The Truth About Katie Couric's Marriage To John Molner
Many people remember when then Today show host Katie Couric's first husband Jay Monahan passed away tragically from colon cancer (via Britannica). The year was 1998 and Monahan was gone at the young age of 42. The couple had been married for nine years, having wed in 1989 (via Good Housekeeping). They welcomed two daughters together — Caroline and Elinor — and by all accounts, had a very happy life until his illness.
About Monahan's passing, the longtime newswoman has said, "I wish that I had the courage to really talk to my husband about the fact that he was probably going to die. It was too terrifying. I think that prevented me... from ever really saying goodbye" (via Fox News). And recently, Couric said about her hosting gig on Jeopardy! and how it makes her think of her late husband, "I think it has a special place in my heart because Jay loved it so much. I think he would've been a really good contestant" (via People).
Meanwhile, It would be years before Couric found love again.
Katie Couric dated around before she fell for John Molner
Couric was single for a few years following her husband's death according to USA Today. She then notably dated Boston Red Sox owner Tom Werner, with the relationship lasting about four years.
Then, in 2004, the newswoman and musician Chris Botti got together for about year (via USA Today). After Botti, Couric canoodled with businessman Brooks Perlin, who as CNN notes, was 17 years her junior — the relationship still lasted five years. At the time of their split, a source explained the duo was "at different stages in their careers."
By 2012, the mom of two was single and ready to mingle, asking a friend to set her up with a doctor. "And so she thought about it and she said, 'We don't really know a doctor, but we do know this banker named John Molner.' And I said, 'Does he have a pulse?'" Couric joked (via People).
Katie Couric fell for John Molner right away
Couric ended up going out with Molner and said about their meeting, "He had me at hello." She added about her soon-to-be second husband, "He's just got this incredibly dry and wry sense of humor, and he doesn't take himself too seriously. And he's just fun to be around."
The couple got engaged at the beach the following year — much to Couric's surprise (via People). "He said that there was a reason he'd brought me there to the beach, and that he loved me and was committed to me, and I said, 'Yeah, I know that, you didn't have to bring me here to tell me that.' Finally he said, 'Couric, I'm trying to propose to you,' and I was stunned."
"It took me a while to say yes, because I was so confused!" she added, noting about Molner's proposal, "It took a long time for my brain to process what was going on."
Katie Couric and John Molner are now happily married
Even though Molner caught the star newswoman off-guard with his proposal, she said about heading down the aisle again, "I knew that I wanted this. I made it a priority, and I pursued it with some purpose." That being said, she admitted about waiting to marry a second time that she hadn't wanted to enter into "a relationship that wouldn't have been good for [my kids] or good for me in the long run."
Cleary this one is — as the couple is still together. In fact, they married in 2014 at their home in the Hamptons, with Molner doing most of the planning — part of the ceremony saw the lovebirds walking down the aisle to "Til There Was You" (via Today). About the big day, Couric told Today, "I just wasn't nervous at all. For someone who is generally hyper, I was incredibly relaxed."
What you may not know about John Molner
Although Couric and Molner have been married since 2014, not much is known about the TV personality's other half. It's worth noting that Molner is actually younger than the seasoned anchor by six years (go Katie!) and has two children as well from a previous relationship — Allie and Henry (via Heavy). The quiet couple now lives in New York, and seem to be very much in love, having blended their families.
Sharing a wedding photo in 2020, Couric wrote about her husband, "Who knows how long I've loved you. You know I love you still. Will I wait a lonely lifetime? If you wanted to I will. Happy anniversary Molner. You are a gift. Handsome, whip smart a great cook and funny too! Now we just need to work on your dance moves!"
But Couric still honors her first husband and the father of her children. In another Instagram post, the former Today show anchor shared a photo of Monahan with his daughters, writing, "Jay, We love you, miss you and hold you in our hearts. We celebrate and remember you this Father's Day. You would be so proud of your girls."