David Muir, the anchor of ABC’s World News Tonight and America’s most-watched newsman, has long kept his personal life shrouded in mystery. But in a rare, candid interview with People on May 31, 2025, the 51-year-old journalist pulled back the curtain, sharing unexpected insights into his off-camera world and addressing the viral “Daddy” nickname that has fans buzzing. From quiet weekends in upstate New York to his devotion to his dog Axel, Muir’s revelations offer a glimpse into the heart behind the suit, sparking fascination across social media.

Muir, who has helmed World News Tonight since 2014, is a Syracuse native who finds solace in his lakeside home in Skaneateles. “My most comfortable element is being outside, covered in mud,” he confessed, describing rainy weekends spent with Axel, his German shorthaired pointer. Far from the polished anchor, Muir relishes simple pleasures—watching beavers build dams or riding a bike, evoking his childhood. “It’s like smelling the same air as when I was a kid,” he said, a nod to his roots that shaped his journalistic passion, inspired by Peter Jennings.

The “Daddy” nickname, however, stole the spotlight. Sparked by TikTok thirst edits and a Tumblr page called “Gimme Gimme Muir,” fans crowned Muir for his youthful charm. “People forward those videos, laughing, saying, ‘When did you become Daddy?’” Muir chuckled, taking it as a compliment. “I’m uncomfortable in a tux, so surviving those events without looking like a nerd is a win.” The label, tied to his age hitting 50, has fueled speculation about his private life, yet Muir remains single, with no confirmed relationships. Past rumors linked him to ABC’s Gio Benitez and Kate Dries, but he’s stayed mum, focusing on family—his sister Rebecca, nieces, nephews, and Axel, who he jokingly says gets more love than him.

Social media erupted, with #DavidMuirDaddy trending as fans posted, “He’s America’s zaddy and a dog dad—perfect!” His privacy, rare in media, adds intrigue, while his devotion to journalism—covering events like the papal conclave and raising $9 million for the World Food Programme—defines him. Muir’s balance of humility and charisma makes these revelations resonate, proving he’s more than a news anchor: he’s a man cherishing life’s quiet moments.