Dagen McDowell is an American journalist who currently serves as a co-anchor of the afternoon edition of CNN News Central.
She raised worry amongst fans after disappearing from TV without any prior announcement, leaving fans to assume the worst.
Here’s all about Dagen’s diagnosis, her life with husband, and everything in between.
Dagen McDowell Quick Facts
| Wiki and Bio | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mary Dagen McDowell |
| Nick Name | Dagen |
| Profession | Journalist, News Anchor, Financial Analyst |
| Famous as | Co-anchor of CNN News Central |
| Age | 55 years old (as of January 7, 2024) |
| Date of Birth | January 7, 1969 |
| Birthplace/Hometown | Campbell County, Virginia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Sexuality | Heterosexual (Straight) |
| Gender | Female |
| Ethnicity | Irish |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sun Sign (Zodiac Sign) | Capricorn |
| Height (in feet) | 5 feet 6 inches |
| Height (in centimeters) | 167.64 cm |
| Weight (in pounds) | 119 lbs |
| Weight (in kilograms) | 54 kg |
| Body Measurements (in inches) | Update soon |
| Body Measurements (in centimeters) | Update soon |
| Biceps Size | Update soon |
| Shoe Size in US | 7 |
| Tattoo Details | Update soon |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Parents | Father: Charles Ross McDowell III |
| Siblings | Brother: Landon Oakes McDowell |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Dating History | N/A |
| Partner/Spouse | Jonas Max Ferris (2005-2023) |
| Children | None |
| Highest Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in Art History |
| School | St. Catherine’s School |
| Alma Mater | Wake Forest University |
| Hobbies & Favorites | Update soon |
| Favorite Celebrities | Update soon |
| Dream Holiday | Update soon |
| Favorite Color | Update soon |
| Interests | Update soon |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Salary & Earnings | Annual salary of $350,000 |
| @dagenmcdowell | |
| TikTok | Update soon |
Dagen McDowell Biography: Age, Early Life
Dagen McDowell, originally named Mary Dagen McDowell, was born on January 7, 1969, in Campbell County, Virginia. She is 55 years old today.
She comes from a family of Irish descent, and her parents, Charles Ross McDowell III and Joyce Holt McDowell, met while attending the University of Virginia.
Unfortunately, Dagen’s mother passed away from cancer.
Dagen spent her early years in Brookneal, in Campbell County, before moving to Richmond, Virginia, during.
Education Details
She attended St. Catherine’s School and graduated in 1987. Following high school graduation, Dagen McDowell enrolled at Wake Forest University from where she earned a bachelor’s degree in art history.
After completing her education, McDowell moved to Manhattan, and she landed her first job as a financial journalist at Institutional Investor Magazine.
Dagen’s family background and her enthusiasm for cars, particularly NASCAR racing, have been mentioned in various contexts.
She has a brother who resides in Virginia. Dagen is recognized for her North Carolina accent, although some have questioned its authenticity.
When faced with criticism regarding her accent, she politely defended herself by highlighting the foreign accent of an individual who had been living in the United States for several decades.
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Dagen McDowell and Jonas Max Ferris: A FOX Power Couple
Dagen McDowell and Jonas Max Ferris, both prominent figures in the financial and media industry, are married to each other.
Jonas Max Ferris gained recognition after his appearances on the Fox Business Network in 2002, and he later joined the panel of Cashin’ In, a show on Fox News Channel.
Dagen McDowell and Jonas Max Ferris first crossed paths in 2001 on the set of Fox’s “Cashin’ In,” where they appeared as opposing participants.
The specific details of their relationship’s progression are not publicly known, but they tied the knot in 2005, solidifying their commitment to each other.
Although Dagen and Jonas do not have children, they are proud pet owners and consider themselves furr parents to two adopted dogs.
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What Happened to Dagen McDowell?
Dagen McDowell’s sudden absence from television triggered extensive discussions in the media world.
Various theories arose to explain her disappearance, including suggestions that she resigned to prioritize her family or explore new opportunities, as well as rumors of her being terminated for something she said or did on-air.
Amid the significant attention surrounding Dagen’s unexpected absence, an investigative journalist took on the task of uncovering the truth.
Through interviews with Dagen’s friends, family, and other sources, the journalist meticulously constructed a timeline of events.
Ultimately, the investigation concluded that Dagen McDowell had not resigned from her position, refuting the speculations surrounding her departure.
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Dagen McDowell: Illness
On February 12, 2020, Fox news made the announcement that McDowell was taking an indefinite leave of absence from work due to a “family medical matter.” This created an environment of unease among fans and followers.
People began suggesting that McDowell had received a serious and potentially life-threatening diagnosis. Some went as far as speculating she was diagnosed with cancer.
Fans concerns were not entirely unfounded, as reports suggested that McDowell had been experiencing symptoms such as extreme fatigue and lower back pain for some time without a clear diagnosis for a long time.
