Katherine Anne Couric is a renowned American journalist and television personality. She is best known for her work as a news anchor for all three major US television networks - NBC, CBS, and ABC. She has also hosted her own talk show and served as Yahoo's Global News Anchor. In addition to her broadcasting career, she is an author and entrepreneur, having founded her own multimedia news and production company, Katie Couric Media. Couric is a prominent figure in American media and is widely respected for her journalistic integrity and her contributions to the field.
January 7, 1957: Katie Couric is Born
On January 7, 1957, Katherine Anne Couric was born. She would go on to become an American journalist and presenter, known for her work as a television host at all of the Big Three television networks in the United States.
1975: Couric Enrolls at the University of Virginia
Katie Couric began her studies at the University of Virginia in 1975, following in her father's footsteps.
1979: Couric Graduates from the University of Virginia
Katie Couric graduated from the University of Virginia in 1979 with a bachelor's degree in American Studies.
1979: Couric Begins Work at ABC News
Katie Couric secured her first job in the field of journalism at the ABC News bureau in Washington, D.C. in 1979.
1986: Couric Joins WRC-TV
In 1986, Katie Couric joined WRC-TV, the NBC owned-and-operated station in Washington, D.C., where she earned an Associated Press award and an Emmy for her work.
1989: Couric Joins "Today" as National Political Correspondent
In 1989, Katie Couric joined the team of "Today" as the national political correspondent, marking her foray into the world of morning news and setting the stage for her future success as a co-host.
1989: Couric Begins Filling in on "NBC Nightly News"
In 1989, Katie Couric started filling in for Tom Brokaw and Brian Williams on "NBC Nightly News." This marked an expansion of her responsibilities at NBC, demonstrating her versatility and the network's confidence in her abilities.
1989: Couric Starts at NBC News
Katie Couric began her career at NBC News in 1989 as Deputy Pentagon Correspondent.
1989: Marriage to John Paul "Jay" Monahan III
Katie Couric married attorney John Paul "Jay" Monahan III in 1989.
1989: Couric Becomes Substitute Anchor at NBC
Starting in 1989, Katie Couric took on the role of a substitute anchor at NBC, filling in for various hosts on programs such as Today and Sunday Today.
February 1991: Couric Becomes Substitute Co-Host of "Today"
Katie Couric stepped into the role of substitute co-host on "Today" in February 1991, covering for Deborah Norville during her maternity leave. This temporary assignment would eventually pave the way for her to become a permanent fixture on the show.
April 5, 1991: Couric Becomes Permanent Co-Anchor of "Today"
On April 5, 1991, Katie Couric officially transitioned into the role of permanent co-anchor of the "Today" show, solidifying her place as a prominent figure in morning television.
July 23, 1991: Birth of Elinor Tully "Ellie" Monahan
Katie Couric's first daughter, Elinor Tully "Ellie" Monahan, was born in Washington, D.C., on July 23, 1991.
1991: Couric Starts Hosting Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Katie Couric began her 14-year run as host of the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1991, bringing her lively personality and journalistic flair to this beloved holiday tradition.
1991: Couric Continues as Substitute Anchor at NBC
Katie Couric continued her role as a substitute anchor for various news programs at NBC until 1991, showcasing her versatility and ability to handle a range of news formats.
1991: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Co-Host
Katie Couric began co-hosting NBC's live coverage of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1991.
June 11, 1992: Couric Interviews Ross Perot
During a "Today" interview with presidential candidate Ross Perot on June 11, 1992, Katie Couric handled an unexpected situation involving a viewer phone call that slipped past the program's screening process, demonstrating her ability to maintain composure and navigate an awkward moment on live television.
1992: Appearance on Murphy Brown
Katie Couric made a guest appearance as herself on the CBS sitcom "Murphy Brown" in 1992.
1993: Couric Co-Hosts "Legend to Legend Night: A Celebrity Cavalcade"
Katie Couric broadened her range of hosting experiences by co-hosting the entertainment special "Legend to Legend Night: A Celebrity Cavalcade" in 1993.
1993: Couric Continues Filling in on Weekend Edition of "NBC Nightly News"
Katie Couric continued her role as a substitute anchor on the Weekend Edition of "NBC Nightly News" until 1993, showcasing her commitment to staying involved in evening news while maintaining her prominent position on "Today."
1994: Couric Co-Anchors "Now with Tom Brokaw and Katie Couric"
In 1994, Katie Couric expanded her role at NBC News by co-anchoring "Now with Tom Brokaw and Katie Couric," an evening newsmagazine that showcased her ability to delve into in-depth reporting alongside veteran journalist Tom Brokaw.
