Jane Pauley Husband: Inside Her Long, Inspiring Marriage to Garry Trudeau

Jane Pauley has been a familiar and trusted presence in American homes for nearly fifty years. As the longtime host of CBS Sunday Morning and a former anchor on Today and Dateline NBC, she is admired not only for her professionalism but for her warmth, intellect, and relatability. Naturally, many viewers are curious about the personal life behind the beloved journalist—especially questions related to Jane Pauley’s husband, the award-winning cartoonist Garry Trudeau. Their marriage, which began in 1980, is one of the most enduring and respected partnerships in media and the arts. Over more than four decades together, Pauley and Trudeau have built a life grounded in mutual admiration, balanced independence, and unwavering respect.

Who Is Jane Pauley? A Quick Background

Born in Indianapolis in 1950, Jane Pauley began her journalism career in local news before joining NBC at the age of 25. Her rapid rise made her one of the youngest anchors in network television when she began co-hosting Today alongside Tom Brokaw. She spent thirteen years on that show, becoming a cultural icon for her professionalism and genuine presence.

Pauley later helped launch Dateline NBC, where she reported and anchored from 1992 to 2003. She went on to host her own daytime program, publish multiple books, and become a national voice for mental health advocacy after publicly sharing her experience with bipolar disorder.

In 2014, she joined CBS Sunday Morning, and in 2016 she became the program’s official anchor. Her comforting tone and insightful storytelling helped usher the show into a new era. Despite her fame, Pauley has always maintained a graceful and grounded demeanor—something fans often attribute to the strong personal foundation she has built with Garry Trudeau.

Meet Garry Trudeau — Jane Pauley’s Husband

Garry Trudeau is a celebrated writer, cartoonist, and satirist best known as the creator of the pioneering comic strip Doonesbury. First published in the 1970s, Doonesbury became famous for its witty political commentary, cultural insight, and innovative storytelling. In 1975, Trudeau became the first cartoonist ever to win the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning—a groundbreaking achievement that positioned him as a driving force in American satire.

Trudeau’s work has continued for decades, expanding into books, television, and web-based political humor. He adapted his military-themed satire into the acclaimed Amazon series Alpha House and remains one of the few cartoonists whose work blends artistry, politics, and cultural reflection with such longevity. His understated personality, intellect, and artistic discipline complement Pauley’s steady presence and journalistic integrity.

Though he is widely respected for his creativity, Trudeau is also known for maintaining a low public profile, which has contributed to the quiet stability of his marriage.

How Jane Pauley and Garry Trudeau Met

Jane Pauley and Garry Trudeau met in the late 1970s through mutual connections in the journalism and media world. Their meeting was marked by an immediate intellectual spark. Both were rising stars in their fields—Pauley was becoming one of television’s most-watched journalists, while Trudeau was an influential voice in American political satire.

Their early conversations revealed how much they shared: a commitment to meaningful work, a strong sense of humor, and an appreciation for personal privacy despite professional visibility. Their relationship grew naturally, built on respect, curiosity, and a sense of partnership.

Their 1980 Wedding and Early Marriage

Jane Pauley and Garry Trudeau married on June 14, 1980, in an intimate ceremony surrounded by family and close friends. Their wedding was elegant yet low-key—a reflection of their desire for privacy over spectacle. At the time, both were navigating demanding careers, yet they made intentional choices to balance work with marriage.

Their early years were spent laying the foundation for a life that supported both of their ambitions. Pauley worked morning hours on Today, while Trudeau spent long days creating Doonesbury. Despite their intense schedules, they prioritized mutual understanding and independent space—two qualities that would become hallmarks of their relationship.

The Strength of Their Four-Decade Marriage

Over more than forty years together, Pauley and Trudeau have demonstrated a rare ability to maintain balance between public responsibilities and private life. Their marriage thrives in part because they respect each other’s need for creative and intellectual independence. Pauley has praised Trudeau for being a thoughtful, grounded partner, while Trudeau has described Pauley as genuine, resilient, and deeply supportive.

Their relationship is known for avoiding the trappings of celebrity culture. They rarely appear at large Hollywood events and prefer to keep family life away from public scrutiny. Instead, they cultivate a home environment that values conversation, creativity, humor, and connection.

This balance has allowed them to navigate dual careers in demanding fields while remaining close and united. Their partnership is often seen as one of the strongest and most stable in the world of journalism and entertainment.

Their Children and Family Life

Jane Pauley and Garry Trudeau share three children: twins Rachel and Ross, and their younger son Thomas. Raising a family while managing high-profile careers required careful coordination and shared dedication. Pauley has spoken about prioritizing her children and structuring her work life around family needs as much as possible.

Their home life was intentionally normal and grounded. Pauley and Trudeau created routines, traditions, and a nurturing environment far from the pressures of television studios or political commentary. Their children grew up with an appreciation for both creativity and humility, influenced by the example of two parents who valued education, empathy, and balance.

Now adults, the Trudeau children lead private lives, a testament to how successfully Pauley and Trudeau protected their family from the spotlight.

Facing Challenges Together

One of the most defining aspects of Pauley and Trudeau’s marriage has been their ability to face challenges with honesty and mutual support. When Jane Pauley publicly shared her experience with bipolar disorder in the early 2000s, she did so with the support of her family, especially Trudeau. Her openness helped destigmatize mental illness and earned her admiration from millions.

Trudeau’s steady presence during difficult times strengthened their partnership. Pauley has spoken candidly about how essential support, communication, and acceptance were during her mental health journey. Their marriage is often cited as a model of resilience, demonstrating how couples can grow stronger through adversity.