'As a gay kid I never thought I'd have a child': Anderson Cooper announces birth of son Wyatt who is named after his late father, as he thanks surrogate and says 'we're blessed with new life, even as we mourn loved ones' during the coronavirus pandemic
Anderson Cooper has announced the birth of his child, a boy named Wyatt Cooper.
The CNN town hall anchor shared the first picture of his son Thursday night, telling viewers: 'As a gay kid I never thought I'd have a child.'
He thanked the child's surrogate mother and the medical professionals who delivered him amid the coronavirus outbreak during the emotional segment which began by acknowledging the 'difficult times' the nation is going through.
'There are many hard days ahead,' Cooper told viewers, adding: 'It's especially important to try to hold on to the moments of joy, happiness, even as we mourn the loss of loved ones, we're also blessed with new life and new love.'
CNN's @AndersonCooper is a dad.
"On Monday I became a father. I've never said that out loud and it astonishes me," he said Thursday at the end of the #CNNTownHall.
"I have a son."
Wyatt Morgan Cooper was born on Monday weighing 7 pounds 2 ounces.cnn.it/3d8sdyr
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Anderson Cooper has announced the birth of his child, a little boy named Wyatt Cooper
'He is named after my father, who died when I was ten. I hope I can be as good a dad as he was,' Cooper said
Wyatt Cooper was born via surrogate on Monday and is three days old, the CNN anchor said
'He was 7.2 lbs at birth, and he is sweet, and soft, and healthy and I am beyond happy,' Cooper continued
Cooper choked up on-air and told viewers that he'd shared the news with CNN contributor Dr. Sanjay Gupta a couple of days ago
Cooper said in the touching speech: 'I want to share with you some joyful news. On Monday, I became a father.'
He smiled adding: 'I've never actually said that out loud and it still kind of astonishes me. I'm a dad. I have a son and I want you to meet him.'
'This is Wyatt Cooper. He is three days old,' Cooper continued. 'He is named after my father, who died when I was ten. I hope I can be as good a dad as he was.'
Cooper went on to explain during the broadcast that his late mother, Gloria Vanderbilt played a role in the naming of his child too.
The actress, socialite, author, fashion designer and artist died last June.
'My son's middle name is Morgan. It's a family name on my mom's side. I know my mom and dad liked the name Morgan because I recently found a list they made 52 years ago when they were trying to think of names for me,' Cooper shared.
In February, on what would have been his mother's 96th birthday, he shared images from his searching through boxes of photos and files.
He commented at the time that his mother 'kept every note, every letter she ever received'. He said that although it was sad going through the items, it also brought back 'many amazing memories'.
'Most of all, I am grateful to a remarkable surrogate who carried Wyatt, and watched over him lovingly, and tenderly, and gave birth to him,' Cooper said. 'It is an extraordinary blessing - what she, and all surrogates give to families who can't have children'
'Wyatt Morgan Cooper my son': Cooper also announced the happy news on social media
Cooper's father died when he was 10. Pictured, the Coopers play at home in Southampton, Long Island, New York, March 30, 1972. American author and actor Wyatt Emory Cooper and heiress Gloria Vanderbilt Cooper sit with their sons, Carter (1965 - 1988) and Anderson
'Wyatt Morgan Cooper. My son. He was 7.2 lbs at birth, and he is sweet, and soft, and healthy and I am beyond happy,' Cooper continued.
Cooper, 52, is believed to be single at the moment. He split from his boyfriend of nine years, Ben Maisani, in 2018. He then dated radiologist Victor Lopez for a year until they split last summer.
'I’m grateful for all those who have paved the way, and for the doctors and nurses and everyone involved in my son's birth,' the new dad continued.
'Most of all, I am grateful to a remarkable surrogate who carried Wyatt, and watched over him lovingly, and tenderly, and gave birth to him. It is an extraordinary blessing - what she, and all surrogates give to families who can't have children.
'My surrogate has a beautiful family of her own, a wonderfully supportive husband, and kids, and I am incredibly thankful for all the support they have given Wyatt and me. My family is blessed to have this family in our lives.'
Cooper spent much of his time with his late mother up until her passing in June. She died after a battle with stomach cancer. His brother Carter died by suicide in 1988 when Anderson Cooper was 21.
'I do wish my mom and dad and my brother, Carter, were alive to meet Wyatt, but I like to believe they can see him,' Cooper added as he began to get tearful.
'As gay kid I never thought I'd have a child,' Cooper told CNN viewers after announcing the birth. He is pictured as a youngster with his mother
Cooper said his late mother, Gloria Vanderbilt played a role in the naming of his child too
'I know my mom and dad liked the name Morgan because I recently found a list they made 52 years ago when they were trying to think of names for me,' Cooper said
Anderson Cooper is pictured as a baby with his mother Gloria Vanderbilt
'I imagine them all together, arms around each other, smiling and laughing, happy to know that their love is alive in me and in Wyatt and that our family continues,' Cooper finished. 'New Life and new love.'
He made the announcement at the end of his town hall speech with coronavirus Dr. Sanjay Gupta, who he revealed had known the happy news for the past two days.
Gupta looked relieved and said he'd been 'bursting at the seams' to spill the secret.
'I'm so so happy for you. I don't know how you got through what you just read,' he admitted. 'I was looking for the Kleenex here.'
The doctor showed Cooper a CNN satellite truck soft toy he'd picked up as a gift for the baby.
'Make sure to tell him it's from Uncle Sanjay,' he laughed. 'I'll wipe it down before I send it, don't worry,' he laughed.
Cooper's friend, Bravo host and producer Andy Cohen, was thrilled with the news too.
'I am crying,' he reacted to the initial news.
'Wyatt Cooper, you couldn’t have come at a better time!' he later exclaimed on social media. 'I know a friend who can’t wait to meet you!'
Cohen welcomed his own son, Benjamin Allen Cohen, via surrogate last February.
'I am crying': Cooper's friend, Bravo host and producer Andy Cohen, was thrilled with the news
'As a gay kid I never thought I'd have a child': Anderson Cooper announces birth of son Wyatt who is named after his late father, as he thanks surrogate and says 'we're blessed with new life, even as we mourn loved ones' during the coronavirus pandemic
!['As a gay kid I never thought I'd have a child': Anderson Cooper announces birth of son Wyatt who is named after his late father, as he thanks surrogate and says 'we're blessed with new life, even as we mourn loved ones' during the coronavirus pandemic]()
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