This year marks the first Father’s Day without my dad, Leo E. Perino. He passed away in his sleep at the end of May 2026, a mere 29 days after retiring at the age of 79. He was a man who cherished his work and adored his daughters, embodying the role of a loving father to Angie and me.
I’ve been fortunate to have friends who are now raising daughters themselves, excelling in their roles as fathers. While they may not need advice from me, I want to share five impactful things my dad did that influenced my life and contributed to my success and happiness.
Equality as a Foundation
Growing up in the 1970s, the era of “girl power,” my dad emphasized equality without making grand speeches. His actions spoke volumes, assuring us that girls could achieve anything they set their minds to and should aim high, regardless of gender. His encouragement became a lifelong belief. I wore an old yellow T-shirt often that read, “Anything boys can do, girls can do better,” echoing today’s friendship bracelets as reminders of self-belief.
The Importance of Education
Dad instilled the value of education early. I was introduced to reading at a young age and developed a love for books. Starting in third grade, he’d have me read newspapers, like The Rocky Mountain News and The Denver Post, and select two articles to discuss with him. These exchanges honed my thinking skills far beyond just news comprehension. We shared magazines and articles, keeping our intellectual curiosity alive and well.
Encouraging Communication
Articulating thoughts confidently is a skill my dad nurtured. Through discussions about news and politics, he prepared me for speaking comfortably in professional settings. This practice served me well in front of major audiences and influential figures, including world leaders. Fathers focusing on this aspect help foster confidence in their daughters.
Faith and Values
Saturdays often saw arguments between my sister and me about church service timings. While I aimed for the early service to watch Sunday shows afterward, my sister’s priority was joining me in worship. Our parents instilled strong values and belief in a higher power, sustaining us during grief and enhancing our happiness.
Supportive Guidance
When my postgraduate plans shifted unexpectedly, fearing I’d disappointed him, I hesitated to call. His supportive “That’s great. We’ll figure it out,” attitude relieved my worries. This memory of Kansas cornfields and country radio remains dear. My sister experienced similar unconditional support, making him a refuge in challenging times. A good father not only protects but offers solace amid life’s turbulence.
At his passing, Dad had been reading Purple State, bookmarked on page 289. Though he didn’t finish these pages, a friend’s comment about his favorite scene brought solace, symbolizing a life’s content ending.
Thanks, Dad.
To all father figures nurturing daughters, your role is invaluable. Dana Perino currently co-anchors FOX News Channel’s morning news program America’s Newsroom (weekdays 9-11 AM/ET) and serves as co-host of The Five (weekdays 5-6 PM/ET), the most-watched program in cable news. Perino also hosts FOX News Audio’s weekly podcast Perino on Politics. She joined the network in 2009 as a contributor.
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