American journalist and personality Anderson Cooper announced over Instagram the birth of his son Wyatt Morgan.
“As a gay kid, I never thought it would be possible to have a child,” pens Anderson in the caption. He goes on to thank the doctors and nurses who helped in his son’s birth. He also expresses gratitude to the woman who served as the surrogate mother. “My surrogate has a beautiful family of her own, a wonderfully supportive husband, and kids, and I am incredibly thankful for all the support they have given Wyatt and me.”
Anderson explains the meaning behind the names of his child, giving honor to his parents, who have both passed on.
Wyatt Emory Cooper, Anderson’s father, is an author, screenwriter, and actor. He passed away when the news anchor was 10. Wyatt Emory wrote the book ‘Families: A Memoir and a Celebration.’ It was published in 1975 and served as a reflection on his life, along with his marriage to Gloria Vanderbilt and his thoughts on raising two sons.
Morgan is a name from Anderson’s grandmother, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt. He also saw it on a list of names his parents considered for him as an infant that he found recently.
Last year, Anderson’s mother, socialite Gloria Laura Vanderbilt passed away at 95 years old. Gloria identified as an artist, author, fashion designer, and actress. She published two interior design books, six memoirs, and three novels. ‘The Rainbow Comes and Goes‘, published in 2016, is co-authored with Anderson and is a celebration of the bond between parent and child.
Gloria was raised by her aunt Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, founder of the Whitney Museum of American Art. At 15, Gloria was a model for ‘Harper’s Bazaar.’ In the ’70s, she teamed up with Mohan Murjani to produce designer jeans. The venture grew into Gloria Concepts, which includes making shoes, scarves, table and bed linens, designer, fragrances, and china.
Gloria’s fabulous life was not left forgotten by tragedy, however. Carter, Anderson’s brother, committed suicide at 23 years old by jumping from the family’s penthouse balcony in 1988. Anderson and Gloria talked about the grief left behind openly on television in 2011.
Anderson mentions how he wishes that his parents, along with his brother, could meet baby Wyatt. He remains hopeful as he writes, “…but I like to believe they can see him.”
Photo courtesy of Agence France-Presse
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