In a heartwarming moment that captured the hearts of viewers across the nation, Fox News host Greg Gutfeld made a triumphant return to his late-night show Gutfeld! after a six-week paternity leave, surprising fans with a touching tribute to his newborn daughter, Mira. The episode, which aired in early January 2025, was filled with Gutfeld’s signature humor but took an emotional turn when he shared glimpses of his new life as a father at 60. What truly left audiences teary-eyed, however, was the heartfelt response from his colleagues on The Five and Gutfeld!, whose genuine joy and playful banter underscored the significance of this milestone in Gutfeld’s life. This article explores the emotional on-air moment, the reactions from colleagues and viewers, and the broader impact of Gutfeld’s journey into fatherhood.
A Surprise Announcement That Shocked Fans
Greg Gutfeld, known for his sharp wit and irreverent commentary, had been absent from both Gutfeld! and The Five for over a month, sparking curiosity among his loyal fanbase. Rumors swirled, with some speculating that the 60-year-old host might have quietly left Fox News. On December 10, 2024, the mystery was put to rest when co-host Dana Perino, during a segment on The Five, read a statement from Gutfeld that left viewers stunned: he and his wife, Elena Moussa, had welcomed their first child, a daughter named Mira.
Perino, beaming with excitement, shared Gutfeld’s words: “It is with great joy that my wife Elena and I have welcomed a baby girl into the world. Mira is healthy with a real set of lungs. She has Elena’s beautiful eyes and my rock-hard abs.” The statement, laced with Gutfeld’s characteristic humor, also included a playful jab at co-host Jesse Watters, joking that Mira had already asked if Watters wears a toupee. The announcement was met with cheers from the panel and an outpouring of congratulations on social media, with fans like @Missypo74379688 tweeting, “Just heard the news – surprised, but happy for them! Wow!”
Gutfeld’s Emotional Return to Gutfeld!
When Gutfeld returned to Gutfeld! on January 6, 2025, after a 46-day hiatus, the episode was a blend of comedy and sincerity. The host opened with a monologue that playfully addressed his new role as a father, joking about the challenges of parenting at 60 and his French bulldog Gus’s “emotional pain” at no longer being the center of attention. Gus, Gutfeld revealed, had taken to “ritual pees” around the house, including in front of Mira’s room, as a protest against the new family member.
The highlight of the episode came when Gutfeld surprised viewers with a heartfelt dedication to Mira. Displaying a tiny unicorn onesie—a gift from his The Five co-hosts—he announced that the show was “for Mira,” a gesture that brought a softer side to the typically sardonic host. The studio audience erupted in applause, and social media lit up with reactions. One fan tweeted, “Seeing Greg dedicate the show to his daughter was so sweet. He’s still hilarious, but you can tell he’s a proud dad!” The moment was a rare glimpse into Gutfeld’s private life, which he and Elena have guarded closely over their 20-year marriage.
Colleagues’ Emotional Reactions Steal the Show
While Gutfeld’s tribute to Mira was touching, it was the emotional responses from his colleagues that truly moved viewers. On The Five, co-hosts Dana Perino, Jesse Watters, and Kayleigh McEnany welcomed Gutfeld back with a celebratory cake and an array of baby gifts, including the now-iconic punk rock onesie for Mira. Perino, who had been the first to announce Mira’s birth, teared up as she recounted how Gutfeld had kept the pregnancy a secret, even from his closest colleagues. “That’s how you keep a secret,” she said, echoing Gutfeld’s own words on X.
Jesse Watters, ever the provocateur, couldn’t resist poking fun at Gutfeld’s age, joking, “Greg, you’re gonna be changing diapers until you’re 80!” Yet, his tone softened as he added, “Seriously, man, we’re so happy for you and Elena. Mira’s lucky to have you.” Kayleigh McEnany pressed Gutfeld on whether he was helping with 2 a.m. feedings, to which he admitted he offered “emotional support” while Elena handled the heavy lifting, claiming he was “too clumsy” for diaper duty. The lighthearted exchange was underpinned by genuine affection, with viewers noting the camaraderie among the panel. One X user wrote, “The way Dana and Jesse rallied around Greg was so wholesome. You can tell they’re a family.”
On Gutfeld!, stand-in host Kat Timpf, who had kept the show running in Gutfeld’s absence, delivered an emotional welcome-back speech. “Greg, you’ve been missed, but we’re so thrilled you were off becoming a dad,” she said, her voice cracking. Regular panelists Tyrus and Tom Shillue joined in, with Tyrus quipping, “It’s the best time to have a kid when you’re 60,” a jab that had the audience roaring. The playful mockery was balanced by heartfelt congratulations, with Timpf later tweeting, “So happy to have @greggutfeld back. Mira’s got the coolest dad!” The combination of humor and sincerity resonated deeply, leaving viewers both laughing and reaching for tissues.
Viewers’ Heartfelt Response
The emotional weight of Gutfeld’s return and his colleagues’ reactions was not lost on the audience. Social media platforms, particularly X, were flooded with messages of support and admiration. Fans praised Gutfeld for taking time to bond with Mira, with one user commenting, “Greg taking paternity leave at 60 shows how much he loves his daughter. What a great example!” Others were moved by the vulnerability he displayed, a departure from his usual persona. “Greg’s always been funny, but seeing him talk about Mira made me see him in a new light,” wrote @lucysanders2962 on Instagram.
Viewers were equally touched by the Fox News team’s response, with many noting the sense of community among the hosts. “The Five feels like a family, and you could see how much they love Greg and are excited for Mira,” one fan posted on X. The outpouring of support extended beyond social media, with Gutfeld’s return episode of Gutfeld! reportedly drawing some of the show’s highest ratings of the season, a testament to the audience’s investment in his personal milestone.
A New Chapter for Gutfeld and Elena
Gutfeld’s journey to fatherhood with Elena Moussa, a fashion stylist and former Maxim Russia photo editor, has been a remarkable one. The couple, married since 2004 after a whirlwind romance in Portugal, welcomed Mira in early December 2024, a milestone that came after 20 years of marriage. Elena, 42, shared the first public photo of Mira on Valentine’s Day 2025, captioning it simply “Love” with heart emojis, further endearing the couple to fans. The snap, which showed Elena cuddling Mira while Gus vied for attention, melted hearts across the internet.
Gutfeld has been candid about the transformative impact of fatherhood, admitting on The Five that Mira’s arrival shifted his perspective. “I’ve learned that it’s not about me anymore,” he said, reflecting on how his self-centered past has given way to a new sense of purpose. Despite the challenges of parenting at 60, Gutfeld’s humor remains intact, as he quipped about Mira’s “rigorous workout routines” and her inherited “rock-hard abs.”
Conclusion: A Moment That United Viewers
Greg Gutfeld’s surprise dedication to his daughter Mira on Gutfeld! was more than just a feel-good TV moment—it was a celebration of family, friendship, and the unexpected joys of life. The emotional reactions from his colleagues, from Dana Perino’s teary pride to Kat Timpf’s heartfelt welcome, amplified the significance of the occasion, creating a ripple effect that moved viewers to tears. As Gutfeld navigates this new chapter with Elena and Mira, his audience is along for the ride, cheering for the proud dad and his growing family. In a world often divided, this moment of unity and love reminded us all of the power of shared joy. 👶💖
