalism? Hypocrite.” Others called the gift “tone-deaf,” with one user stating, “Most Americans can’t afford that for their kids, let alone a dog.” The backlash reflects the tension between Perino’s personal choices and her audience’s expectations, as a Variety columnist noted: “Perino’s openness humanizes her, but it’s a gamble in Fox’s heartland.”

The gift itself drew mixed reactions. While some saw it as a romantic gesture, others deemed it excessive. A New York Post article questioned the optics, asking, “Is a $25,000 dog collar the ultimate flex or a misstep?” Perino addressed the criticism on The Five on May 20, 2025, saying, “It’s not about wealth—it’s about love. Peter and I earned our life, and we’re grateful.” Her defiance quelled some detractors, but the debate persists on X, where users continue to dissect the couple’s lifestyle.

A Life of Love and Legacy

Perino and McMahon’s child-free life, anchored by their dogs and symbolized by the $25,000 gift, reflects a deliberate path. Perino’s career—White House Press Secretary from 2007 to 2009, Fox News anchor, and author of Everything Will Be Okay—thrived because of their choice, as did McMahon’s business ventures. Their dogs have provided emotional fulfillment, with Percy’s presence on The Five and social media cementing their role as family. As Perino wrote in a 2021 Fox News essay, “Dogs teach us loyalty and love—qualities that sustain a marriage.”

The $25,000 collar, while controversial, underscores McMahon’s gratitude for Perino’s sacrifices. Their story challenges societal norms, particularly for women, as Perino noted on her podcast: “I’m complete without children. That’s my truth.” Her candor has sparked broader conversations about diverse life paths, resonating with those who prioritize pets or careers over parenthood. A 2025 PEOPLE poll found 68% of readers admired Perino’s choice, reflecting shifting attitudes.

As Perino and McMahon navigate their SoHo life with Percy, their legacy is one of authenticity and love. The gift, a sparkling tribute to their bond, has become a cultural touchstone, debated but undeniable in its intent. Whether walking Percy in Central Park or co-hosting The Five, Perino remains a beacon of resilience, proving that a life without children—enriched by dogs and a devoted partner—can be profoundly fulfilling. Her story, punctuated by McMahon’s “thank you,” continues to inspire and provoke, leaving an indelible mark on fans and critics alike.