Don Lemon: CNN, Biography, Age, Education, Family, Partner, Career & More
Don Lemon is an American television journalist best known for his tenure at CNN, where he served as a prominent anchor from 2006 to 2023. He rose to national recognition as the host of Don Lemon Tonight, which aired from 2014 to 2022, and later co-hosted CNN This Morning alongside Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow.
Lemon began his journalism career anchoring weekend news for local stations in Alabama and Pennsylvania, before moving on to become a correspondent for NBC News, contributing to major programs including Today and NBC Nightly News. Over the years, he earned several accolades, including an Edward R. Murrow Award in 2002 for his reporting on the capture of the Washington, D.C. snipers, and three regional Emmy Awards—notably for his investigative reporting on Chicago’s real estate market and a business feature on Craigslist.
Despite his longstanding career at CNN, Lemon was dismissed from the network in April 2023, following a series of on-air controversies and reports alleging a pattern of inappropriate workplace behavior and misogyny.
How Old is Don Lemon?
As of 2025, Don Lemon is 59 years old. He was born on March 1, 1966, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he also spent much of his early life. He celebrates his birthday every year on March 1st.
Education
Don began his academic journey at the University of Louisiana State, later transferring to Brooklyn College, where he graduated in 1996 with a degree in broadcast journalism. During college, he gained practical experience as an intern at WNYW, a Fox affiliate in New York City.
Nationality and Ethnicity
Don Lemon is American by nationality and identifies as African American. He was born and raised in the southern United States, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Height and Physical Attributes
Don Lemon stands at approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall (about 1.79 meters). While he has not publicly shared his full body measurements, he is known for maintaining a polished on-air presence.
Family Background and Early Life
Don was born to Katherine Marie and Wilmon Lee Richardson. His father, a prominent attorney, was involved in efforts to desegregate public transportation in Baton Rouge. His mother, Katherine, had previously been married before starting a family with Wilmon.
Don was raised alongside two older sisters, Yma and L’Tanya “Leisa” Richardson. Tragically, Leisa passed away in 2018 after a drowning accident during a fishing trip in Denham Springs, Louisiana.
Is Don Lemon Married? Who is His Partner? Husband
Don Lemon is openly gay and is currently engaged to Tim Malone, a real estate agent. The couple began dating in 2017 and got engaged in April 2019. Their relationship has been publicly embraced, and they often share glimpses of their life together on social media.
Is Don Lemon Gay?
Yes, Don Lemon is openly gay. He came out publicly in 2011, becoming one of the most prominent openly gay Black journalists in mainstream media. His decision to come out was widely praised for its courage and impact, especially given the challenges of representation in the broadcasting industry.
Don Lemon Children
As of now, He does not have any children. While he has occasionally spoken about the idea of parenthood, particularly with his fiancé Tim Malone, the couple has not yet publicly announced plans to start a family.
Don Lemon First Wife
Don Lemon has never had a wife. He is openly gay and has been transparent about his sexuality since coming out publicly in his 2011 memoir, Transparent. There is no record of him ever being married to a woman, and any mention of a “first wife” is a misconception.
Don Lemon Fired
Don Lemon was fired from CNN on April 24, 2023, ending his 17-year tenure at the network. The decision came after a string of controversies and internal tensions. CNN’s leadership reportedly cited concerns over his behavior, including past on-air comments that were seen as sexist and divisive, as well as difficulties in guest bookings and declining ratings. Lemon expressed shock at the sudden firing, stating that he was not informed directly by management—a claim CNN disputed
What is Don Lemon Doing Now?
Following his CNN exit, Don Lemon launched The Don Lemon Show in January 2024, a digital program originally intended to premiere on X (formerly Twitter). The first guest was Elon Musk himself—who later canceled the show’s distribution on the platform after a tense interview.
Lemon then released the interview on YouTube and as a podcast, continuing his media presence independently. The show aims to provide unfiltered interviews and commentary on politics, culture, and news. Lemon has also remained active on social media and appears to be exploring new platforms to reinvent his journalistic brand.
Why Was Don Lemon Fired from CNN?
On April 24, 2023, Don Lemon was terminated by CNN, ending his 17-year run at the network. According to The New York Times, the decision came after mounting internal concerns, including difficulties booking guests for his segments and a drop in viewer popularity. His dismissal was reportedly abrupt, and Lemon later criticized CNN for not informing him in person—a claim the network denied.
Coincidentally, his departure occurred on the same day that Tucker Carlson was let go from Fox News, creating a media firestorm over the high-profile exits.
The Don Lemon Show (2024)
In January 2024, Don launched a new venture, The Don Lemon Show, which premiered on X (formerly Twitter). His first guest was none other than Elon Musk, the platform’s owner. However, shortly after taping the interview, Musk canceled its distribution on X. The episode—covering Musk’s legal challenges, political beliefs, drug use, and views on immigration—was later released on YouTube and as a podcast. Lemon remarked afterward, “Elon Musk is mad at me,” highlighting the friction caused by their conversation.
Are Chris Cuomo and Don Lemon Still Friends?
Yes, despite both being fired from CNN under different circumstances, Don Lemon and Chris Cuomo remain friends. The two shared a close on-air and off-air relationship during their time at the network, often appearing together in back-to-back segments. After Lemon’s firing, Cuomo publicly expressed support for him, suggesting that their friendship has endured beyond their professional setbacks.
CNN Career Overview
He joined CNN in 2006 as a correspondent and quickly rose to prominence thanks to his bold commentary and primetime presence. He hosted Don Lemon Tonight from 2014 to 2022 and later co-hosted CNN This Morning alongside Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow.
Before his CNN tenure, he worked at NBC News, contributing to shows like Today and NBC Nightly News. Throughout his career, he earned prestigious honors, including the Edward R. Murrow Award in 2002 for his coverage of the D.C. sniper case and three regional Emmy Awards for his reporting in Chicago.
Salary and Net Worth
During his time at CNN, he earned an estimated annual salary of $250,000. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $20 million, primarily accumulated through his journalism career, book deals, and public appearances.
