Why was Bill Hemmer missing from Fox News? Anchor’s absence from America’s Newsroom last week sparks concern

Bill Hemmer, renowned co-host of Fox News' America’s Newsroom, was not seen on the show for several days, sparking concern. He returned to the show on February 10.

Hemmer co-hosts the 7 a.m. show in Arizona alongside Dana Perino. He also serves as an analyst for the network's Bill-Board. As for why he was missing, AZ Central reports that Hemmer's father, William R. Hemmer, died on February 1. According to his online obituary, his funeral services were held on February 5, making it likely that Bill Hemmer was in attendance.

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Bill Hemmer says his father was "wise, funny, ethical" and "graduated top of his class from the School of Sarcasm"

Not long after Bill Hemmer's father's death, his Fox News colleagues, Perino and Bret Baier, paid their respects on-air.

"Bill's dad, the inevitable William R Hemmer. He passed away on Saturday. He lived an incredible 85 years. He was one of a kind," Perino said on America's Newsroom. "He was married to his wife Georganne for 63 years and they had five children, of course Bill is one of them, 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and there are more on the way. William was so very proud of his family and we are wishing them all the very best," Perino added.

She also spoke of how Bill Hemmer told her that his parents seldom stayed away from each other in the 63 years that they were together and that they found love in each other very early on. She shared that the Hemmer family often stuck to traditions and would frequently take trips where "everybody had to show up." She said that they called it their "Hemmer Hodge."

In his tribute on Instagram, Bill penned a short, heartfelt letter to his dad:

"I loved this man and every single moment I had with him. He was wise, funny, ethical, graduated top of his class from the School of Sarcasm. He left his mark: 63 years of marriage, five children, 11 grandchildren, six great grandchildren (and climbing). My Father: William R Hemmer, 85, left us for heaven on the morning of February 1st, 2025. Rest forever in gentle peace."

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According to his online obituary, William died in his home, surrounded by his family at the time. He was 85. He was described as a dedicated and beloved father and husband with a keen wit and tender heart. Bill left behind 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.