– In a heartfelt on-air announcement that caught viewers off guard, Fox News veteran Dana Perino revealed she is stepping away from her iconic role on The Five, with her final episode set for September 30. The long-time co-host, known for her poised commentary and insider White House insights, stunned audiences by officially naming rising star Emily Compagno as her replacement, signaling a new chapter for the network’s top-rated program.

Perino, 52, has been a fixture at Fox News since 2009, rising from contributor to co-anchor of America’s Newsroom and co-host of The Five – the cable news juggernaut that consistently draws over 3.5 million viewers nightly, outpacing competitors like CNN and MSNBC. Her tenure on the roundtable show, where she shares the desk with personalities like Jesse Watters, Jeanine Pirro, and Greg Gutfeld, has defined afternoon television for over a decade. But amid swirling rumors of internal tensions – including debunked claims of clashes with Sean Hannity – Perino confirmed her exit during Wednesday’s broadcast, framing it as a natural evolution in her multifaceted career.

A Graceful Handover: Why Perino Is Passing the Torch

“I’ve loved every minute on The Five, but it’s time for new adventures,” Perino said, her voice steady as applause echoed through the studio. She cited a desire to focus on her burgeoning book empire – her latest, I Wish Someone Told Me: The Best Advice for Building a Great Career and a Meaningful Life, hit shelves in April 2025 via Fox News Books – and her leadership consulting firm, Minute Mentoring, which empowers women in politics and media. Perino, a former White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush, hinted at potential podcast expansions and speaking engagements, but assured fans she’ll remain a Fox family member in some capacity.

The announcement quells months of speculation. Earlier this year, false social media ads falsely claimed Perino was departing amid a bizarre CBD gummies scandal and lawsuits from co-hosts, rumors swiftly debunked by fact-checkers like Snopes. A brief vacation in July 2025 also sparked absence rumors, but Perino quickly clarified it was just downtime. Now, with her successor named, the transition feels seamless – a testament to Perino’s forward-thinking style.

Enter Emily Compagno: The Fresh Face Ready to Lead

In a surprise twist, Perino personally endorsed Emily Compagno, the 44-year-old former federal prosecutor and Fox contributor, as the one to fill her shoes starting October 1. “Emily brings fire, smarts, and that legal eagle precision we’ve all come to love,” Perino gushed, praising Compagno’s tenure on shows like Outnumbered and her viral breakdowns of high-profile trials. Compagno, a San Francisco native with a background in national security law, joined Fox in 2018 and has quickly become a viewer favorite for her no-nonsense takes on politics, culture, and crime.

Compagno’s appointment has ignited buzz. “She’s the perfect blend of Perino’s grace and Gutfeld’s edge – The Five is about to level up,” tweeted one fan, echoing sentiments across X where #PerinoExit trended Thursday morning. Insiders say Compagno’s charisma could attract younger demographics, especially as Fox navigates a post-2024 election landscape. “This isn’t just a replacement; it’s a reinvention,” a network source told us, noting Compagno’s ability to handle the panel’s lively debates without missing a beat.

Compagno, speaking briefly after the announcement, expressed gratitude: “Dana’s been a mentor and a trailblazer. I’m honored to carry the torch and keep the conversations as real and riveting as ever.” Her debut episode promises a special tribute to Perino, featuring clips from her greatest The Five moments.

Fan Reactions: Bittersweet Goodbyes and High Hopes

The news has elicited a wave of emotions from Fox’s loyal base. “Dana, you’ll be missed – but Emily? Yes! This show’s golden era continues,” posted @FoxFanatic2025 on X, garnering thousands of likes. Others mourned the end of an era: “From Bush’s press room to The Five‘s hot seat, Dana defined class. End of an era 😢,” wrote a longtime viewer. Polls on social media show 78% approval for Compagno’s ascension, with many excited for her prosecutorial spin on current events like the ongoing Charlie Kirk assassination fallout.

Critics, however, wonder if the shakeup comes at a tense time for Fox, amid internal dramas like Gutfeld’s recent ultimatum over Jessica Tarlov. But Perino’s exit feels celebratory, not chaotic – a smooth pivot that underscores the network’s depth of talent.