What Happened To Lin Sue Cooney’s First Husband? Biography, Career, And Family Legacy In 2026
This biographical analysis focuses on Robert "Bob" Cooney, the first husband of veteran Phoenix news anchor Lin Sue Cooney, clarifying his career, family life, and status outside the media spotlight.
For over three decades, Lin Sue Cooney was one of the most recognizable and trusted voices in Arizona broadcasting. As a lead anchor for KPNX Channel 12 News in Phoenix, she delivered the daily news into hundreds of thousands of homes. Naturally, her immense public popularity spurred viewers to take an interest in her personal life. While Lin Sue remained in the public eye through her journalism career and subsequent executive role at Hospice of the Valley, her first husband, Robert "Bob" Cooney, chose a very different path.
As we look at their lives in 2026, the story of their marriage, their shared journey as parents, and Robert's career as a prominent Arizona custom home builder reveals a balanced dynamic between public-facing celebrity and private professional success.
The Legacy of Lin Sue Cooney in Arizona Broadcasting
To understand the public interest in Robert Cooney, one must first understand the massive media footprint of Lin Sue Cooney (born Lin Sue Shepherd). Joining KPNX Channel 12 in 1984, Lin Sue quickly became a cornerstone of Valley television. Alongside her long-time co-anchor Mark Curtis, she formed one of the most stable and beloved news duos in Arizona history.
In 2015, after 31 years of award-winning journalism, Lin Sue made the decision to retire from the news desk. Rather than stepping away from public service entirely, she immediately transitioned to the role of Director of Community Engagement for Hospice of the Valley, the largest notable not-for-profit hospice care provider in Arizona. She served in this capacity with distinction until her complete retirement in early 2024. In 2026, she remains a respected community figure, devoting her time to local philanthropy, animal welfare, and her family.
Throughout her high-profile career, viewers watched Lin Sue navigate the joys of motherhood and the realities of family transitions. At the center of her early family life was her marriage to Robert "Bob" Cooney.
Who is Robert "Bob" Cooney? A Profile of an Arizona Builder
Unlike his former wife, Robert "Bob" Cooney has never sought the media spotlight. He is a private citizen, businessman, and highly regarded custom home builder and general contractor operating within the Phoenix-Scottsdale metropolitan area.
During the height of Lin Sue's television career, Robert was quietly building his own reputation in the Arizona luxury real estate market. Operating his own contracting and construction enterprises, he specialized in high-end residential builds, structural renovations, and commercial development projects. His professional success was marked by a commitment to quality craftsmanship and deep roots in the local Arizona business community.
While his wife was delivering the evening news, Robert was physically helping construct the expanding suburban landscape of the Valley of the Sun. This division of roles allowed the family to maintain a strong foot in both the local business sector and the media industry.
Petition · With Lin Sue Cooney leaving the 12 News Anchor desk for ...
The Marriage, Shared Family Milestones, and Adoption Journey
The marriage between Lin Sue Shepherd and Robert Cooney began in the mid-1980s, coinciding with the early years of her anchoring career at KPNX. During their years together, they built a large, diverse, and close-knit family.
The couple has four children:
- Matthew Cooney: Their eldest biological son.
- Carey Cooney: Their biological daughter.
- Conner Cooney: Their adopted son, born in China.
- Anni Cooney: Their adopted daughter, also born in China.
The adoptions of Conner and Anni were landmark moments for the family. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, international adoption was a complex process. Lin Sue and Robert were highly supportive of the cause, and Lin Sue occasionally shared insights into their adoption experiences with her viewers. This openness helped de-stigmatize international adoption and inspired countless Arizona families to consider similar paths.
Despite the demanding schedule of a nightly news anchor and the intense operational focus required of a custom home builder, both parents remained deeply involved in their children's school, sports, and extracurricular activities in the Paradise Valley and Scottsdale school districts.
The Separation and Why Lin Sue Retained the Cooney Name
In the early 2000s, after nearly two decades of marriage, Lin Sue and Robert Cooney made the decision to separate and eventually divorce. Unlike many high-profile media divorces that become tabloid fodder, their separation was handled with exceptional privacy, mutual respect, and dignity. There were no public disputes, media spectacles, or adversarial court battles.
Following the divorce, many viewers wondered why Lin Sue chose to keep her married name, "Lin Sue Cooney," rather than reverting to her maiden name, Lin Sue Shepherd. The decision was practical and professional:
- Brand Recognition: By the time of her divorce, the name "Lin Sue Cooney" had been established as a premier household brand in Arizona news for nearly twenty years. Changing her name on-air would have caused significant viewer confusion and disrupted her established professional identity.
