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Norah O Donnell Reflects on a News Year Like No Other

CBS Evening News anchor discusses how the pandemic affected her life at work and at home

Emmy-winning journalist Norah O'Donnell has been the lead anchor of "CBS Evening News" since 2019. Melanie Acevedo has been unlike any other story in my entire career, because it brought every single one of our lives to a screeching halt. And it affected my own family in a very profound way. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Family topsy

My husband [a restaurateur] had to completely transform his business. And that meant letting go of a whole bunch of servers who were making a decent living. I think the next story that's going to be told is how this global pandemic has exacerbated what was already a huge wealth gap.

Teachable moment

I have three kids [a 12-year-old and 13-year-old twins], and in the beginning, when a lot of people were not comfortable coming to work, my children were put to work in the restaurant. They were running the takeout food and rolling the napkins and doing the ketchup packets. And they learned to appreciate just how hard the work is. I'd go by at 8 o'clock, and they'd be like, “Oh, my feet hurt, Mom. This is really tough.” And I'd say, “You've only been here four hours.” [laughs]

Listen and learn

I once told a female boss at NBC, “I'm totally worn out. Do you really need me to do this?” And she said, “Don't ever tell anyone you're tired or you won't get another opportunity like this again.” Maybe times are changing — people can show more vulnerability — but I thought it was good advice and still do. Nobody wants to hear you whine. Just do your job. And that's what I try to do.

A cancer scare … and an appendectomy

Mine was a melanoma caught early, and I learned that I really should have been less foolish when I was younger in taking care of myself. And my kids learned that they don't ever want cancer, so they're a lot better about wearing . The appendectomy was just such a fluke but very scary. After the surgery I said, “I will never take for granted a pain-free day in my life." Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers >

And for a rollicking good time …

I exercise! I really enjoy it. I grew up — my parents were my soccer coaches. In San Antonio it was so hot we went swimming every day, and we played sports in school. I like to run, golf, play tennis, take walks with my husband. It's what keeps me centered.

A line a day

Before I took over at CBS Evening News, a friend said to me, “I want you to just write the date down and write one sentence, every day. It's not a diary, just a sentence about how you feel or one interesting thing that happened, because the next year of your life is going to be incredible.” Two years later, I'm glad I did that, because daily reflection is one of the most important human elements. As they say, the days last forever, but the years fly by.

And one more thing

I think real, practical stuff should be taught in school. Like daily writing, how to balance a checkbook, apply for a , read the stock market and . And how to get ! Nobody understands the tax code, and it can treat people so unequally if you don't understand it. That's my couple of cents. —As told to Marilyn Milloy Emmy award–winning journalist Norah O'Donnell, 47, lives and works in Washington, D.C., where CBS Evening News is produced. More on entertainment AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS