Lee Cowan: CBS News, Bio, Wiki, Wife, Children, Salary and Net Worth
Who is Lee Cowan? | Biography & Wiki
Lee Cowan is an award-winning American journalist, correspondent, and news anchor currently working with CBS News in Los Angeles. He serves as a National Correspondent for the CBS Evening News and is also a frequent substitute anchor on CBS Sunday Morning. Known for his thoughtful storytelling and in-depth feature reporting, Cowan has had a distinguished career that spans across major news networks. Prior to joining CBS, he worked with NBC News, contributing to major programs such as Today, NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, and MSNBC. He also previously anchored at WLWT, NBC’s affiliate in Cincinnati.
How Old is Lee Cowan? | Age and Birthday
As of 2025, Lee Cowan is 60 years old. He was born on May 1, 1965, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and celebrates his birthday each year on May 1st.
Education | High School and College
Lee Cowan attended Washington University, where he graduated in 1988 with a double major in communication and speech communication. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his storytelling and on-camera communication skills.
Nationality and Ethnicity
Cowan is of American nationality and belongs to the white ethnic group. He was born and raised in the United States, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
How Tall is Lee Cowan? | Height and Appearance
Lee Cowan stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall (1.73 meters), which is considered average height. Further personal physical measurements have not been made publicly available.
Family Background | Parents and Early Life
Lee was born to Constance W. Cowan and Leland B. Cowan, who is a well-respected surgical and radiation oncologist. Raised in Salt Lake City, he was supported by his family in his career aspirations. While he has not shared information about siblings, his upbringing in a professional household likely influenced his drive for excellence in journalism.
Is Lee Cowan Married? | Wife and Personal Life
Yes, Lee Cowan is happily married to Molly Palmer, a television associate producer. Molly comes from a media-inclined family herself—she is the daughter of the late John Palmer, a renowned television journalist, and Nancy Doyle Palmer, an author. The couple tied the knot on April 14, 2012, and have since built a loving family together.
They are proud parents to two sons:
Kevin Cowan, born April 23, 2016
Harrison Leland Cowan, born March 9, 2019
The Cowan family resides in Santa Monica, California.
Lee Cowan Hair
Lee Cowan is often recognized for his salt-and-pepper hair, which complements his professional on-camera presence. His hairstyle is typically classic and neatly groomed, reflecting the clean-cut style often associated with seasoned television correspondents. While his hair has grayed slightly over the years, it adds to his authoritative and polished look
First Wife – Was He Previously Married?
There is no publicly known record of Lee Cowan having a previous marriage before his current wife, Molly Palmer. The journalist has kept much of his personal life private, but all available biographical sources point to Molly Palmer as his first and only wife. The two married in a private ceremony on April 14, 2012, and have since built a family together.
Lee Cowan Children – How Many Kids Does He Have?
Lee Cowan and Molly Palmer are proud parents of two sons:
Kevin Cowan, born on April 23, 2016
Harrison Leland Cowan, born on March 9, 2019
The couple lives in Santa Monica, California, where they raise their children in a loving and media-savvy household. Cowan occasionally references his family life in interviews and features, often emphasizing the joy and balance that fatherhood brings to his fast-paced journalism career.
Lee Cowan Illness – Is He Sick?
As of 2025, there are no public reports or credible sources indicating that Lee Cowan is battling any illness. The veteran CBS News correspondent appears to be in good health and continues to actively report and contribute to major news stories across the country. Any rumors or speculation about his health have not been confirmed by Cowan or CBS News.
Career Highlights | CBS News and Beyond
Lee Cowan has been a National Correspondent for CBS News since 2011, covering major national and human-interest stories. His reporting has spanned a wide range of topics—from public health and education to in-depth profiles of cultural icons. Some of his career highlights include:
Investigative pieces on national safety systems, poverty among children, and water shortages on Navajo land
Interviews with high-profile figures including Bruno Mars, Billie Jean King, Carol Burnett, and First Lady Michelle Obama
A return to CBS News after earlier contributing to its Newspath service
Reporting and anchoring at NBC affiliate WLWT in Cincinnati, WWMT in Kalamazoo, KCOY in Santa Maria, and KIEM in Eureka
Lee began his journalism journey behind the scenes as a researcher for CBS News Nightwatch and the CBS Evening News in Washington, D.C.
Lee Cowan Salary
As a prominent CBS News correspondent, Cowan earns a competitive salary for his contributions. His annual salary is estimated at $250,000 as of 2025.
Net Worth
With a journalism career that spans over three decades and includes roles at NBC, CBS, and several local stations, Lee Cowan has built an estimated net worth of $3 million as of 2025.