1995: Couric Hosts "Everybody's Business: America's Children"
In 1995, Katie Couric hosted the news special "Everybody's Business: America's Children," demonstrating her commitment to addressing important social issues through her journalistic work.
January 5, 1996: Birth of Caroline "Carrie" Monahan
Katie Couric's second daughter, Caroline "Carrie" Monahan, was born in New York City on January 5, 1996.
June 17, 1997: Couric Questions Bob Woodward on Media's Scandal Obsession
During a June 17, 1997, interview on "Today," Katie Couric engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward, raising the question of whether the media was overly fixated on scandals. Couric's willingness to ask such a question demonstrated her ability to critically examine the role of journalism in society.
1998: Death of John Paul "Jay" Monahan III
Katie Couric's first husband, John Paul "Jay" Monahan III, passed away from colorectal cancer in 1998 at the age of 42.
March 2000: Katie Couric Undergoes On-Air Colonoscopy
In March 2000, Katie Couric underwent a colonoscopy on-air to raise awareness for colon cancer, a disease her first husband died from.
2000: Release of "The Brand New Kid"
Katie Couric's first children's book, "The Brand New Kid," was published in 2000. Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman, the book became a New York Times bestseller.
2000: Couric Begins Co-Hosting Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies
Katie Couric teamed up with veteran sportscaster Bob Costas to co-host the opening ceremonies of the 2000 Summer Olympics, marking the start of her involvement in covering major sporting events.
October 18, 2001: Death of Emily Couric
Katie Couric's sister, Emily Couric, who was a Virginia Democratic state senator, died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 54 on October 18, 2001.
2001: Couric Co-Hosts "Harry Potter: Behind the Magic"
Katie Couric dove into the world of entertainment news by co-hosting "Harry Potter: Behind the Magic" in 2001, capitalizing on the cultural phenomenon surrounding the popular book and film series.
2002: Appearance on Will & Grace
Katie Couric guest-starred as herself on the NBC sitcom "Will & Grace" in late 2002.
May 12, 2003: Guest Hosts "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno"
On May 12, 2003, Couric guest-hosted "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" as part of a swap campaign, attracting significantly more viewers than usual.
2003: Study Finds "Couric Effect" on Colonoscopy Rates
In 2003, a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that Katie Couric's televised colon cancer awareness campaign led to an increase in colonoscopy use. The phenomenon was termed the "Couric Effect".
2004: Release of "The Blue Ribbon Day"
In 2004, Katie Couric released her second children's book, "The Blue Ribbon Day," also illustrated by Marjorie Priceman.
2004: Couric Inducted into Television Hall of Fame
In 2004, Katie Couric was honored for her contributions to television with her induction into the Television Hall of Fame.
2004: Katie Couric Honored at Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Gala
In 2004, Katie Couric was the honored guest at the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation fall gala.
October 7, 2005: Katie Couric Broadcasts Mammogram on Today Show
On October 7, 2005, as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Katie Couric broadcasted her own mammogram on the Today show, hoping to encourage viewers to undergo breast cancer screening.
2005: Golden Plate Award and End of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Co-Hosting
In 2005, Katie Couric received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement. This was also her final year co-hosting Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
2005: Couric Ends Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Hosting Duties
Katie Couric concluded her long-standing tradition of hosting the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2005, marking the end of an era for her involvement in the iconic event.
April 5, 2006: Couric Announces Move to CBS Evening News
Katie Couric made a groundbreaking career move on April 5, 2006, when she announced her decision to leave "Today" and become the anchor and managing editor of "CBS Evening News." This historic move made her the first solo female anchor of a "Big Three" weekday nightly news broadcast.
May 31, 2006: Couric Announces Departure From "Today"
After a successful 15-year tenure, Katie Couric announced her departure from "Today" on May 31, 2006, marking the end of an era for both Couric and the show.
2006: Musical Adaptation of "The Brand New Kid"
Couric's book "The Brand New Kid" was adapted into a musical by Melanie Marnich and Michael Friedman in 2006.
2006: CBS News Coverage of the 2006 Midterm Elections
In 2006, Katie Couric led CBS News' coverage of the 2006 midterm elections.
May 28, 2008: Couric Returns to "Today" to Promote Cancer Awareness
On May 28, 2008, Katie Couric made a special return to "Today" to promote Stand Up to Cancer and raise awareness about the disease alongside her evening news counterparts, Brian Williams and Charles Gibson. This collaborative effort showcased the collective power of the major networks in supporting a vital cause.
2008: Sarah Palin Interviews
In 2008, Couric conducted a series of interviews with 2008 U.S. Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin. These interviews were widely broadcast on television before the election and were considered consequential, receiving both praise and criticism. Couric won a Walter Cronkite Award for Journalism Excellence for the interviews.
