Experiencing Father’s Day without my father is a new reality for me. My dad, Leo E. Perino, passed away peacefully in May 2026, just 29 days after retiring at the age of 79. He loved working and his daughters dearly, embodying the essence of a dedicated girl father.
Observing friends who are now fathers to daughters is inspiring. They excel in parenting, needing no advice from me. Yet, I wish to share five impactful lessons from my father that contributed to my success and happiness.
Equality Encouragement from Early On
My sister Angie and I were born during the 1970s, coinciding with the emergence of the “girl power” movement. Without preaching about equality, our father lived it through actions and words. He assured us that girls could achieve anything they desired. This belief enabled us to aim high and achieve our goals.
I vividly remember a bright yellow T-shirt declaring, “Anything boys can do, girls can do better.” I wore it frequently, serving as a persistent reminder of self-belief.
Prioritizing Education and Reading
Introduced to reading early, I became an avid reader of books. In third grade, a tradition began where I’d read articles from newspapers like The Rocky Mountain News and The Denver Post, preparing to discuss them with my dad. These discussions helped develop my love for news and taught me critical thinking.
Our home was filled with weekly magazines, and we regularly exchanged articles, further nurturing my reading habits.
Cultivating Communication Skills
My father’s influence encouraged me to articulate my thoughts with confidence, practicing through discussions on news and politics. He listened, challenged, and affirmed my opinions, equipping me to converse confidently with future leaders and audiences.
Fathers who focus on enhancing their daughters’ communication skills will see them grow into assured individuals.
Instilling Faith
Saturday arguments about which church service to attend underscored our family’s commitment to faith. I preferred early services to squeeze in Sunday shows, while my sister loved attending church with me. Our parents nurtured values and belief in a higher power, sustaining us in grief and enriching our joyous moments.
Leading with Acceptance
A crisis after graduate school revealed I pursued a degree in an undesired field. Fearing my dad’s judgment, I braced to disclose my failed plan to pursue local news. His reassuring response emphasized support, not judgment. This comforted me immensely.
Similar reassurance was afforded to my sister when facing significant decisions. Our father offered help without questioning motives, creating a safe haven for us, regardless of age.
Fathers provide protection but more importantly, serve as a refuge when faced with life’s challenges.
“A good father does not just protect his daughters from the world. He becomes a safe place when the world is too much.”
My dad passed away with his book, Purple State, at his bedside, unfinished at page 289. Though he didn’t read the end, he lived a happy one.
Thank you, Dad.
To all the fathers of daughters, know your worth and the profound impact you have. Dana Perino, co-anchor of FOX News Channel’s America’s Newsroom and co-host of The Five, expresses appreciation for all fathers.