Yes — John King and Dana Bash are still friends.
John King and Dana Bash used to be married, but they divorced over a decade ago. Despite that, they have kept a respectful and friendly relationship.
Their Personal History
John King first married Jean Makie, with whom he had two children, Noah and Hannah. After that marriage ended, he married Dana Bash in 2008. Before marrying her, he converted to Judaism, which is Bash’s religion. Together, John and Dana had one child, a son named Jonah, born in 2011. Their marriage lasted only a few years before they separated in 2012.
What Happened After the Divorce
After their divorce, both continued in journalism careers, largely at CNN. Over the years, their roles sometimes overlapped, and they remained part of the same professional circle.
John King later revealed that he lives with multiple sclerosis, a condition he kept private for years. In interviews, he has mentioned that Dana Bash is one of his “best friends,” showing that their friendship is real and not just public talk.
In 2023, when CNN announced that Bash would take over as host of Inside Politics, she responded publicly to a headline that called her “ex-wife” of John King. She stated clearly: she and King used to be married, they are now friends, and share their son together.
How They Work Together Now
- Co-parenting: They share responsibility for their son, Jonah. Their public friendship helps in maintaining a stable environment for him.
- Professional respect: Even as their careers evolved, they have shown mutual respect. When roles changed at CNN, Bash took over some of King’s past duties but did so without public conflict.
- Support through challenges: When John publicly discussed his health condition, Bash expressed support. That kind of reaction shows that their friendship is genuine beyond just appearances.
Why Their Relationship Matters to the Public
Because both are prominent journalists, their personal relationship draws interest. People wonder: can exes remain good friends? In their case, the public record suggests yes. Their example is often used to show that ending a marriage does not have to mean ending all ties or respect.

