Who Is Jane Pauley? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jane Pauley, born on October 31, 1950, is a celebrated American journalist, known for her engaging interviews and smooth broadcasting style. As of 2025, Jane is 74 years old. She began her broadcasting career in the 1970s and gained fame as a co-anchor on NBC's "Today" show, where she became a household name. Her ability to connect with audiences has made her a prominent figure in the world of journalism.
| Occupation | News Anchor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 31, 1950 |
| Age | 74 Years |
| Birth Place | Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | India |
Popularity
Jane Pauley's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Jane Pauley stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm). Details about her weight are less concrete, but she has maintained a healthy lifestyle. While exact body measurements can fluctuate, Jane has always been recognized for her poise and professionalism on-screen.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jane Pauley's personal life has been as intriguing as her professional career. She has been married to businessman Gary Donnelly since 1980 and the couple shares three children together. As of 2025, Jane continues to cherish her family life, balancing her high-profile career with a grounded personal life. There have been no reported changes in her relationship status, and it appears that they remain a solid and supportive couple.
She is a fifth-generation Hoosier and the second child of Richard Grandison Pauley and Mary E. (née Patterson) Pauley. Her father was a traveling salesman, and her mother was a homemaker.
According to her memoir, Skywriting: A Life Out of the Blue, Pauley described herself as such a shy little kid she allowed her second-grade teacher to call her Margaret Pauley all year rather than tell her she preferred her middle name, Jane. Pauley grew up idolizing her older sister, Ann, who has been her closest confidante since childhood.
Net Worth and Salary
Jane Pauley's illustrious career in journalism and television has contributed significantly to her financial status. As of 2025, her estimated net worth is around $40 million, stemming from her salary as a television anchor and commentator, as well as her successful books and public speaking engagements. Her long tenure in the industry showcases her expertise and the value she has brought to networks.
In 2009, Pauley lent her name to the Jane Pauley Community Health Center, a facility in collaboration between the Community Health Network and the Metropolitan School District of Warren Township, Indiana.
The center serves local communities, including students and their families, regardless of insurance or income, with an emphasis on integrating medical, dental and behavioral health. There are 15 centers, most on the east side of Indianapolis where Pauley grew up.
Career, Business and Investments
Jane Pauley's career has spanned several decades, during which she has worked with major networks including NBC and CBS. In addition to her news anchoring, she has hosted shows like "The Jane Pauley Show" and "CBS Sunday Morning." Jane has also been an advocate for various social causes, including mental health awareness.
Beyond journalism, Pauley is known to invest smartly, often focusing on businesses and ventures that align with her values and interests. She has explored projects that promote public education and well-being, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact.
Margaret Jane Pauley (born October 31, 1950) is an American television host and author, active in news reporting since 1972.
She first became widely known as Barbara Walters's successor on the NBC morning show Today, beginning at the age of 25, where she was a co-anchor from 1976 to 1989, at first with Tom Brokaw, and later with Bryant Gumbel; for a short while in the late 1980s she and Gumbel worked with Deborah Norville.
In 1989, with her job apparently threatened by Norville's addition to the program, she asked to be released from her contract, but her request was denied. Her next regular anchor position was at the network's newsmagazine Dateline NBC from 1992 to 2003, where she teamed with Stone Phillips.
Social Network
In the digital age, Jane Pauley has maintained a presence on social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram. She uses these platforms not only to engage with her fans but also to share insights about her life, career, and various causes she supports. Her authenticity resonates with her audience, contributing to her ongoing popularity.
1989 brought big changes to Today when news reader Deborah Norville was given a larger role in the two hour broadcast. Speculation in the media implied that NBC executives were easing Pauley out to advance the younger NBC newscaster. As Tom Shales of The Washington Post wrote at the time, watching Ms. Pauley, Ms.
Norville, and co-anchor Bryant Gumbel on the set together "is like looking at a broken marriage with the home-wrecker right there on the premises."
Education
Jane Pauley graduated from Depauw University in Indiana with a degree in political science. Her education provided her with a solid foundation for her career in journalism, equipping her with skills in research, communication, and critical thinking.
A speech and debate champion at Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, Pauley placed first in the Girls' Extemporaneous Speaking division of the National Forensic League in Indiana. After graduating from high school in 1968, Pauley attended Indiana University Bloomington, majoring in political science.
She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma where she sang with the sorority jug band, the Kappa Pickers. She graduated with a B.A. in Political Science in 1972.
