In a world of ever-changing news cycles and digital noise, some names never fade — they echo. One of those names is Connie Chung. The journalist who made history in the early ’90s as the first Asian-American woman to co-anchor a major U.S. network evening newscast has once again captured public attention. With her memoir Connie hitting shelves in late 2024, and a Lifetime Achievement Award received in 2025, she’s proving that legacy isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about staying relevant.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
- Connie Chung — legendary broadcast journalist, first Asian-American woman to co-anchor a major U.S. evening newscast.
- Born: August 20, 1946 (Age: 78 in 2025)
- Known for: Trailblazing career across CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, and MSNBC.
- Latest: Released memoir Connie (2024) revealing her personal and professional journey.
- Awards: Lifetime Achievement (Silurians Press Club, 2025)
- Married to: Maury Povich since 1984.
- Estimated Net Worth: $80–$95 million (combined with Povich).
Chung’s story is not merely a biography; it’s a mirror of the American media’s transformation. Her career crosses eras, from typewriters to teleprompters, from breaking news bulletins to podcasts. And now, she’s rewriting her own narrative — candidly, courageously, and with humor that has always been her secret weapon.
Early Life and Education
Connie Yu-Hwa Chung was born on August 20, 1946, in Washington, D.C., the youngest of ten children in a Chinese immigrant family. Her parents, who fled China after World War II, instilled in her the values of discipline, education, and hard work. Her father worked for the Chinese Nationalist Government, and her mother’s focus was on raising their large family in a foreign land.
Chung attended Montgomery Blair High School and later earned a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1969. In her own words, she chose journalism not just to tell stories, but to make a difference — and she did exactly that.
Rise Through the Newsroom Ranks
After college, Chung began her career as a CBS News Washington correspondent during the Watergate era. In the male-dominated field of 1970s journalism, she stood out — not only because she was one of the few women, but because of her precision and calm under pressure.
Her early reports covered everything from political scandals to major policy stories. It was this versatility that propelled her into the national spotlight. By the 1980s, she was anchoring major shows and interviewing top figures, including U.S. presidents and global leaders.
The CBS Years – Breaking Barriers
In 1993, Connie Chung achieved what many believed was impossible: she became the co-anchor of CBS Evening News alongside Dan Rather. This made her the first Asian-American woman and second woman ever to hold that prestigious seat.
However, behind the camera, tensions brewed. Chung later revealed that the newsroom dynamics were complex, and her on-air partnership with Rather was strained. Despite high ratings and a strong viewer following, internal politics eventually led to her departure in 1995.
Her resilience was unmatched. Instead of retreating, she pivoted — joining ABC, NBC, CNN, and later MSNBC, proving that one network could never define her legacy.
Career Highlights and Interviews
Over her 40-year career, Chung has interviewed world leaders, celebrities, and controversial figures, including:
- Magic Johnson — following his HIV diagnosis, an interview praised for its empathy and professionalism.
- Richard Nixon — one of her early political interviews, showing her journalistic boldness.
- Kathleen Gingrich (Newt Gingrich’s mother) — which stirred controversy for its on-air tone but became a defining media ethics case.
Her interviews blended poise with persistence — a balance many journalists still study today.
The Memoir “Connie” – Her Voice, Unfiltered
Released in September 2024, Connie is both confessional and historical. It recounts her climb through newsroom hierarchies, her experiences with racism and sexism, and her reflections on fame and family.
“What I needed was a deadline. We reporters live and die by deadlines.” – Connie Chung, 2024 (People.com)
The memoir also reveals never-before-heard stories about her marriage to Maury Povich, their adoption of son Matthew, and her decision to step back from the limelight to live a quieter life in Montana.
Personal Life and Family
Connie Chung married legendary talk-show host Maury Povich in 1984, forming one of television’s most enduring power couples. Their marriage has lasted more than four decades — a rarity in the broadcast world. Together, they adopted their only child, Matthew Jay Povich, in 1995.
Chung and Povich now live quietly in Bigfork, Montana, where they own a scenic property near Flathead Lake. Away from the glare of studio lights, they enjoy a more peaceful pace of life, filled with reading, family time, and occasional speaking engagements.
Before his marriage to Connie Chung, Maury Povich was married to Phyllis Minkoff, a publicist and producer. The two were married from 1962 to 1979 and had two daughters together:
- Susan Anne Povich, an entrepreneur and co-founder of Red Hook Lobster Pound in Brooklyn.
- Amy Povich, married to renowned physician and CBS contributor Dr. David Agus, one of the leading cancer specialists in the U.S.
Despite being from Maury’s first marriage, Connie Chung has always maintained a warm relationship with both daughters. The blended family often gathers for holidays and special occasions, reflecting the stability and respect that define their long marriage.
“Maury still makes me laugh every single day,” Connie said in a 2024 interview.
Age – 78 and Still Sharp
At 78 years old, Connie Chung remains active and mentally sharp. Her recent public appearances — from book tours to award ceremonies — prove that she’s still capable of commanding attention with her charisma and wisdom. Aging hasn’t dimmed her spark; it’s refined it.
In interviews, she jokes about aging gracefully, noting that she’s “still breaking news, just at a slower pace.”
