'As a gay kid I never thought I'd have a child': CNN anchor, Anderson Cooper, welcomes baby boy via surrogate

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.'


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.'

'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.'