Dana Bash is one of CNN’s most recognizable figures, known for her sharp political coverage and long-standing presence on programs like Inside Politics and State of the Union. While her journalism career has earned her national respect, her personal life—particularly her marriages to two prominent men—has also drawn public interest over the years.
From her early marriage to a future top government official to her high-profile relationship with fellow CNN anchor John King, Bash has maintained a delicate balance between private life and professional duty. Here’s a closer look at the men she’s been married to, and her current relationship status
Dana Bash’s First Husband, Jeremy, Was A CIA Chief
Bash’s first husband, Jeremy Bash, has had an influential career in national security and government. The two married on September 6, 1998, when both were 27 years old and building their professional lives in Washington, D.C. At the time, Dana was working at CNN, while Jeremy was preparing to begin a clerkship after completing his law degree at Harvard.
Bash, born and raised in Arlington, Virginia, graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University, where he served as editor-in-chief of The Hoya. He later earned his law degree with honors from Harvard Law School and went on to hold two of the most sensitive roles in U.S. intelligence: Chief of Staff at the CIA from 2009 to 2011, and Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense from 2011 to 2013 during the Obama administration.
In these roles, he worked closely with then-Secretary Leon Panetta and played a key part in shaping defense strategies, overseeing counterterrorism efforts, handling intelligence operations, and helping develop a new cyber strategy.
After leaving government, Jeremy co-founded Beacon Global Strategies, a consultancy focused on national security. He also appears regularly as a national security analyst on NBC News and MSNBC.
Dana and Jeremy divorced in 2007, but his career in national security has remained notable and high-profile in the years since.
Second Marriage and Kids
Bash’s second marriage was to fellow CNN anchor John King. The two tied the knot on May 25, 2008, after King—who was raised Roman Catholic—converted to Judaism in line with Bash’s faith. Their son, Jonah Frank King, was born in June 2011. It was Bash’s first child and King’s third, as he has two older children, Noah and Hannah, from a previous marriage to Jean Makie.
Originally from Boston, King has Irish Catholic roots with family ties to County Galway. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in journalism and built his career as a respected political correspondent.
The couple’s marriage ended in separation in March 2012, less than a year after Jonah’s birth. Since then, they have remained committed to co-parenting their son while continuing to work together at CNN.
In 2021, King publicly shared that he has multiple sclerosis, a condition he was diagnosed with in 2008. He revealed that the early symptoms dated back to the late 1990s, but the diagnosis became clear during the intense pace of the 2008 presidential campaign.
Dana Bash’s Current Boyfriend Is Actor Spencer Garrett
Since 2013, Bash has been in a long-term relationship with actor Spencer Garrett. The two were introduced by mutual friend Susanna Quinn, who played matchmaker while Garrett was in D.C. filming House of Cards. Quinn famously told Bash to “Google Spencer Garrett and come over tonight”—a bold move that turned into a lasting connection.
Garrett, known for his roles in films and series like The Residence, splits his time between Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.—a fitting match for Bash. Despite their busy careers, the couple has kept their relationship strong for over a decade.
Unlike her marriages to men within the same industry, Bash’s partnership with Garrett marks a shift from political to Hollywood circles. They occasionally share glimpses of their relationship online.
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For Garrett’s birthday in 2024, Bash posted sweet photos of the two at the beach, a baseball game, and other outings—proof that even with their high-profile lives, they still find time for each other.
