Anderson Cooper and his ex-partner, Benjamin Maisani, share the joys and responsibilities of parenting two young boys, both of whom live with the CNN anchor in a converted fire station that he calls home. Cooper, known for his journalistic career, has taken on a deeply personal role as a parent. Maisani, though no longer romantically involved with Cooper, remains fully committed to co-parenting their sons. Their shared family setup reflects a deep friendship and dedication to raising the boys together.
The two sons, Wyatt and Sebastian, have settled into a routine in this unique home environment. Cooper’s commitment to fatherhood is evident, as he balances his busy career with an involved family life, ensuring his children feel loved and supported.
The Announcement of Sebastian’s Birth
On February 10, 2022, Cooper announced on his show, Anderson Cooper 360, the arrival of his second son, Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper. The news brought a wave of joy to his fans, and Cooper spoke warmly about the experience, sharing details about the baby. He introduced his new son by saying, “This is Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper. He was 6.8 pounds at birth, and he’s healthy and happy, even his occasional hiccups are to me adorable. He mostly just sleeps, and eats and poops, but he already seems like a wise and thoughtful little champ.”
During his announcement, Cooper expressed gratitude for the nurses, doctors, and, most importantly, the surrogate mother who carried Sebastian. He acknowledged the sacrifices she and her family made, thanking them for their role in bringing his son into the world. This heartfelt moment was reminiscent of the birth of his first son, Wyatt, which he had also shared with his audience.
Wyatt’s Growing Bond with Sebastian
When Sebastian joined the family, he quickly became the center of attention for Wyatt, Cooper’s elder son, who was two at the time. In an interview on Live with Kelly and Ryan, Cooper shared how Wyatt had begun bonding with his baby brother, though he lovingly referred to him as “Luke.” “They seem to be getting along really well. I mean, ‘Getting along well’ — Sebastian sleeps. He can’t say Sebastian yet, he calls him Luke. So every morning he wants to go say ‘Good morning, Luke,’” Cooper shared.
Following Sebastian’s birth, Cooper took three weeks off to spend precious time with his newborn, fully embracing paternity leave. In his talk with Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest, he described the deep contentment he found in spending time with his sons, saying, “It’s great to be able to come home and decompress.” For Cooper, these moments—feeding Wyatt and letting him fall asleep on his chest—were some of the most cherished in his daily routine.
Creating Family Traditions and Routine
Life with Wyatt and Sebastian is filled with meaningful daily rituals. Every morning, Cooper takes his sons to a local diner, where they enjoy breakfast together, followed by a swim—one of the boys’ favorite activities. After their morning outings, Cooper prepares them for an afternoon nap, often by reading to them until they fall asleep in his arms.
Watching the close bond his sons share as they play and use toys he once shared with his own brother brings Cooper immense happiness. Observing Wyatt and Sebastian grow close as siblings has become one of the most fulfilling parts of his journey as a parent.
Cooper and Maisani’s Co-Parenting Relationship
Cooper’s decision to co-parent with Maisani, despite the end of their romantic relationship, reflects the strength of their connection. Maisani, a successful nightclub owner, embraced fatherhood from the start. Cooper shared that co-parenting with Maisani has been smooth and that they work together seamlessly. “We’re a family,” he said, underscoring their commitment to raising the boys together. They split responsibilities, with Maisani caring for the children when Cooper is at work in the evenings. Their shared routine includes waking up just before the boys, preparing their milk, and spending the early hours of the day with them.
Maisani, who is French, introduces the boys to his heritage by speaking French with them, which Cooper appreciates. This shared approach has fostered a family dynamic filled with mutual respect, love, and dedication.
The Adoption Process and New Beginnings
Maisani has taken steps to legally adopt Wyatt, who calls him “papa,” while Cooper remains “daddy.” Once the adoption process is complete, Wyatt’s last name will change to reflect both his parents, becoming Maisani-Cooper, just like his younger brother, Sebastian. This decision reinforces their sense of unity as a family.
Reflecting on his life as a father, Cooper couldn’t be happier. In a September 2023 interview, he expressed how meaningful this time in his life has become, saying, “This is the best time in my life. There is no doubt about it.”