June 1, 2009: Princeton University Commencement Speech
Katie Couric gave the commencement speech at Princeton University on June 1, 2009.
December 21, 2009: Diane Sawyer Becomes Evening News Anchor
On December 21, 2009, Diane Sawyer succeeded the retiring Charles Gibson for ABC World News, ending Couric's time as the only solo female evening news anchor in the United States.
2009: Couric Receives Emmy Governor's Award
In 2009, Katie Couric received the Emmy Governor's Award, a testament to her exceptional and influential career in broadcasting.
April 14, 2010: "When Families Grieve" Sesame Street Special
Katie Couric hosted a special episode of Sesame Street titled "When Families Grieve" that aired on PBS on April 14, 2010. The episode focused on the challenges children face when a parent passes away.
May 16, 2010: Honorary Doctor of Science Degree and Convocation Address
Katie Couric received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Case Western Reserve University for her work in raising awareness about colorectal cancer on May 16, 2010. She also delivered the university's convocation keynote address that year.
2010: CBS News Coverage of the 2010 Midterm Elections
Katie Couric led CBS News' coverage of the 2010 midterm elections.
2010: Inspiration for "The Best Advice I Ever Got"
Katie Couric was inspired to write her book "The Best Advice I Ever Got: Lessons from Extraordinary Lives" by a convocation keynote address she gave in 2010.
2010: "CBS Reports: Children of the Recession" and "CBS Reports: Where America Stands"
In 2010, Couric was the lead reporter for two CBS Reports series: "CBS Reports: Children of the Recession" and "CBS Reports: Where America Stands", exploring the impact of the recession and major issues facing the United States. "CBS Reports: Children of the Recession" won a Columbia School of Journalism's Alfred DuPont Award for Excellence in Journalism.
February 6, 2011: Guest Appearance on Glee
Katie Couric made a guest appearance as herself on the post-Super Bowl episode of "Glee" on February 6, 2011, interviewing Sue Sylvester following the cheerleading team's loss in the championship.
June 6, 2011: Couric Signs Contract for Daytime Talk Show
On June 6, 2011, ABC announced Couric's record US$40-million contract to host a daytime talk show starting in September 2012, also contributing to ABC News programming.
August 22, 2011: Talk Show Named "Katie"
On August 22, 2011, Couric's talk show was officially named "Katie".
November 2011: Regis Philbin Retirement Special
In November 2011, Couric hosted a special primetime ABC news program highlighting Regis Philbin's retirement after his 25-year tenure at ABC.
2011: "The Year with Katie Couric"
In 2011, Couric created her annual special "The Year with Katie Couric", a program that reviews major news events of the year in collaboration with People magazine.
2011: Couric Publishes Bestselling Book
Katie Couric released her book, "The Best Advice I Ever Got: Lessons from Extraordinary Lives," which became a New York Times bestseller, in 2011.
2011: Katie Couric Leads National Parkinson Foundation Campaign
In 2011, Katie Couric became the Honorary National Chair of the National Parkinson Foundation's Moving Day campaign. Her father had passed away from Parkinson's disease complications the same year.
2011: Release of "The Best Advice I Ever Got: Lessons from Extraordinary Lives"
Katie Couric released her third book, "The Best Advice I Ever Got: Lessons from Extraordinary Lives," in 2011. The book is a collection of essays from notable figures, including Michael Bloomberg and Queen Rania of Jordan.
May 20, 2012: University of Virginia Commencement Speech
On May 20, 2012, Katie Couric delivered the graduation speech at her alma mater, the University of Virginia.
September 10, 2012: "Katie" Premieres
On September 10, 2012, the first episode of "Katie" aired.
September 2012: "Katie" Premieres
In September 2012, Couric's talk show, "Katie", debuted.
September 2012: "Katie" Talk Show Premieres
Katie Couric's syndicated daytime talk show, "Katie," produced by Disney–ABC Domestic Television, premiered in September 2012.
2012: Guest Co-Anchor on Good Morning America
From April 2 to 6, 2012, Couric substituted for co-anchor Robin Roberts on ABC's Good Morning America. This was her first time hosting a morning news show since leaving Today.
June 1, 2013: Randolph-Macon College Commencement Speech
Katie Couric delivered the commencement address at Randolph-Macon College on June 1, 2013.
September 2013: Engagement to John Molner
Katie Couric and John Molner got engaged in September 2013 after dating for two years.
October 2013: Reports of "Katie" Nearing Cancellation
In October 2013, reports circulated that "Katie" was close to cancellation due to low ratings and a perceived negative reception from its core female audience.
