Judy Woodruff, a trailblazing American broadcast journalist, has shaped political reporting for over five decades. Known for her work as the anchor and managing editor of PBS NewsHour until 2022, she has covered every U.S. presidential election since 1976. At 78 years old in 2025, Judy Woodruff’s net worth is estimated at $8 million, earned through her journalism career, book authorship, and speaking engagements. She has been married to journalist Al Hunt since 1980, and they have three children. Her salary at PBS was approximately $2.5 million annually. This article explores her biography, career, and personal life with fresh insights.
Early Life and Education: Judy Woodruff’s Roots and Age
Born on November 20, 1946, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Judy Carline Woodruff is 78 years old as of 2025. Growing up as an “army brat,” she moved frequently due to her father, William H. Woodruff, a chief warrant officer in the Army, and her mother, Anna Lee Woodruff. Her childhood spanned Germany, Taiwan, and various U.S. states before settling in Augusta, Georgia. At 17, she won the Young Miss Augusta beauty pageant in 1963, showcasing her early charisma.
Woodruff initially pursued mathematics at Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina, but a political science professor sparked her interest in politics, leading her to transfer to Duke University. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1968, a pivotal moment that set the stage for her journalism career. Her early exposure to diverse cultures shaped her empathetic reporting style, a perspective often overlooked in standard biographies.
“I was drawn to journalism because it allowed me to ask questions and tell stories that matter,” Woodruff shared in a 2023 PBS interview.
Career Milestones: A Legacy in Journalism
Woodruff’s journalism career began in 1968 at WQXI-TV, an ABC affiliate in Atlanta, where she worked as a newsroom secretary before transitioning to reporting. By 1970, she joined WAGA-TV, a CBS affiliate, covering Georgia’s state legislature. Her big break came in 1975 when she joined NBC News as a general-assignment reporter, covering Jimmy Carter’s 1976 presidential campaign, which elevated her national profile.
From 1977 to 1982, she served as NBC’s White House correspondent, reporting on major events like the 1981 Reagan assassination attempt. In 1983, she moved to PBS, becoming the chief Washington correspondent for The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour and hosting Frontline with Judy Woodruff. Her tenure at CNN from 1993 to 2005 included anchoring Inside Politics, a political talk show that solidified her as a political journalism expert.
Returning to PBS in 2006, Woodruff co-anchored PBS NewsHour with Gwen Ifill in 2013, making history as the first all-female anchor team in U.S. broadcast news. After Ifill’s passing in 2016, she became the sole anchor until her retirement from the anchor desk in December 2022. Post-retirement, she launched America at a Crossroads and Disability Reframed, series exploring political divides and disability challenges, reflecting her commitment to meaningful journalism.
“Journalism isn’t just about reporting facts; it’s about understanding people’s struggles,” Woodruff noted in a 2024 speech at Duke University.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in 2025
As of 2025, Judy Woodruff’s net worth is estimated at $8 million, accumulated through her journalism career, book sales, and public speaking. Her salary at PBS NewsHour was reportedly $2.5 million annually, though some sources suggest it peaked at $3 million during her anchor tenure. Additional income streams include her book, This Is Judy Woodruff at the White House, co-authored with Kathleen Maxa, and speaking engagements at events like the International Women’s Media Foundation galas.
Her financial stability is also evident in her real estate holdings, including a Washington, D.C., home and a waterfront property in Maryland, shared with her husband, Al Hunt. Unlike some high-profile journalists, Woodruff maintains a modest lifestyle, focusing her wealth on philanthropy, particularly supporting the Spina Bifida Association of America, inspired by her son’s condition.
Married Life and Family: Judy Woodruff’s Personal Journey
Judy Woodruff has been married to Al Hunt, a former columnist and executive editor at Bloomberg News, since April 5, 1980. They met in 1976 during a softball game between journalists and Jimmy Carter’s campaign staff in Plains, Georgia. Their marriage has been a partnership of mutual respect, with both navigating high-profile journalism careers.
The couple has three children: Jeffrey (born 1981), Benjamin (born 1986), and Lauren (adopted from Korea in 1989 at four months old). Jeffrey was born with a mild case of spina bifida, and complications from a 1998 surgery left him disabled, prompting Woodruff to reduce her workload at CNN to focus on family. This experience deepened her advocacy for disability rights, a unique angle not often highlighted in her public narrative.
“My son’s journey taught me resilience and the importance of advocating for those who need support,” Woodruff said in a 2023 Disability Reframed segment.
Woodruff has kept her personal life private, with no public record of dating or relationships before her marriage to Hunt. Rumors about her being related to journalist Betsy Woodruff were debunked by Betsy herself in a 2017 tweet.
Unique Insights: Woodruff’s Impact on Journalism and Society
Woodruff’s career offers lessons in resilience and adaptability. Her ability to maintain civility in political reporting, especially during polarized times, sets her apart. A 2024 study by the Pew Research Center found that 68% of Americans trust public broadcasting for unbiased reporting, a testament to Woodruff’s influence at PBS NewsHour. Her post-retirement projects, like America at a Crossroads, address the growing distrust in institutions, with data showing 74% of Americans feel politically divided (Gallup, 2025).
Her advocacy for women in media, as a co-founder of the International Women’s Media Foundation, has inspired countless journalists. A case study from the IWMF highlights how Woodruff mentored young reporters, emphasizing ethical storytelling over sensationalism. Her work on disability issues, driven by personal experience, adds a humanizing layer to her legacy, making her a role model for balancing career and compassion.
Judy Woodruff Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Judy Carline Woodruff |
| Date of Birth | November 20, 1946 |
| Age (2025) | 78 years old |
| Birthplace | Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA |
| Parents | William H. Woodruff (father), Anna Lee Woodruff (mother) |
| Sibling | Anita Woodruff |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Political Science, Duke University (1968) |
| Spouse | Al Hunt (married April 5, 1980) |
| Children | Jeffrey (1981), Benjamin (1986), Lauren (1989, adopted) |
| Height | 5 feet 2 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 56 kg |
| Career Start | 1968, WQXI-TV (Atlanta) |
| Major Networks | NBC, CNN, PBS |
| Notable Roles | Anchor, PBS NewsHour (2009–2022); Host, Inside Politics (CNN, 1993–2005) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $8 million |
| Salary (Peak) | $2.5–3 million annually |
| Books | This Is Judy Woodruff at the White House (1982) |
| Awards | Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement, Duke Distinguished Alumni |
| Advocacy | Spina Bifida Association, International Women’s Media Foundation |
| Social Media | Twitter: @JudyWoodruff, Instagram: @judywoodruffpbs |
Conclusion: Judy Woodruff’s Enduring Legacy
Judy Woodruff remains a towering figure in journalism at 78 years old, with a net worth of $8 million and a salary history reflecting her stature. Her marriage to Al Hunt and their family life underscore her personal strength, while her career—from covering Jimmy Carter to moderating presidential debates—demonstrates her professional excellence. Through her post-retirement work, she continues to address societal divides and advocate for the marginalized, cementing her legacy as a journalist who informs and inspires.
For more details, visit her Wikipedia page, PBS News profile, or follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