- Family Unity: Keeping her married name ensured she shared the same last name as her four children, maintaining a sense of continuity and unity during a period of family transition.
Robert fully supported this decision, and the two continued to co-parent their children amicably.
Where is Robert "Bob" Cooney in 2026?
In 2026, Robert "Bob" Cooney continues to reside in the Phoenix metropolitan area. He has maintained his lifelong preference for privacy, staying completely clear of public media platforms, social media scrutiny, and television appearances.
Professionally, Robert has transitioned into the later stages of his career, handling select boutique consulting projects and custom builds while enjoying a well-earned semi-retirement. His legacy as a quality home builder in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley remains intact.
His primary focus in recent years has been his role as a father and grandfather. With his and Lin Sue's four children now fully grown and pursuing their own successful careers in various fields across the United States, Robert remains an active, supportive presence in their adult lives.
Comparing the Professional Profiles of Lin Sue and Robert Cooney
The table below contrasts the distinct yet complementary professional paths carved out by Lin Sue Cooney and Robert Cooney in Arizona.
| Parameter | Lin Sue Cooney | Robert "Bob" Cooney |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Industry | Broadcast Journalism & Healthcare Philanthropy | Custom Home Building & Real Estate Development |
| Local Footprint | KPNX Channel 12, Hospice of the Valley | Scottsdale, Phoenix, & Paradise Valley Custom Residential Sectors |
| Media Visibility | High (Prominent public figure, speaker, and anchor) | Exceptionally Low (Private business owner, avoids public spotlight) |
| Key Career Milestones | 31-year news anchor career; Director of Community Engagement | Founded and operated successful independent construction firms |
| Current Status (2026) | Fully retired; active in local animal welfare and charity | Semi-retired; managing private investments and family life |
| Parental Role | Co-parent to 4 children (Matthew, Carey, Conner, Anni) | Co-parent to 4 children (Matthew, Carey, Conner, Anni) |
Navigating Public Fame vs. Private Life in Local Media
The life of Robert Cooney highlights a common challenge faced by partners of prominent media personalities. While one partner's career requires them to be highly visible, the other must navigate the ripple effects of that public exposure.
Expert Insight on Media Privacy
In the realm of local broadcast journalism, anchors are often viewed as extended family members by local audiences. This level of parasocial connection means that when personal events like marriages, divorces, or health crises occur, the public feels a natural curiosity. Successful public figures manage this by establishing clear boundaries. The amicable, quiet handling of the Cooney divorce is a textbook example of how to preserve family integrity and personal dignity away from the cameras.
By focusing on his construction business and maintaining an impeccable professional reputation, Robert Cooney ensured that his personal life never overshadowed his professional capabilities, nor did it interfere with his children’s privacy as they grew up in the Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lin Sue Cooney's first husband?
Lin Sue Cooney's first husband was Robert "Bob" Cooney, a custom home builder, developer, and general contractor based in the Phoenix, Arizona area. They were married during the formative years of her broadcasting career and raised four children together before their divorce in the early 2000s.
Why did Lin Sue Cooney keep her ex-husband's last name?
Lin Sue kept the surname "Cooney" for both professional and personal reasons. Professionally, "Lin Sue Cooney" was a highly recognizable media brand built over decades at KPNX Channel 12; personally, she wanted to retain the same last name as her four children.
How many children do Lin Sue and Robert Cooney have?
They have four children together: two biological children, Matthew and Carey, and two adopted children, Conner and Anni, whom they adopted from China. Both parents remained closely involved in their children's upbringing in the Phoenix area.
What does Robert "Bob" Cooney do for a living?
Robert Cooney is a professional home builder and general contractor. For decades, he operated custom residential construction businesses in the Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Paradise Valley luxury real estate markets.
Where is Robert Cooney in 2026?
In 2026, Robert Cooney resides in Arizona, enjoying semi-retirement. He continues to maintain a private lifestyle, staying out of the public eye while remaining actively involved in the lives of his adult children and grandchildren.
A Legacy of Respect and Community Impact
Ultimately, what happened to Lin Sue Cooney's first husband is a story of quiet success, dedication to family, and a mutual commitment to privacy. While Lin Sue Cooney remains a celebrated icon of Arizona broadcasting and philanthropy, Robert "Bob" Cooney's contribution to the physical landscape of the Valley through his custom building career is equally noteworthy. Their ability to successfully co-parent four children and transition their lives amicably serves as an admirable example of dignity in the public eye.
