The Unconventional Family: 5 Facts About Anderson Cooper's Partner And Modern Co-Parenting Life In 2025

The question of "Who is Anderson Cooper's husband?" is one of the most frequently searched celebrity queries, yet the answer is more nuanced and modern than many realize. As of December 2025, the renowned CNN anchor is not married and is currently single, having split from his long-term romantic partner, Benjamin Maisani, several years ago. However, the two men have redefined the concept of family by maintaining an incredibly close, platonic relationship to co-parent their two young sons, a unique arrangement that offers a fresh perspective on modern family structures.

The story of Anderson Cooper's family life is a deeply personal journey that has unfolded in the public eye, moving from a decade-long romance to a groundbreaking co-parenting dynamic. His commitment to raising his children alongside his former partner is a testament to prioritizing family above traditional relationship labels, making the details of his home life far more compelling than a simple marriage announcement.

Anderson Cooper: A Quick Biography and Professional Profile

Anderson Hays Cooper is one of the most recognizable and respected figures in American broadcast journalism. His career has spanned decades, covering major global and domestic events, and he is perhaps best known as the anchor of the nightly news show, Anderson Cooper 360° on CNN.

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• Full Name: Anderson Hays Cooper
• Date of Birth: June 3, 1967
• Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
• Education: B.A. in Political Science from Yale University (1989)
• Family Heritage: Son of artist and designer Gloria Vanderbilt and writer Wyatt Emory Cooper. He is a fifth-generation descendant of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the founder of the Vanderbilt shipping and railroad fortune.
• Career Highlights: Host of Anderson Cooper 360° (CNN, 2003–present), Correspondent for 60 Minutes (CBS), former host of the daytime talk show Anderson Live.
• Personal Life: Publicly came out as gay in 2012.
• Children: Wyatt Morgan Cooper and Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper.

The Truth About Anderson Cooper's Relationship Status and Partner

Despite the persistent search query, Anderson Cooper does not have a "husband" in the legal or traditional sense. His last long-term romantic relationship was with Benjamin Maisani, a French-American entrepreneur and businessman. The couple dated for approximately ten years before announcing their amicable split in March 2018. Maisani is the man who remains the most significant figure in Cooper's personal life today, not as a husband, but as a devoted co-parent.

The Decade-Long Romance with Benjamin Maisani

Cooper and Maisani began dating in 2009. Maisani, who was born in Corsica, France, and moved to New York to study filmmaking at Hunter College, is a successful bar owner. Before becoming an entrepreneur, he worked as a bartender at the famous Chelsea gay bar, Barracuda. He is the co-owner of several popular New York City nightlife venues, including Eastern Bloc, Bedlam Bar & Lounge, and the Atlas Social Club.

The couple's relationship was private but well-known, and their separation in 2018 was handled with remarkable grace and maturity. Cooper stated at the time, "Benjamin and I separated as boyfriends some time ago. We are the best of friends, and will continue to share much of our lives together."

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A Modern Family: The Unique Co-Parenting Dynamic

The most compelling and unique aspect of Anderson Cooper and Benjamin Maisani's bond is their commitment to platonic co-parenting. This arrangement began when Cooper welcomed his first son, Wyatt Morgan Cooper, via surrogate in April 2020. The name Wyatt is a tribute to Cooper's father, Wyatt Emory Cooper.

Even though they were no longer romantically involved, Maisani was present for Wyatt's birth and was immediately integrated into the child's life. This family model was solidified when Cooper announced the birth of his second son, Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper, in February 2022. Sebastian’s last name, Maisani-Cooper, reflects Benjamin's official role as a co-parent.

To ensure a stable and present environment for their children, Maisani moved back into Cooper's home. This living situation allows both men to be fully engaged fathers, maximizing their time with the boys despite their demanding careers. Cooper has described the arrangement as "very natural" and beneficial, especially since his work as a journalist often requires him to work nights.

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The Benefits of Platonic Co-Parenting

The decision to co-parent in the same household, or in close proximity, is a conscious choice that prioritizes the children's well-being over traditional societal expectations. For Cooper and Maisani, it means:**

• Stability: The boys, Wyatt and Sebastian, have both of their fathers present in their daily lives, providing a consistent and secure home environment.
• Shared Responsibilities: As Cooper often travels for CNN or anchors his show in the evening, Maisani is able to take on the nighttime parenting duties, ensuring someone is always there.
• Emotional Support: They moved from romantic partners to close friends, maintaining a bond of deep trust and mutual respect, which is crucial for navigating the challenges of fatherhood.

This evolving family structure has been openly discussed by Cooper, who has expressed immense gratitude for the arrangement. He has repeatedly stated that becoming a father, alongside Maisani, has been the "best time of his life" and that he feels "blissfully happy and lucky."

The Influence of Gloria Vanderbilt's Legacy

Cooper's journey into fatherhood is deeply intertwined with the legacy of his late mother, the iconic Gloria Vanderbilt. Her death in 2019 was a profound loss, and Cooper has often spoken about how her life, and the loss of his brother, Carter Vanderbilt Cooper, shaped his desire to have a family. He wanted to continue his family line and provide his children with the kind of unconditional love and stability he cherished. The birth of Wyatt, and later Sebastian, was a direct fulfillment of this lifelong dream, which Maisani helped realize through their shared commitment to the boys.

In conclusion, while Anderson Cooper is not currently married, the former "husband" query points directly to the man who is his most important partner today: Benjamin Maisani. Their relationship, though no longer romantic, is a powerful example of a modern, loving family built on friendship, mutual respect, and a shared devotion to raising their two sons, Wyatt Morgan and Sebastian Luke, in a happy and unconventional home.