Leo Perino and his wife, Jan Perino, raised two daughters, Dana and Angie, and were known for emphasizing service, hard work, and community involvement.
While Dana went on to build a national profile in politics and television, she has often spoken about the values she learned growing up and the role her parents played in her success. Advertisement Jan Perino, Dana’s mother, also devoted much of her life to service.
Raised in Rawlins, Wyoming, Jan was described in a 2013 interview as an accomplished athlete who later dedicated years to volunteer work and nonprofit service. Advertisement At the time, she was preparing for retirement and looking forward to spending more time pursuing hobbies such as golf, skiing and tai chi.
According to reports, Leo spent much of his life in the Denver area, where he was active in civic causes and community improvement efforts
Despite her community involvement, she made clear that her proudest accomplishment was raising her daughters.
“But…my favorite ‘job’ was raising two daughters to be professional, compassionate women who are making a difference in the world,” Jan said.
“Working for a non-profit helping organization, I involved my family in volunteering to help them understand and see the needs of the world. Families who volunteer together stick together!” she said.
NEW: Greg Gutfeld pays tribute to @DanaPerino's father who has sadly passed away, less than 30 days after retiring. RIP Leo pic.twitter.com/fEB2NWaCmw
— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) June 1, 2026
Jan said one of her most rewarding experiences was working with Lutheran Family Services
Perino served as White House press secretary under President George W. Bush before becoming a longtime Fox News personality and co-host of “The Five.”
Throughout her career, she has frequently credited her family for helping her remain grounded.
The couple met in 1997 while sitting next to each other on a flight shortly after Dana began working on Capitol Hill.
She also explained how volunteer work became a family activity
According to Perino, what began as a casual conversation quickly turned into something much more meaningful.
I asked him about his book, he asked me how my trip was, but we ended up talking for two and a half hours. We call it love at first flight,” Dana recalled.
Despite a 12-year age difference, Dana said her father approved of the relationship from the beginning.
Those lessons would eventually help shape Dana’s path from Wyoming to Washington, D.C., and ultimately to national television
She later told People magazine that Leo believed an older man was a good match for her because she had always matured quickly and pursued her goals with determination.
Perino has often referred to him as “the wizard behind the curtain,” crediting him with helping her research foreign policy topics and providing support behind the scenes.
The Perino family also includes Dana’s sister, Angie Machock.
Dana has also spoken openly about the support she received from her husband, Peter McMahon
Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt once publicly praised Angie’s artistic talents after receiving one of her paintings.