The Private Life Of Shepard Smith: 5 Key Facts About His Partner, Gio Graziano, And Their Life In Retirement

The former face of cable news, Shepard Smith, has traded the high-stakes world of breaking news for a notably more private life, a transition he has embraced alongside his long-term partner, Giovanni “Gio” Graziano. As of December 2025, the couple continues to enjoy a quiet, post-journalism existence, primarily based in New York City, a stark contrast to the relentless 24/7 news cycle that defined Smith’s three-decade career at both the Fox News Channel and CNBC. This deep dive explores the enduring relationship between the veteran anchor and the man who has been a constant presence in his life for over a decade, revealing the timeline of their romance and the details of their current, tranquil lifestyle.

Shepard Smith, renowned for his sharp, fact-based delivery and commitment to journalistic integrity, has always maintained a guarded personal life. His decision to publicize his relationship with Graziano marked a significant, albeit quiet, moment for the anchor, offering a rare glimpse into the man behind the desk. Their story is one of professional beginnings turning into a lasting personal partnership, weathering the pressures of a highly scrutinized media landscape.

Shepard Smith: A Quick Biography and Profile

David Shepard Smith Jr. is one of the most recognizable and respected broadcast journalists of his generation, known for his distinctive style and tenure as a chief news anchor.

• Full Name: David Shepard Smith Jr.
• Date of Birth: January 14, 1964
• Place of Birth: Holly Springs, Mississippi, U.S.
• Education: University of Mississippi (Did not graduate, but studied there.)
• Career Highlights: Chief General News Anchor at Fox News Channel (1996–2019), host of The News with Shepard Smith on CNBC (2020–2022).
• Marital Status: Divorced from Virginia Donald (m. 1987; div. 1993).
• Current Partner: Giovanni “Gio” Graziano (since 2012).
• Current Status: Retired from live television news as of late 2022.
• Notable Entities: Fox News Channel, CNBC, Rupert Murdoch, Roger Ailes, Breaking News, Journalistic Integrity.

Giovanni “Gio” Graziano: The Man Behind the Anchor

While Shepard Smith is a household name, his partner, Gio Graziano, maintains a much lower profile. Their relationship became public knowledge around 2017/2018, but the foundation of their partnership was laid years earlier within the walls of their former workplace.

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Graziano is significantly younger than Smith, born in 1987, but their professional connection initially brought them together. He was a former associate producer at Fox News Channel, where Smith served as the chief news anchor. The couple began dating in early 2012.

The relationship posed a potential conflict of interest within the network's hierarchy. To manage this, Graziano reportedly transferred to a different department at the network. This move highlighted the seriousness and commitment of their burgeoning relationship, prioritizing their personal connection over any on-air professional entanglement.

Smith’s decision to speak openly about his sexuality and his long-term partner was a powerful moment in his career. In a 2018 interview, he confirmed that Gio Graziano had been his partner since 2012, a relationship that predated his more public statements about his life. The couple has consistently kept their life together private, a shared preference that allows them to navigate the world away from media scrutiny.

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The Timeline of Their Enduring Partnership

The relationship between Shepard Smith and Gio Graziano is a testament to longevity and discretion in a public-facing industry. Their timeline demonstrates a steady progression from a private courtship to a publicly acknowledged, long-term commitment.

• Early 2012: Shepard Smith and Gio Graziano begin dating. Graziano, a former producer at Fox News, reportedly moves to a different department to avoid conflict of interest.
• 2017: Smith’s relationship with Graziano becomes more widely reported in the media, confirming the long-term nature of their bond.
• 2018: Smith publicly confirms that Graziano has been his partner since 2012 in a major interview, solidifying their status as a committed couple.
• 2019: Shepard Smith makes his dramatic departure from Fox News Channel, citing issues with the network's direction and his desire to present straight news without commentary. His partner’s support during this high-pressure period was undoubtedly crucial.
• 2020–2022: Smith hosts The News with Shepard Smith on CNBC. The couple maintains their private life in New York City throughout this period.
• Late 2022: Smith’s show on CNBC ends, marking his retirement from the daily grind of live television news.
• 2023–Present (December 2025): The couple lives a quiet life in retirement, reportedly focusing on travel and cultural pursuits in New York City.

Life After the News Desk: Retirement and New York City

Shepard Smith’s decision to step away from his role at CNBC in late 2022 was described as a desire to move on from the daily demands of a news anchor. Unlike his dramatic exit from Fox News in 2019, which was fueled by a commitment to journalistic integrity amid political polarization, his CNBC departure was a quieter transition into retirement.

Today, Smith and Graziano are based in New York City, where they enjoy the anonymity and cultural richness the metropolis offers. Their current life is a far cry from the intense pressure of the newsroom, allowing them to focus on personal interests and shared experiences. Reports indicate that the couple spends their time traveling, attending shows, and simply enjoying their life together away from the spotlight.

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The anchor’s career was defined by his dedication to the facts and his willingness to challenge narratives, regardless of the political cost. In his retirement, he has found a different kind of truth: a quiet, stable life with his partner. This stability, cultivated over a decade, is the true foundation of their life together, proving that for a man who once delivered the world’s biggest stories, the most important story is the one he shares at home with Gio Graziano.

Topical Authority and Related Entities

The narrative of Shepard Smith’s career and personal life is intertwined with several key entities that provide context for his journey:

• Virginia Donald: Smith’s first wife, to whom he was married from 1987 to 1993, a period before he was publicly out.
• Fox News Channel (FNC): The network where Smith spent over 23 years, becoming the face of their breaking news division. His departure was a major media event.
• CNBC: The financial news network where Smith hosted his primetime show, The News with Shepard Smith, after his FNC exit, continuing his commitment to straight news.
• Journalistic Integrity: A core theme of Smith's career, often cited as the driving force behind his decision to leave the increasingly opinion-driven cable news environment.
• New York City: The couple's current home base, offering a private setting for their retirement.