McDowell later revealed that she was diagnosis with Spondylitis, which came as a surprise since there was no family history of such an illness.
What is Spondylitis? How Has it Affected Dagen McDowell?
Spondylitis is a conditions that affects the spine and joints.
Spondylitis is an inflammatory ailment that leads to inflammation in the spine, neck, and other joints.
It is an umbrella term for a group of chronic arthritis-like diseases that primarily affect the joints of the spine and sacroiliac region.
This condition imitates symptoms such as back pain, early morning stiffness, and a stooped posture.
Additionally, they may cause other manifestations including appetite loss, weight loss, fatigue, fever, anemia, eye inflammation, and digestive issues.
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Support and Recovery
Following the revelation of her illness making headlines, Dagen McDowell received an outpouring of messages from well-wishers all around the world.
During that time, she experienced an overwhelming wave of positivity and affection from her well-wishers, as everyone expressed genuine concern for her well-being following her unexpected absence and diagnosis.
Top medical professionals were also involved in providing Dagen with the most effective treatments for her condition, ensuring she received the best possible care.
Exploring Alternative Treatments
Dagen McDowell researched various therapies and treatments for her condition following her diagnosis, quickly realizing the limited options available to her.
After carefully considering her choices, she decided to seek regenerative medicine to regain some functionality in her neck and spine.
Specifically, she opted for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which aim to stimulate tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation by using concentrated platelets from her own blood.
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Treatment Options and Regenerative Medicine
Dagen McDowell chose to undergo multiple platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections as a treatment for her spondylitis.
PRP injections involve using concentrated platelets derived from the patient’s own blood to stimulate tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation in the affected areas.
These injections target specific areas affected by spondylitis, and promote cellular regeneration and providing relief from inflammation and injury.
PRP injections are non-surgical alternative for people experiencing chronic back pain from conditions like degenerative disc disease, spondylosis, sacroiliac joint pain, and facet joint pain in the back.
Healthcare professionals and specialists played a crucial role in providing the most effective treatments for Dagen’s condition.
Along with this, there are various other treatment options for this illness like,
- Painkillers
- Biological treatments
- JAK inhibitors.
- Corticosteroids
Dagen McDowell’s Successful Career in Journalism
Dagen McDowell’s career has encompassed various roles as a news anchor and financial analyst at Fox News Channel.
After completing her education, she initially worked in different jobs before venturing into finance journalism.
She gained her first professional experience in the newsletter department of Institutional Investor magazine.
Subsequently, McDowell began writing articles for SmartMoney.com and contributed a financial column called Dear Dagen to TheStreet.com.
Her expertise and knowledge in the field of finance caught the attention of Fox News, leading to her joining the network in 2003 as a business reporter.
Between 2006 and 2016, McDowell made numerous appearances on network business shows, with notable contributions to Your World With Neil Cavuto.
She also served as the host of Bulls & Bears on the Fox News Channel, offering insights and analysis on business and financial matters.
In September 2007, McDowell transitioned to the Fox Business Network, where she took on the role of anchor for the program “Markets Now.”
Additionally, she became a panelist on the business analysis shows “Cavuto on Business” and “Cashin’ In.” McDowell is also a frequent guest on the program “Hannity,” where she provides her expertise on financial and economic topics.
Currently, McDowell co-hosts the program “Mornings with Maria,” contributing to the daily discussions on business, finance, and economic news.
Her extensive career in the field of finance journalism and her prominent roles at Fox News Channel have established her as a respected news anchor and financial analyst in the industry.
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Dagen McDowell’s Political Commentary and Economic Analysis
Dagen McDowell is renowned for her astute perspectives on political and economic matters.
With her expertise in finance and journalism, she offers insightful critiques, insights, and predictions.
McDowell’s contributions as a financial analyst and news anchor are widely recognized and appreciated.
Net Worth and Financial Success
According to reliable sources, as of 2024, Jonas Max Ferris has an estimated net worth of $5 million.
His wealth has been accumulated through his career as a journalist and financial advisor.
Furthermore, Ferris has ventured into production with projects such as If the Trees Could Talk and Bulls and Bears. These endeavors likely contribute to his overall net worth.
It’s worth noting that Ferris co-founded the website MAXfunds.com, which has likely played a role in enhancing his financial standing.
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Dagen’s Wealth: Salary, and Investment Strategies
Dagen McDowell earns an estimated annual salary of approximately $350,000 as a Fox News anchor and contributor.
Similarly, she has accumulated a net worth of around $5 million as of 2024.
Dagen demonstrates her expertise in finance and journalism through regular appearances on Fox’s “Cashin’ In” program.
On the show, she provides five pieces of advice aimed at helping individuals achieve financial security.
Notably, Dagen achieved a remarkable feat by winning the “Cashin’ In Challenge” for three consecutive years, from 2013 to 2015.