Kelly O’Donnell Biography
Kelly O’Donnell is a well-known American television journalist who currently holds the position of senior White House and political correspondent for NBC News, focusing on national issues and the U.S. Justice Department. You can catch her on major NBC programs like NBC Nightly News, Today, Meet the Press, and NBC News NOW. With her calm demeanor and in-depth political coverage, O’Donnell has earned a reputation as one of the most respected correspondents in the network.
Back in the 1990s, O’Donnell kicked off her career as a reporter and anchor at FOX 8 Cleveland (WJW-TV). It was there that she worked alongside former NBC correspondent Martin Savidge when the station was still part of CBS. Her time in local television laid a solid groundwork for her reporting skills, which later helped her shine on the national stage.
Kelly O’Donnell Age
How old is Kelly? She is 61 years old as of 2026. Kelly was born on May 17, 1965, in Cleveland, Ohio, in the United States of America. Besides, she commends her birthday on the 17th of May each year.
Kelly O’Donnell Education
She was enrolled and graduated from the University of Northwestern with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education while majoring in a merged course of study in Public Policy and Journalism in 1987. Besides, Kelly was the best student in her class and as a result, she was honored with an Alumnae Grant.
READ MORE: Lawrence O’Donnell Bio, MSNBC, Age, Height, The Last Word, Family, Wife, Salary, and Net Worth
Kelly O’Donnell Nationality
O’Donnell is of American nationality and citizenship. Besides, she was born and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, in the United States of America. In addition, Kelly belongs to the white heritage.
Kelly O’Donnell Height | Measurements
She stands approximately at the height of 5 feet 9 inches ( Approx. 1.83 m) tall, as Kelly is a woman of above-average stature. Nevertheless, she has not disclosed any details about her other body measurements in public places.
Kelly O’Donnell Family | Parents
O’Donnell was born and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, in the United States under the loving care of her father Josh O’Donnell, and her mother Kristien O’Donnell. In addition, her father was a businessman who owned a company while her mother was a professional dancer. Besides, she has an older sister known as Jenny. Her sister works as a journalist and correspondent.
Kelly O’Donnell Husband
O’Donnell is happily married to her wonderful husband, David Ake. David is the Deputy Head of Bureau for the Associated Press in Washington and also has a talent for photography. He previously held the role of Assistant Bureau Chief and was the Deputy Director of Photography at the Associated Press from 2003 to 2006. Despite their public profiles, the couple tends to keep details about their marriage and whether they have children under wraps.
Kelly O’Donnell Daughter and Children
Kelly O’Donnell is known for being very private about her personal and family life. The information available to the public suggests that she does not have any children, and there are no confirmed reports indicating she has a daughter.
O’Donnell is married to J. David Ake, a professional photographer who has worked with major news outlets, but the couple has mostly shied away from the spotlight when it comes to their private life.
Is Kelly O’Donnell Related to Lawrence O’Donnell?
Kelly O’Donnell is also not related to Lawrence O’Donnell, the MSNBC host famous for The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell. While both are part of the NBCUniversal news family and share Irish surnames, there’s no confirmed family link between them.
Is Kelly O’Donnell Related to Norah O’Donnell?
Even though they share the same last name and both work in broadcast journalism, Kelly O’Donnell is not related to Norah O’Donnell. The two journalists are affiliated with different networks and come from distinct family backgrounds.
Norah O’Donnell is primarily recognized for her role at CBS News, while Kelly O’Donnell has dedicated many years to NBC News.
Is Kelly O’Donnell a Democrat?
Kelly O’Donnell hasn’t publicly declared herself as a Democrat or affiliated with any political party. As a political journalist for NBC News, she’s expected to keep a neutral stance while reporting on political happenings, Congress, presidential campaigns, and the White House.
Like many national correspondents, O’Donnell typically steers clear of sharing her personal political views to maintain journalistic integrity.
Kelly O’Donnell Salary
She earns a good amount from her work as a White House correspondent on all NBC News programs and platforms such as “NBC Sunday Morning” and “MSNBC.” Therefore, her annual estimated salary is $120,000
Kelly O’Donnell’s Net Worth
Kelly has garnered a decent fortune over the years she has served. Her average net worth is $2 million
Kelly O’Donnell NBC News
In 1994, O’Donnell made the leap to NBC News as a correspondent based in both New York City and Los Angeles. Over the years, she has covered a wide array of significant stories and national events, even appearing as a panelist on The Chris Matthews Show. She also took on the role of news anchor and substitute host for the weekend editions of Today and NBC Nightly News, while contributing investigative and feature reports to Dateline NBC.
Later on, O’Donnell became NBC News’ White House correspondent during George W. Bush’s second term. After the 2008 presidential election, she transitioned to Capitol Hill correspondent, where she extensively reported on Congress, presidential administrations, and national political campaigns.
In 2016, O’Donnell made headlines as the first journalist to report live on television that Hillary Clinton had called Donald Trump to concede the presidential election. Her coverage during pivotal political moments has consistently placed her at the forefront of American political journalism.
Throughout her impressive career, O’Donnell has been right there on the front lines, reporting from some of the most significant events in history. During the Iraq War, she was embedded with the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, covering the action in both Baghdad and Qatar. Her reporting also spanned major events like the Oklahoma City bombing, the O. J. Simpson murder trial, the September 11 attacks, and the tragic Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. On top of that, O’Donnell has provided in-depth coverage of Pope John Paul II’s travels and his passing, as well as both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, proving her adaptability as a political and international correspondent.
Did Kelly O’Donnell Undergo Surgery?
There’s no verified information indicating that Kelly O’Donnell has had any major surgery. Over the years, some online speculation has arisen regarding changes in her appearance or brief absences from television, but O’Donnell hasn’t publicly commented on any surgical procedures.
Without confirmed statements from O’Donnell or NBC News, any claims about surgeries or medical treatments remain unverified.
Kelly O’Donnell Illness
From time to time, there have been rumors floating around about Kelly O’Donnell’s health, but there’s no solid public information suggesting she has faced any serious illness. O’Donnell remains an active presence at NBC News, frequently covering political events, breaking news, and major national happenings.
Since she keeps her medical details private, many of the claims about her health online are just unverified speculation.
Kelly O’Donnell Weight Loss
Kelly O’Donnell has often been the topic of conversation online regarding her looks and potential weight loss, especially during significant TV appearances and election coverage. However, she hasn’t really opened up about any specific weight-loss journey, diet, or fitness routine. Most of the chatter about her appearance seems to stem from social media comments rather than any confirmed statements from O’Donnell herself.
As a seasoned broadcast journalist with a busy schedule, O’Donnell tends to keep her personal health and lifestyle under wraps, choosing instead to focus on her journalism career and political reporting.