Net Worth – The Complete Breakdown
One of the most searched topics about Connie Chung in 2025 is her net worth. Given her four-decade-long career across multiple major networks, book sales, public speaking, and investments, it’s no surprise she’s amassed significant wealth.
Estimated Net Worth (2025)
Her net worth is estimated between $80 million to $95 million, with a large portion of that being joint assets with her husband, Maury Povich.
Income Sources Breakdown
| Source | Estimated Lifetime Earnings | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Network Salaries | $35–40 million | Includes CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, and MSNBC contracts (spanning 1970s–2000s) |
| Book Sales (Connie, 2024) | $2–3 million | Advances, royalties, and international distribution rights |
| Public Speaking & Appearances | $1–2 million | Speaking engagements, award ceremonies, media lectures |
| Investments & Real Estate | $25–30 million | Property holdings in Montana and New York; stock investments |
| Joint Media Assets with Maury Povich | $20 million+ | Co-ownership of Flathead Beacon newspaper and TV projects |
Real Estate and Assets
Connie and Maury own several properties:
- Flathead Lake Mansion (Montana): Valued at approximately $9 million.
- Former Washington, D.C. Home: Sold in 2018 for $3.2 million.
- New York Apartment: Estimated at $5 million.
Investments & Business Ventures
The couple co-owns the Flathead Beacon, a Montana-based newspaper, which has become a successful regional publication. Additionally, they have diversified investments in media startups and charitable foundations supporting journalism education.
Charitable Donations
Connie Chung has donated to multiple journalism scholarships and women’s empowerment programs, including the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and the University of Maryland Journalism Fund.
Financial Summary Graph
Net Worth Composition (2025)
| Media Earnings ████████████■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ 45% |
| Real Estate ███████■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ 30% |
| Investments ████■■■■■■■■■■ 15% |
| Books & Other ██■■■■■■ 10% |
Awards and Honors
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Silurians Press Club (2025)
- Emmy Awards – Multiple nominations for network reporting
- AAJA Pioneer Award – Recognizing her contributions to Asian-American representation in journalism
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Connie Chung’s influence on American media transcends journalism. She became a symbol of representation, opening doors for countless women and people of color in broadcast news. Her composure, combined with her sharp questioning, defined professionalism for a generation.
In pop culture, her name even became a shorthand for journalistic excellence. Young journalists from Asian-American backgrounds often cite her as their role model.
“When I saw Connie Chung on TV, I saw myself.” – Journalist Lisa Ling
Future Plans – What’s Next?
While Chung has not announced any plans to return to full-time television, she continues to:
- Participate in interviews and mentorship programs.
- Work on a documentary adaptation of her memoir.
- Support diversity and inclusion initiatives in media schools.
- Possibly release an audiobook version of Connie with behind-the-scenes commentary.
Friends say she’s considering starting a small media fellowship in partnership with the University of Maryland, aimed at supporting young journalists from underrepresented backgrounds.
Connie Chung’s Career Timeline (Chart)
| Year | Event | Network/Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Graduated University of Maryland | Journalism degree |
| 1971 | Joined CBS News | Washington bureau correspondent |
| 1983 | Became NBC anchor | NBC Nightly News substitute anchor |
| 1993 | Co-anchored CBS Evening News | First Asian-American woman anchor |
| 1995 | Left CBS; joined ABC | Hosted 20/20 specials |
| 2002 | Hosted Connie Chung Tonight | CNN prime-time program |
| 2006 | Final MSNBC appearance | Retirement phase begins |
| 2024 | Released memoir Connie | Major comeback moment |
| 2025 | Received Lifetime Award | Celebrated by peers |
Why Connie Chung Matters in 2025
As conversations about trust in journalism, diversity, and authenticity continue, Connie Chung stands as a benchmark for integrity and perseverance. Her story bridges the analog and digital eras of media, reminding us of what journalism once was — and what it can be again.
Her return to the spotlight isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about perspective. As younger generations rediscover her work, her legacy feels less like history and more like a blueprint.
FAQs
Q1: What is Connie Chung’s current age?
She is 78 years old as of 2025.
Q2: What is Connie Chung’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is between $80–$95 million, including joint holdings with Maury Povich.
Q3: Where does Connie Chung live now?
She lives in Bigfork, Montana, with her husband, Maury Povich.
Q4: Does Connie Chung still work in TV?
Not full-time, but she appears in interviews, podcasts, and documentary projects.
Q5: What is her memoir about?
Connie (2024) covers her career, family, and behind-the-scenes challenges as a trailblazer in journalism.
Q6: What awards has she received recently?
In 2025, she received the Silurians Press Club Lifetime Achievement Award.
Q7: What are her future plans?
Chung is working on educational initiatives and possibly a documentary adaptation of her memoir.
Final Thoughts
Connie Chung’s name may conjure memories of network anchors and breaking headlines, but her influence reaches far deeper. She is a pioneer, a storyteller, and a survivor of one of the toughest industries on earth. In an age obsessed with virality, Connie reminds us that true impact is measured not in clicks, but in credibility.
“The first one through the door faces the heaviest gunfire.” – Connie Chung
And yet — she walked through, smiling.
