Anderson Cooper, a familiar face on New Year’s Eve broadcasts, recently shared a deeply personal reason for his past dislike of the holiday. During CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, the 57-year-old journalist revealed that the occasion has always been difficult for him due to the loss of his father.
Before the show’s “in memoriam” segment, Cooper acknowledged that New Year’s Eve can be a challenging time for many, especially those spending it alone or grieving. He expressed empathy for viewers who might not be celebrating in a traditional way, stating, “There’s a lot of folks who are watching tonight who may not be out at some party… you might be alone or just with somebody else you love in your room or just by yourself.”
Cooper then shared his own experience, revealing that his father passed away on January 5, 1978, just five days after New Year’s Day. He recalled the fear and loneliness he felt as a 10-year-old watching New Year’s Eve celebrations just days before his father’s death. “New Year’s Eve is a night that’s always been hard for me,” he confessed. “I remember being 10 years old and watching New Year’s Eve celebrations that New Years, five days before he died, being filled with fear and feeling very much alone.”
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Cooper’s father succumbed to complications from surgery. In a 2023 essay for CNN, Cooper admitted that despite enduring several significant losses in his life, he hadn’t truly processed his grief until dedicating an entire season of his podcast, All There Is, to the topic. He realized he had suppressed his ability to feel joy fully.
Cooper explained that he initially started working on New Year’s Eve broadcasts because he “hated” the holiday and wanted to distract himself with work. Having hosted New Year’s Live since 2002, his perspective has shifted. He now finds enjoyment in the annual event.
“I’ve come to enjoy being with Andy. And I’ve come also to enjoy being with all of you who are maybe watching alone or who are maybe grieving and not looking forward to the new year or have not had a good year,” Cooper shared. He extended a message of solidarity to viewers, reassuring them that they were not alone in their feelings.
“And I just want you to know that in all this merriment… you are not alone tonight,” Anderson concluded. “I am with you, we are with you. we see you and we welcome you and we’re glad you’re spending the night with us.” His heartfelt message resonated with viewers, highlighting the importance of acknowledging grief and finding connection during what can be a difficult time of year.
