**George Stephanopoulos and Ali Wentworth Mourn the Heartbreaking Loss of Their Beloved Family Dog Daisy**
In a quiet, deeply personal moment shared with the world, longtime couple George Stephanopoulos and Ali Wentworth announced the passing of their cherished dachshund, Daisy, at the age of 17. The news, delivered over the weekend of early March 2026, marked yet another painful chapter for the family, coming just months after they said goodbye to their other beloved dog, Cooper, who died in May 2025. For the ABC News anchor and the acclaimed actress/author, losing Daisy felt like closing the book on nearly two decades of unconditional love, mischief, and unwavering companionship.
Ali Wentworth, best known for her sharp wit on television and her bestselling memoir *Ali’s Well That Ends Well*, took to Instagram to share the sorrowful update. She posted a tender video montage that captured Daisy’s life in vivid snapshots: tiny puppy paws splashing in puddles, her signature stubborn stare during family holidays, playful romps in the backyard with daughters Elliott Anastasia Stephanopoulos (now 22) and Harper Andrea Stephanopoulos (now 20), and countless cozy moments curled up on the couch beside George and Ali. The reel ended with a still image of Daisy in her later years—graying muzzle, cloudy eyes, yet still radiating that unmistakable dachshund attitude.
“We lost our 17 year old Dachshund, Daisy, yesterday,” Ali wrote in the caption. “A formidable lady. Barked at everything. Believed her size to be that of a German Shepherd. Growled at too much affection. Permanently stained all our carpets. In another life she was a tyrannical queen. We love you Daisy! Take your righteous throne up in canine heaven!”
The post quickly drew an outpouring of love from fans, friends, and celebrity acquaintances. George’s *Good Morning America* colleague Ginger Zee was among the first to comment: “I’m so sorry.” Others echoed the sentiment with heartfelt messages: “Dogs aren’t people—but they’re family. Sending you all so much,” “Oh Ali—I’m so so sorry—sending you and your family so much love and all my condolences,” and “Sweet Daisy. Sending you all so much love.” The comments section became a virtual memorial, filled with shared stories of pet loss and gentle reminders that grief for a pet is real and profound.
Daisy joined the Stephanopoulos-Wentworth household in 2009, just as Elliott was a toddler and Harper an infant. From the beginning, she ruled the roost with the confidence only a dachshund can muster. Short-legged and long-bodied, she strutted through their New York home like royalty, barking ferociously at delivery drivers, neighbors’ dogs, and even the occasional gust of wind. Despite her diminutive size—barely reaching a foot tall—she carried herself with the gravitas of a much larger breed. George often joked on air that Daisy considered herself the true head of the household, and no one dared argue.
Her personality was larger than life. She tolerated affection on her own terms, offering a low growl if petted too enthusiastically. She had a particular disdain for vacuums, thunderstorms, and anyone who dared sit in “her” spot on the couch. Yet beneath the gruff exterior was a deeply loyal companion. She followed Ali from room to room during writing sessions, kept watch over the girls during homework hours, and greeted George at the door after long days at the studio with enthusiastic tail wags (and the occasional dramatic sigh).
Daisy’s quirks left their mark—literally. Multiple carpets bore the telltale stains of her youthful accidents and later-age mishaps, a badge of honor the family wore with humor. She once famously shredded an entire roll of toilet paper into confetti while the family was out, leaving a trail that led straight to her smug, unapologetic face. Another time, she managed to steal an entire Thanksgiving turkey leg off the counter, dragging it triumphantly under the dining table while everyone laughed in disbelief.
The loss of Daisy follows closely on the heels of Cooper’s passing in May 2025. Cooper, a gentle golden retriever mix, had been the softer counterpoint to Daisy’s feisty demeanor. Where Daisy barked and bossed, Cooper offered quiet comfort and endless cuddles. Losing both dogs within less than a year has left the family reeling. George and Ali have often spoken publicly about how their pets grounded them amid busy careers and the demands of raising two daughters in the public eye. The dogs provided normalcy—a reminder that life at home was about simple joys: walks in Central Park, belly rubs on rainy afternoons, and the comforting sound of paws on hardwood floors.
Elliott and Harper, now young adults navigating college and early careers, grew up with Daisy as a constant presence. Elliott, studying film and media, frequently included family pets in her creative projects, while Harper, pursuing environmental science, often took Daisy on neighborhood strolls to clear her mind. For the girls, Daisy was more than a pet—she was a childhood confidante, a silent witness to teenage heartbreaks, triumphs, and late-night talks.
Ali’s caption captured the bittersweet essence of pet ownership: the joy of years filled with personality, the inevitable grief when those years end, and the strange comfort found in celebrating a life well lived—even if that life involved ruling the household with an iron paw. Her words resonated widely because they were honest. She didn’t sugarcoat Daisy’s flaws; instead, she honored them as part of what made the dog irreplaceable.
In the days following the announcement, George remained relatively quiet on social media, choosing instead to grieve privately. Those close to the couple say the family has been spending quiet evenings looking through old photos, sharing favorite Daisy stories, and slowly adjusting to a home without her distinctive bark echoing through the halls. The absence feels especially stark after so many years of her commanding presence.
Pet loss experts note that grieving a longtime companion can be as intense as losing a human family member. The bond formed over nearly two decades—through career highs and lows, family milestones, and everyday routines—creates a profound connection. For George and Ali, Daisy represented stability amid the whirlwind of public life. Her passing marks the end of an era, a reminder that even the most formidable queens eventually lay down their crowns.
As tributes continue to pour in, the couple’s openness about their grief has helped normalize conversations around pet bereavement. Many followers shared their own stories of dachshunds, stubborn little dogs who ruled their hearts, and the unique pain of saying goodbye after so long. One fan wrote, “They may be small, but their love fills every corner of the house. Sending hugs to your whole family.”
Daisy may have believed she was a German Shepherd, but to George, Ali, Elliott, and Harper, she was simply irreplaceable—a tyrannical queen who reigned with love, attitude, and an endless supply of personality. Though her throne in canine heaven awaits, her legacy lives on in the hearts she commanded and the carpets she forever marked.
Rest in peace, Daisy. You were formidable, fierce, and forever loved.