For fans of CNN's political coverage, the personal lives of its star anchors often spark curiosity. A prime example is the relationship between veteran journalists John King and Dana Bash. The former couple, who were once married, have navigated their post-divorce life in the public eye, leading many to ask: Are John King and Dana Bash still friends?
A Professional Partnership Built on Respect
The straightforward answer is yes, John King and Dana Bash maintain a cordial and professional relationship. Their connection today is defined not by close personal friendship, but by mutual respect and a shared commitment. The two continue to work alongside each other at CNN, a testament to their maturity.
John King, CNN's chief national correspondent, publicly praised Dana Bash when she took over his former role as anchor of Inside Politics. He called her "the best reporter in this building" and highlighted her fairness and dedication as a mother to their son. This public endorsement underscored the absence of any lingering animosity between them.
Bash herself has been vocal about defining their relationship on her own terms. In 2023, she pushed back against the Los Angeles Times for referring to her primarily as "John King's ex-wife" in a professional context. On her X (formerly Twitter) account, she stated: "John and I used to be married. We are now friends and share a wonderful son together. In this context, I am not an 'ex-wife,' I am a veteran journalist with decades of experience who worked hard for this role."
From Marriage to Co-Parenting
John King and Dana Bash tied the knot on 25 May 2008 in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. King reportedly converted to Judaism, Bash's faith, before the wedding. Their union was seen as a powerful pairing in political journalism. Three years later, they welcomed their son, Jonah Frank King, on 29 June 2011.
However, the marriage ended relatively quickly. The couple separated in March 2012 and their divorce was finalized later that same year. Neither has publicly disclosed the specific reasons for their split, choosing to keep those details private.
Today, their most important shared project is their son, Jonah, who is 14 years old as of January 2026. They have successfully established a co-parenting arrangement where Jonah splits his time between them. John King also has two older children, Noah and Hannah, from his previous marriage to Jean Makie.
Moving On: New Relationships and Private Lives
Following the divorce, both anchors have taken different paths in their personal lives.
Dana Bash moved on and began dating Hollywood actor and producer Spencer Garrett in 2013. The couple, connected by a mutual friend, have been together for over a decade. They are often seen together at public events and share aspects of their relationship on social media. While rumors of a split surfaced after an alleged rejected marriage proposal, these claims remain unverified.
In contrast, John King has kept his romantic life entirely out of the spotlight. Since his divorce from Bash, he has not publicly confirmed any new relationships or marriages. He is widely presumed to be single and focuses intensely on his professional role and fatherly duties.
The story of John King and Dana Bash is ultimately one of successful navigation. They have transitioned from spouses to colleagues and cooperative co-parents. Their ability to maintain a respectful, professional relationship while working in the high-pressure environment of cable news serves as a notable example of handling personal change with grace in the public sphere.
