Katie Couric

Katie Couric was born on January 7, 1957, in Arlington, Virginia. She is the daughter of Elinor Tullie, a homemaker and part-time writer, and John Martin Couric, Jr., a public relations executive and news editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the United Press in Washington, D.C. This early family connection to journalism had a significant influence on her future career.

Katie Couric graduated from the University of Virginia in 1979 with a degree in American Studies. During her time at UVA, she was involved with the university's award-winning daily newspaper, The Cavalier Daily, and was also a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. Her college years were formative in shaping her journalistic skills and interests.

In 1989, Katie Couric joined NBC News as Deputy Pentagon Correspondent, marking a significant turning point in her journalism career. Her role at NBC involved covering major stories from the Department of Defense, and it eventually led to her becoming a national correspondent for NBC’s top news shows, enhancing her profile as a journalist.

Katie Couric became the co-anchor of NBC’s 'Today' on April 5, 1991. Her tenure on 'Today' significantly bolstered the show's ratings and made her a household name. Couric covered major national events, conducted high-profile interviews, and became known for her friendly yet probing interview style.

Katie Couric was awarded the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award for her series of reports on colon cancer, which aired on NBC’s 'Today' in March 2000 following her husband's death from the disease. The series was credited with significantly increasing public awareness about colon cancer and encouraging people to undergo screenings.

On September 11, 2001, Katie Couric, alongside co-anchor Matt Lauer, provided live coverage of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon for NBC’s 'Today.' Her reporting during the crisis earned widespread praise and underscored her ability to handle breaking news under tremendous pressure.

In 2002, Katie Couric received several journalism awards, including the prestigious Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism. Couric’s dedication to covering significant issues with depth and diligence was recognized by industry leaders, cementing her status as one of America’s top journalists.

Katie Couric's last day as co-anchor of NBC’s 'Today' was on May 31, 2006. Her departure marked the end of a 15-year era and was a significant event in morning television. Couric's next career move would take her into the anchor chair for a major evening news program, showcasing her versatility as a journalist.

On September 5, 2006, Katie Couric made history by becoming the first female solo anchor of a major weekday network evening news broadcast, 'CBS Evening News.' Her debut was highly anticipated, and she brought a new approach and perspective to the role, breaking gender barriers in the field of broadcast journalism.

Katie Couric won the Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast in 2008, recognizing her exceptional work on 'CBS Evening News.' The award reflected her dedication to delivering comprehensive and impactful news coverage, further solidifying her reputation in the field of journalism.

Katie Couric left 'CBS Evening News' on May 19, 2011, concluding her tenure that included numerous high-profile interviews and comprehensive reporting on major stories. Her departure from CBS marked the end of an important chapter in her career as a network news anchor and opened new opportunities for her in broadcasting.

Katie Couric's syndicated daytime talk show, 'Katie,' premiered on September 10, 2012. The show combined interviews with celebrities and discussions on major issues, reflecting Couric’s wide-ranging interests and her ability to connect with a diverse audience. The show's debut garnered significant attention and showcased her versatility as a media personality.

On November 25, 2013, Katie Couric was named Global Anchor for Yahoo! News, where she led coverage of live events and conducted high-profile interviews. This role marked her entry into the digital news space, allowing her to leverage her extensive journalism experience in a new and evolving media landscape.

On May 15, 2014, Katie Couric delivered the commencement address at American University. In her speech, she shared insights from her illustrious career in journalism and encouraged graduates to pursue their passions with dedication and resilience. Her speech was well-received and inspired many students embarking on their professional journeys.

Katie Couric was named Co-Founder of Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) in 2008, but on May 12, 2017, she was highlighted for her continuous involvement and significant contributions to the organization. SU2C aims to accelerate cancer research through collaborative 'dream teams,' and Couric’s advocacy work has raised millions for cancer research.

On February 9, 2018, Katie Couric co-hosted the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, alongside Mike Tirico. This event was significant as it marked her return to NBC and showcased her ability to cover a wide array of topics, from hard news to major global events.

Katie Couric guest-hosted the popular game show 'Jeopardy!' from March 8, 2021, to March 19, 2021. Her stint as a guest host was part of a series of rotating hosts following the death of longtime host Alex Trebek. Couric's appearance brought her a new audience and demonstrated her appeal across different types of television programming.

On October 26, 2021, Katie Couric published her memoir titled 'Going There.' The book provides an intimate look at her life, career, and the personal challenges she has faced. 'Going There' offers readers an unfiltered view of Couric’s journey in journalism and her thoughts on the evolving media landscape.