Let’s dive into a deeply personal moment in Anderson Cooper's life. Before welcoming his baby boy Wyatt Morgan Cooper on April 27, Anderson shared the joyous news with his beloved mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, just ahead of her passing in June 2019. This heartfelt conversation became a cherished memory for the journalist.

A Legacy of Love: Anderson Cooper Shares His Journey to Parenthood

Anderson Cooper, the anchor of Anderson Cooper 360, revealed in a candid interview with Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest that he had the chance to tell his mom about becoming a father before she passed away. "I was able to tell her shortly before she died that I was going to have a baby," he shared. At that point, Wyatt hadn't been created yet, but Anderson was already deep into the process. "I had the idea in my head, and I was in the process of making it happen," he explained, highlighting the profound connection he felt with his late mother even during this transformative phase of his life.

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I want to share with you some joyful news. On Monday, I became a father. This is Wyatt Cooper. He is three days old. He is named after my father, who died when I was ten. 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. Wyatt Morgan Cooper. My son. He was 7.2 lbs at birth, and 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, and 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 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, a wonderfully 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 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, happy to know that their love is alive in me and in Wyatt, and that our family continues.
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A post shared by andersoncooper (@andersoncooper) on Apr 30, 2020 at 6:51pm PDT

Remembering Gloria Vanderbilt: A Mother’s Final Gift

Tragically, Gloria Vanderbilt passed away from stomach cancer at the age of 95, leaving Anderson to carry on her legacy. Despite not being able to meet her grandson, Anderson ensured that her memory lived on by naming Wyatt after both his parents. "I hope I can be as good a dad as he was," Anderson expressed in an Instagram post on April 30, referring to his father Wyatt Cooper. "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. Wyatt Morgan Cooper. My son."

The absence of his mother has weighed heavily on Anderson, who opened up about the void she left behind in his life. Speaking to his studio audience in June 2019, he shared, "My dad died when I was 10, and my brother when I was 21. She was the last of my immediate family, the last person who knew me from the beginning. They’re all gone and it feels very lonely right now. I hope they are at least together." Anderson’s words reflect the deep bond he shared with his family, even as he steps into his new role as a father.

A Final Goodbye and a Lasting Blessing

Anderson was by his mother’s side during her final days, a moment he described as a profound blessing. "Being able to spend those nine days and nights with her was a great, great blessing. They were the most extraordinary days of my life, and I’m very grateful," he revealed. Even as he held her hand through her final breath, Anderson admits it remains challenging to fully accept her passing. Yet, Gloria’s legacy lives on through her son and grandson, Wyatt, ensuring that their family’s love continues to thrive.

Gloria Vanderbilt may not have met Wyatt, but her presence is felt in every aspect of Anderson's journey into fatherhood. As Anderson Cooper embarks on this new chapter, he carries with him the love and memories of his family, creating a future filled with hope and joy for Wyatt Morgan Cooper.