November 2013: Couric Hired as Global Anchor of Yahoo! News
In November 2013, Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer announced that Katie Couric had been hired as Global Anchor of Yahoo! News.
December 10, 2013: Response to HPV Vaccine Segment Criticism
On December 10, 2013, Katie Couric addressed the criticism surrounding her HPV vaccine segment in an article published on The Huffington Post.
December 2013: "Katie" Cancelled
In December 2013, Disney–ABC Domestic Television officially announced the cancellation of "Katie".
December 2013: Controversial HPV Vaccine Segment
Katie Couric ran a segment on the HPV vaccine in December 2013 that drew criticism for allegedly giving too much weight to scientifically unsupported claims that the vaccine was dangerous.
2013: Couric Becomes Yahoo's Global News Anchor
In 2013, Katie Couric started her tenure as Yahoo's Global News Anchor.
2013: Special Correspondent for ABC News
From 2011 to 2013, Couric worked as a special correspondent for ABC News.
January 13, 2014: Couric Debuts as Global Anchor of Yahoo! News
On January 13, 2014, Katie Couric debuted in her role as Global Anchor of Yahoo! News with an interview of former United States Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.
June 12, 2014: Final "Katie" Taping
On June 12, 2014, the last episode of "Katie" was taped.
June 2014: "Katie" Talk Show Ends
Katie Couric's talk show, "Katie," concluded in June 2014 after two seasons.
June 21, 2014: Marriage to John Molner
Katie Couric married financier John Molner in a private ceremony at her home in The Hamptons on June 21, 2014.
July 30, 2014: "Katie" Series Finale Airs
The series finale of "Katie" aired on July 30, 2014.
2014: Couric Departs From ABC News
In 2014, Katie Couric left her position at ABC News.
2014: Executive Producer and Narrator for "Fed Up"
In 2014, Katie Couric was an executive producer and narrator for the documentary "Fed Up," which investigated the food industry and obesity in the United States.
2015: Katie Couric Media Founded
Katie Couric established Katie Couric Media, a film production company, in 2015.
2016: Executive Producer and Narrator for "Under the Gun" and Defamation Lawsuit
Katie Couric served as executive producer and narrator for the documentary "Under the Gun," which explored gun violence and gun control in the US, in 2016. The documentary faced criticism for an inserted pause in an interview, leading to a defamation lawsuit from a gun-rights group that was later dismissed.
2016: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Interview Controversy
In 2016, Couric admitted to editing an interview with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg for her book, "Going There", to remove criticisms of NFL players protesting during the national anthem. This sparked controversy regarding journalistic ethics.
2016: Appearance in "Sully"
Katie Couric appeared as herself in the 2016 film "Sully," recreating her 60 Minutes interview for the movie.
January 2017: Couric Returns to "Today" for Matt Lauer's Anniversary
Katie Couric made a nostalgic return to "Today" in January 2017 for a week-long stint as co-host to celebrate Matt Lauer's 20th anniversary as anchor of the program.
2017: Couric Leaves Yahoo
In 2017, Katie Couric ended her time as Yahoo's Global News Anchor.
2017: Premiere of "Gender Revolution" and "Flint"
Katie Couric Media, in partnership with National Geographic, premiered the documentary "Gender Revolution" in 2017. She also served as an executive producer for the Lifetime drama "Flint," which focused on the Flint, Michigan water crisis, also in 2017.
2018: "America Inside Out with Katie Couric"
In 2018, Katie Couric hosted the docudrama series "America Inside Out with Katie Couric," which aired on the National Geographic Channel.
2018: Couric Co-hosts Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
In 2018, Katie Couric returned to NBC to co-host the Winter Olympics opening ceremonies with Mike Tirico. During the event, she made a comment about Dutch people using skates for transportation that drew criticism, for which she later apologized.
2019: Executive Producer for "Unbelievable"
Katie Couric was an executive producer for the Netflix true crime miniseries "Unbelievable" in 2019.
January 2021: Jeopardy! Guest Host
Katie Couric was announced as a guest host for "Jeopardy!" in January 2021 following the passing of Alex Trebek.
January 15, 2021: Family History Revealed
During an appearance on "Real Time with Bill Maher" on January 15, 2021, Katie Couric revealed that she is distantly related to William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President.
2021: Couric Guest Hosts "Jeopardy!"
Katie Couric became the first woman to guest host the flagship American version of the game show "Jeopardy!" in 2021.
September 28, 2022: Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Katie Couric announced on September 28, 2022 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer on June 21, 2022. She underwent surgery in July and started radiation treatment on September 7, 2022.