Why New Dad Anderson Cooper Isn't Taking Paternity Leave After the Birth of Son Wyatt

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to affect millions worldwide, Anderson Cooper wants to help deliver the facts — even if that means eschewing paternity leave.

The CNN anchor, 52, got candid on Monday night's episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert about being a new dad to 1-week-old son Wyatt Morgan, emphasizing the importance of sound news coverage and people looking to those in his profession for information.

"This is not some story — this is life and death. This is as serious as it gets, and it's more important than ever before that things be true and accurate," Cooper told host Stephen Colbert. "It's one of the reasons I'm not taking time off."

"Thankfully I can do some work from home, but I feel like this is an extraordinary time to be in this business as a reporter and to be able to try to help inform people and give people facts," he added. "Right now, facts and science and truth — it is the difference between life and death for many people."

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As Cooper signed off of his show Anderson Cooper 360° and Chris Cuomo's show, Cuomo Prime Time, began on Monday, the two journalists shared a brief but sweet on-screen exchange, discussing Cooper's new role as a dad.

Cuomo — who's father to son Mario, 14, and daughters Carolina, 11, and Bella, 17 — asked Cooper how his "first weekend" went with little Wyatt.

"It was great. It was awesome," Cooper told Cuomo, 49, smiling from ear to ear. "I spent the whole weekend just looking at him and burping him and feeding him. It was great."

Cuomo couldn't help but smile at seeing his colleague so happy. "You've got a new baby, it's a new you and I love watching you laugh and smile," he shared. "There will be nothing else like it in your life."

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