Anderson Cooper shows off adorable photos of his new baby boy Wyatt

CNN anchor Anderson Cooper has announced the birth of his son Wyatt Cooper to his viewers.

He made an emotional speech on the scheduled coronavirus global town hall show last night (30 April). And he showed off beautiful photos of Wyatt on his Instagram account.

Wyatt Morgan Cooper was born via a surrogate mother on 27 April.

An emotional but beaming Cooper said his son’s birth was a ‘moment of joy’ during the coronavirus pandemic.

‘He is sweet, and soft, and healthy and I am beyond happy’

In a touching speech he told viewers:

‘It has been a difficult time in all of our lives, and there are certainly many hard days ahead.

‘It is, I think, especially important in these times of trouble to try to hold on to moments of joy and moments of happiness. Even as we mourn the loss of loved ones, we are also blessed with new life and new love.

‘On Monday, I became a father. I’ve never actually said that before, out loud, and it still kind of astonishes me. I am a dad. I have a son. And I want you to meet him.’

He added Wyatt was 7.2 lbs at birth. And he said: ‘He is sweet, and soft, and healthy and I am beyond happy.

‘As a gay kid, I never thought it would be possible to have a child. I’m grateful for all those who have paved the way, and for the doctors and nurses and everyone involved in my son’s birth.

‘Most of all, I am eternally grateful to a remarkable surrogate who carried Wyatt, and watched over him lovingly, and tenderly, and gave birth to him.

‘It is an extraordinary blessing – what she, and all surrogates give to families who can’t have children.

‘My surrogate has a beautiful family of her own, an amazingly supportive husband, and kids, and I am incredibly thankful for all the support they have given Wyatt and me. My family is blessed to have this family in our lives.’

Fighting the tears, Cooper continued:

‘I do wish my mom and dad and my brother, Carter, were alive to meet Wyatt, but I like to believe they can see him.

‘I imagine them all together, arms around each other, smiling and laughing and watching, looking down on us, happy to know that their love is alive in me and in Wyatt, and that our family continues. New life and new love.’

Wyatt Morgan named in honor of his family

The 52-year-old also revealed Wyatt’s name is a tribute to both his late father and mother.

He said: ‘He is named after my dad, who died when I was 10-years-old. I hope I can be as good a dad as he was.

‘My son’s middle name is Morgan. It’s a family name on my mom’s side. I know my mom and dad liked the name Morgan because I recently found a list they made 52 years ago when they were trying to think of names for me. Morgan was on the list.’

Honorary uncles send their love

Cooper’s mom, actress, socialite, author, fashion designer and artist Gloria Vanderbilt died last June. Meanwhile his brother Carter died in 1988 when Anderson was 21. 

The news anchor officially came out as gay in 2012. And he is one of US media’s most eligible bachelors. He split from his boyfriend of nine years, Ben Maisani, in 2018. He then dated radiologist Victor Lopez for a year until they split last summer.

But while Cooper doesn’t have a big biological family around him, there is no shortage of love and honorary uncles for his new son.

After he made his speech, town hall coronavirus expert Dr Sanjay Gupta welcomed the news.

Cooper revealed he had told Gupta two days earlier. And the doctor said he’d been ‘bursting at the seams’ to reveal the secret. He added:

‘I’m so so happy for you. I don’t know how you got through what you just read. I was looking for the Kleenex here.’

The doctor has bought a CNN satellite truck soft toy for the baby and said:

‘Make sure to tell him it’s from Uncle Sanjay. I’ll wipe it down before I send it, don’t worry.’ 

Cooper’s friend, gay Bravo host and producer Andy Cohen, also revealed the news had him crying. He added that his own son, Benjamin Allen Cohen, born via a surrogate last February, wants to meet the new baby.

‘Wyatt Cooper, you couldn’t have come at a better time!’ he said. ‘I know a friend who can’t wait to meet you!’