Kochie addresses the rumours of his “secret hot son”
When David ‘Kochie’ Koch announced he would be departing from Seven’s hit breakfast TV series Sunrise after 21 years at the helm, there was a lot to talk about.
From the future of the show to the reasons behind his exit, theories and rumours ran wild, although one thing nobody had seen coming was the attention turned on Kochie’s son, Alexander ‘AJ’ Koch.
Kochie had thanked his family - wife Libby and their four children, Samantha, Brianna, Georgina, and AJ - while announcing his resignation live on-air, and circled back to AJ a few days later after reports of his “secret hot son” made the rounds online.
The Daily Mail had run with the angle that AJ was “just as business savvy as his father”, but that he was happier working behind the scenes than he was having his face on it. And with 12 years experience behind him as general manager for the Kochie-founded and family-run business Pinstripe Media, that much seems true.
They went on to note that AJ was the “spitting image of his father at a younger age”, citing his dark hair and full beard.
“Daily Mail had a story on ‘Kochie’s hot son hidden away in the family business’,” an amused Kochie informed his friend and co-host, Natalie Barr, during their morning appearance.
“His sisters have gone to town on him, let me tell you. Saying, ‘receding hairline’, all that sort of stuff.”
Sibling fun aside, family seems key to the Koch clan, particularly with how many times it has come up in the wake of Kochie’s big news, and how his entire decision stemmed from the desire to spend more time with them - and, of course, their financial business.
“It's time for me to work business hours and for Libby and I to have a bit more flexibility to enjoy our burgeoning family,” he said in his initial public announcement, “to travel and focus on our family business interests in Pinstripe Media and the Ausbiz business channel.”
And his fans, rivals and colleagues - while devastated to hear they wouldn’t be seeing his face on their screens each morning - were happy for him (well, almost all of them were), sharing their well-wishes for the TV star and his family in the next big chapter of their lives.
“I’m sad to see you go but wishing you all the best for your future especially time with Liv & the grandkids & PAFC,” one wrote. “Thank you for many many years of hosting Sunrise, I’ve enjoyed every minute.”
“Will miss you! Enjoy your decision to keep normal hours with your family,” another said.
And one opted to share a personal take on his departure, writing of how “our daughter is 21 and I’ve watched you since the first episode- this [is] how I remember the 3 of you[,] with a newborn and then the next one 7 years later. Congratulations on your retirement and spending time with your own family instead of ours.”
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