Norah O’Donnell returns to CBS Mornings this week to champion her new book ‘We the Women’

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• 🔥 Quick Facts
• A High-Profile Return to the Morning Desk
• The Mission Behind “We the Women”
• Book Details and Availability
• Why O’Donnell’s Transition Matters for American Television
• Will Fans See More of Norah on CBS Mornings in Coming Weeks?
  • Watch: Norah O’Donnell Discusses Her Powerful New Book
  • Sources

Norah O’Donnell just shocked television fans this week with a surprise return to CBS Mornings after stepping away from daily broadcasting. The anchor came back on Monday through Wednesday to champion her powerful new book, and her appearance sparked rumors of a full comeback that she’s now put to rest.

A High-Profile Return to the Morning Desk

Norah O’Donnell made headlines earlier this week when she stepped back into the CBS Mornings anchor chair she vacated in 2012. The 52-year-old veteran journalist appeared alongside co-hosts Gayle King and Nate Burleson for three consecutive days to discuss her groundbreaking new book. O’Donnell posted on her Instagram story, calling Wednesday her final day back with the show, putting to rest speculation about a permanent return. She expressed genuine gratitude to her former colleagues, saying the experience reminded her just how demanding early morning broadcasts truly are, but she welcomed the opportunity to share her powerful project with a national audience.

The Mission Behind “We the Women”

“We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America” tells the untold stories of 35 remarkable women whose contributions shaped the nation but remain largely forgotten. The 416-page hardcover, released this week, coincides with America’s 250th birthday and was written with historian Kate Andersen Brower. O’Donnell’s research examined extensive historical documents, archival photographs, and personal interviews to bring these trailblazers to light. The book ranked sixth on Amazon’s Top 100 list within hours of release, signaling strong reader interest in women’s overlooked historical roles.

Book Details and Availability

Detail	Information
Release Date	February 24, 2026
Publisher	Ballantine Books
Page Count	416 Pages
Hardcover Price	$35.00
Available Formats	Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

The book is currently available through Penguin Random House, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent bookstores nationwide. O’Donnell is also embarking on a nationwide book tour through March with 13 scheduled cities. Her first appearance was in Boston on Wednesday, February 26, with additional stops planned across the country to engage readers about America’s hidden heroines.

“It’s not that women weren’t doing stuff. They were doing plenty. It’s just we haven’t highlighted their stories.”

— Norah O’Donnell, on PBS News’ Amna Nawaz

Why O’Donnell’s Transition Matters for American Television

Norah O’Donnell’s career spans more than 30 years covering major national and international events. After stepping down as CBS Evening News anchor in January 2025, she transitioned to her current role as CBS News senior correspondent, proving that accomplished journalists can reshape their careers while maintaining influence. Her book project demonstrates her passion for correcting historical narratives and celebrating women’s achievements. The award-winning correspondent has won multiple Emmys, the Edward R. Murrow Award, and the duPont-Columbia Award throughout her distinguished tenure in broadcast journalism.

Will Fans See More of Norah on CBS Mornings in Coming Weeks?

Based on O’Donnell’s Instagram post on Wednesday stating her “last day” back with CBS Mornings, the answer appears definitively no for now. However, her appearance this week reignited fond memories among longtime viewers who remembered her years as a morning show co-host from 2012 to 2019 before her move to the evening broadcast. Fans praised her professionalism and warm connection with co-hosts Gayle King and Nate Burleson during her promotional appearances. Moving forward, O’Donnell will focus on her book tour commitments, her senior correspondent role, and her work on 60 Minutes, continuing to deliver important investigative journalism rather than daily morning television.

Sources

• USA Today – Norah O’Donnell’s surprise return to CBS Mornings and book promotion details.
• Penguin Random House – Official book information, publication date, and specifications.
• PBS NewsHour – Interview with Norah O’Donnell discussing We the Women and women’s overlooked historical roles.