The Truth Jane Pauley Finally Revealed After Decades on TV

Jane Pauley has long been one of the most trusted voices in American journalism, but behind the calm authority viewers saw on their screens, she was living through a private struggle that became one of the most powerful stories of her career.

In the 1990s, Pauley was one of NBC’s biggest stars, having spent 13 years as co-host of Today before moving on to Dateline NBC. Her professional life seemed flawless, but in 2001 she shocked audiences by revealing she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. What made her admission even more remarkable was the honesty with which she described the ordeal: her condition was triggered after being prescribed steroids during treatment for hives, an unexpected medical spiral that led her into depression and mania.

At a time when mental health was still considered taboo, especially for high-profile figures in media, Pauley’s decision to speak out was groundbreaking. In 2004, she released her memoir Skywriting: A Life Out of the Blue, which candidly detailed her diagnosis and recovery. The book became a bestseller, not only for its insider look at television journalism but for its raw, human portrait of a woman who refused to let illness define her.

Instead of retreating, Pauley used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness, breaking barriers for millions of Americans who felt unseen in their own struggles. Her candor was hailed as courageous by fans and colleagues alike, with many crediting her for shifting the national conversation around mental illness.

What makes Pauley’s story all the more powerful is that she didn’t just survive the storm—she thrived. In 2016, she returned to the spotlight in a major way when CBS named her the host of Sunday Morning, succeeding Charles Osgood. Under her leadership, the show not only maintained its place as a ratings giant but also became more personal and intimate, reflecting Pauley’s own ability to connect through authenticity.

Today, Jane Pauley stands as a living example of resilience, proving that vulnerability can coexist with authority, and that a career setback—or even a very public health crisis—doesn’t have to end a legacy. Instead, it can redefine it.