Looking to regain that TV momentum, make a really big splash and hopefully become synonymous with Oprah, Phil and Sally, Katie Couric is back on TV with a new daytime talk show ‘Katie’.
After having spent much time at NBC, and less time at CBS, it’s now ABC‘s turn for the worldly newswoman.
The 55 year old, who is believed to have a new man in her life since her break-up with younger boyfriend of years, opened up to Dotson Rader for today’s issue of PARADE, about her life, looking for love again, and the loss of her husband, Jay Monahan, who died of colon cancer in 1998 at age 42.
“Life is a series of reboots, right?” says Couric. “Either by choice or necessity. Change is still incredibly energizing and exciting. And I feel I am a better person because of my experiences. I still have a lot to offer.”
Here are some highlights from the PARADE interview:
Couric on the way Ann Curry was dismissed from the Today show in June and, perhaps, why:
I don’t know what was happening behind the scenes. Those kinds of changes are painful unless everybody’s on board. I felt terrible for her. It was uncomfortable and upsetting. On the other hand, I don’t think [the show] was clicking in the way it should have, for whatever reason.
On what attracted Couric to her late husband, Jay Monahan:
I was lucky to meet him when I did— because I was ready. By then I had seen too many women give up the idea of having a family for their career. For a time I thought I’d do that, too. But I think I had an epiphany and I decided … I’m going to try to meet someone I can marry and have kids with and who will be a life partner for me. I started forcing myself to meet a lot of people. … But then I met Jay. … I respected him instantly. I always thought I would marry a man with dark, curly hair. One night I told him, “You’re everything I’ve ever looked for.”
On dealing with the grief of Monahan’s passing:
When you’re confronted with terrible suffering and loss, you feel so utterly powerless. Debilitated. You can choose to end your life, to stop living. Or you can try to heal andhave a sense of purpose. When Jay died, I had a 2-year-old and a 6-year-old. I wanted to provide them with a happy home; that’s what enabled me to go on.
Couric on the idea of marrying again:
I would like to. I’m the marrying kind, even though I’ve only been married once. I like the idea of having a life partner. I’m very traditional in many ways.
Couric’s thoughts about the “cougar” label:
It’s silly and sexist. You don’t hear men who date women 30 years younger being called cougars. What is the equivalent word? There is no equivalent.
Exclusive video in which Couric shares her hidden talent, her thoughts on Twitter, and more:
http://www.parade.com/