FOX & Friends star Steve Doocy has shocked viewers with a surprise announcement about stepping back from his morning show.

And the beloved star received a special message from prestigious fan US President Donald Trump, who praised him for being a “fantastic guy.”

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Fox & Friends co-host Steve Doocy (left) with Ainsley Earhardt and Brian KilmeadeCredit: Getty

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Steve Doocy serves as co-host of the morning show Fox & Friends on the Fox News ChannelCredit: Getty

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The US President, Donald Trump, did a pre-recorded sendoff for Steve Doocy’s semi-retirementCredit: Fox News

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Fox anchor Steve Doocy is changing his roleCredit: Getty
However, it’s not all bad news as Doocy, 68, said he would remain a Fox & Friends co-host – but for just three days a week.

The hit show’s founding co-host will take on a new coast-to-coast co-hosting role, visiting cities and towns across the country, to provide an insight on people, places and issues throughout America.

He told viewers that he is making a permanent move to Florida where he’ll be based as a special correspondent for the show.

Doocy joked, “It is a great job, but the hours suck.”

The switch means that the Fox star will be able to enjoy future lie-ins.

He explained, “After decades of getting up at 3:30am and driving into NYC in the dark, today is the last day I will host the show… from the couch.”

Doocy then vowed, “I am not retiring, I’m not leaving the show. I’m still a host.”

And he became emotional as he explained, “But it’s time for a change.”

Doocy also joked that Suzanne Scott, the CEO of Fox New Media, and he “have been trying to figure out what a guy who has been getting up at 2:30am for two generations can do.”

The star’s big move got the thumbs-up from the president, despite Trump slamming him two years ago for being “not nice.”

Jake Lahut, a political reporter covering the White House, revealed on X that “Trump did a pre-recorded sendoff for Doocy’s semi-retirement on Fox & Friends.”

The president issued a special message, saying, “I just think you’re a fantastic guy.

“You’ve always treated me fairly — sometimes more fairly than other times, but that’s okay…

“It’s really been an honor to spend so much time with you, and watching you, with the whole crew in the morning.”

You’ve always treated me fairly.

US President, Donald Trump

But in 2023, Trump, 78, took a swipe at the long-time host, reported The National Pulse.

He said, “You know, Steve Doocy’s interesting because he’s always been so nice to me for years, for years going back to 2016.

“But I, you know, I am loyal to people and I had a great relationship with him.

“But I would say over the last year, I don’t know, he just seems to be not nice like he should be. Maybe and maybe I’m wrong about that.”

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Donald Trump has praised Steve Doocy as being “fair” during interviewsCredit: Getty

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But Trump has previously slated the co-host as “not nice”Credit: Getty
Lis Power, media intelligence director at Media Matters for America, also hailed the star’s plan to enjoy precious time with his family.

She said on X, “Steve Doocy announces he’s stepping back (a bit) at Fox & Friends.

“He’ll still host 3 days a week, but not from New York.

“He’ll be spending more time with family, and will be based in Florida.”

Power added, “Honestly, happy for him, this man deserves a break from Brian Kilmeade.”

FAMILY TIME

The role change comes as the star is set to enjoy more time with his grandkids.

In April, Fox News’ Peter Doocy and his wife Hillary Vaughn welcomed their second child after an intense 30 hours of labor.

Doocy and Vaughn, who became first-time parents in 2023 with the birth of their daughter Bridget, announced the birth of George Jack Doocy in a touching Instagram post.

“So thank you, son, for being the reason I’ll never forget to get your mom a card when I’m grabbing a birthday card for you,” the White House correspondent said.

The reporter’s dad Steve Doocy joked that George was born just hours after a bird attacked his son live on air.

“I woke up my wife Kathy, who listened, paused for a moment and said, ‘That bird that hit Peter – was it a stork?’” the host laughed.

In June last year, the Fox & Friends star thanked his children and admitted to becoming “misty-eyed” when looking at family photos.

He said on Facebook, “Thanks Doocy kids for making everyday as your dad an adventure.”