Anderson Cooper has disclosed that he was able to let his late mother Gloria Vanderbilt know that he was set to become a father, before she passed away last June.
Last week, Cooper revealed news of the surrogate birth of his baby boy, Wyatt Morgan, and on Monday gave further details in an interview on Live With Kelly and Ryan.
Host Kelly Ripa told Cooper she could “actually picture the joyful expression on [Gloria’s] face knowing that you have this baby” which prompted Cooper to explain how Vanderbilt was made aware of the situation before she died last June at the age of 95.
Special: Anderson Cooper reveals late mother Gloria Vanderbilt (pictured together here in 2016) knew he was set to become a father before she died last year: ‘She was thrilled’
“I was able to tell her shortly before she died that I was going to have a baby and (my son) Wyatt hadn’t been created at that point, was not a being at that point, but he was an idea in my head and I was in the process,” Cooper said, smiling. “She was thrilled.”
Cooper shared the first picture of his son last Thursday, telling viewers: “As a gay kid I never thought I’d have a child.”
He thanked the child’s surrogate mother and the medical professionals who delivered him amid the coronavirus outbreak during the emotional segment which began by acknowledging the “difficult times” the nation is going through.
Baby joy: Cooper revealed news of the surrogate birth of his baby boy, Wyatt Morgan, last week
“There are many hard days ahead,” Cooper told viewers, adding: “It’s especially important to try to hold on to the moments of joy, happiness, even as we mourn the loss of loved ones, we’re also blessed with new life and new love.”
Cooper revealed that his son’s name paid tribute to his mother, who was known as an actress, socialite, author, fashion designer and artist.
‘My son’s middle name is Morgan. It’s a family name on my mom’s side. I know my mom and dad liked the name Morgan because I recently found a list they made 52 years ago when they were trying to think of names for me,’ Cooper shared.
‘He is named after my father, who died when I was ten. I hope I can be as good a dad as he was,’ Cooper said
Anderson Cooper has announced the birth of his child, a little boy named Wyatt Cooper
Cooper choked up on-air and told viewers that he’d shared the news with CNN contributor Dr. Sanjay Gupta a couple of days ago
In February, on what would have been his mother’s 96th birthday, he shared images from his searching through boxes of photos and files.
He commented at the time that his mother ‘kept every note, every letter she ever received’. He said that although it was sad going through the items, it also brought back ‘many amazing memories’.
‘Wyatt Morgan Cooper. My son. He was 7.2 lbs at birth, and he is sweet, and soft, and healthy and I am beyond happy,’ Cooper continued.
Cooper’s father died when he was 10. Pictured, the Coopers play at home in Southampton, Long Island, New York, March 30, 1972. American author and actor Wyatt Emory Cooper and heiress Gloria Vanderbilt Cooper sit with their sons, Carter (1965 – 1988) and Anderson
‘As gay kid I never thought I’d have a child,’ Cooper told CNN viewers after announcing the birth. He is pictured as a youngster with his mother
Cooper, 52, is believed to be single at the moment. He split from his boyfriend of nine years, Ben Maisani, in 2018. He then dated radiologist Victor Lopez for a year until they split last summer.
‘I’m grateful for all those who have paved the way, and for the doctors and nurses and everyone involved in my son’s birth,’ the new dad continued.
‘Most of all, I am grateful to a remarkable surrogate who carried Wyatt, and watched over him lovingly, and tenderly, and gave birth to him. It is an extraordinary blessing – what she, and all surrogates give to families who can’t have children.
Cooper said his late mother, Gloria Vanderbilt played a role in the naming of his child too
Anderson Cooper is pictured as a baby with his mother Gloria Vanderbilt
‘My surrogate has a beautiful family of her own, a wonderfully supportive husband, and kids, and I am incredibly thankful for all the support they have given Wyatt and me. My family is blessed to have this family in our lives.’
Cooper spent much of his time with his late mother up until her passing in June. She died after a battle with stomach cancer. His brother Carter died by suicide in 1988 when Anderson Cooper was 21.
‘I do wish my mom and dad and my brother, Carter, were alive to meet Wyatt, but I like to believe they can see him,’ Cooper added as he began to get tearful.