Anderson Cooper introduces his new baby boy to the world

Nick Paschal
·Supervising Producer, Yahoo Entertainment
Updated ·4 min read

Anderson Cooper delivered some good news Thursday night — he's a dad! At the end of CNN's global town hall on the coronavirus pandemic, Anderson expressed how important it is to celebrate moments of joy during these difficult times. "It is, I think, especially important in these times of trouble to try to hold on to moments of joy and moments of happiness," the AC360° host said. "Even as we mourn the loss of loved ones, we are also blessed with new life and new love."

That's when Cooper shared his own moment of joy. "On Monday, I became a father," Anderson said with a big smile on his face. "I've never actually said that before out loud and it still kind of astonishes me. I am a dad. I have a son, and I want you to meet him."

Wyatt Morgan Cooper was born on Monday, weighing 7 lbs. 2 oz. and Anderson said he is "sweet and soft and healthy." Wyatt and Morgan are both family names. Wyatt is the name of Anderson's father, who died when Anderson was just 10 years old. And Morgan is from his mom, Gloria Vanderbilt's side of the family. Anderson revealed that "Morgan" was in a list of names his parents had written down when they were deciding his name 52 years ago, so he knew they liked the name.

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Becoming a parent is a special moment in anyone's life, but for Anderson, it was particularly special. "As I gay kid, I never thought it would be possible to have a child," Anderson explained, "and I'm so grateful for all those who paved the way and for the doctors and nurses and everyone involved in my son's birth." Anderson then added, "Most of all, I am eternally grateful to a remarkable surrogate who carried Wyatt, watched over him, lovingly, tenderly, and gave birth to him."

Fans and colleagues flooded Twitter with congratulations.

It was a joyful moment, but it was a little bittersweet for Anderson, who wished he could share Wyatt with his family. "I do wish my mom and my dad and my brother Carter were alive to meet Wyatt, but I like to believe that they can see him," Anderson said as he held back his emotions, "I imagine them all together, arms around each other smiling and laughing and watching, looking down on us. Happy to know that their love is alive in me and in Wyatt, and that our family continues. New life and new love."

Congratulations, Anderson!

Anderson Cooper 360° airs weeknights at 8:00 p.m. on CNN.

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