John King, a veteran journalist with CNN, has publicly disclosed his ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis, a diagnosis he received in 2008. The revelation, initially made on his show Inside Politics on October 19, 2021, and further detailed in interviews with CNN’s John Berman, provides insight into the challenges he has faced while covering major political events, including the 2008 presidential campaign.
King, CNN’s chief national correspondent, first experienced symptoms in the late 1990s, noting difficulties with his legs while covering the Clinton administration. The condition worsened during the 2008 election cycle, prompting him to seek a diagnosis. Prior to his diagnosis, King worked as a chief political correspondent for the Associated Press, covering the 1992 and 1996 presidential elections.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, King is of Irish Catholic descent, with family roots in County Galway, Ireland. He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Rhode Island. His personal life includes a previous marriage to Jean Makie, with whom he has two children, Noah and Hannah. He later married fellow CNN anchor Dana Bash in 2008, converting to Judaism before the marriage. The couple had a son, Jonah, born in 2011, but separated in 2012.
Beyond his work at CNN, King maintains connections to the media landscape through his role as a staff writer for NWI Entertainer Magazine, where he contributes to the “Plugged In” section, focusing on local musicians. He is also involved in community service as a member of the Porter County Special Olympics board, according to WVLP 103.1, a local radio station.
King’s disclosure of his condition comes as he continues to serve as a prominent voice in national political coverage. As of March 22, 2026, CNN has not issued any statement regarding adjustments to King’s role or coverage schedule in light of his health.
