Katie Couric is looking back at a bittersweet memory.
For more than two decades since the passing of her husband John Paul “Jay” Monahan, who lost his life to colon cancer, she reminisced about their marriage and expressed gratitude towards her current spouse, John Molner, for his unwavering support.
Today, June 10th, would have marked our 36th wedding anniversary, a fact that stills my heart (gulp!). Katie, mother to Ellie, 33, and Carrie, 29, shared this on Instagram. For the ten years Jay was with me, we were married. This day brings both sadness and gratitude for me.
As our time spent together came to an unexpected close, the bond of love we shared has only grown stronger, particularly through our extraordinary daughters who are a testament to our connection. Each day, I long for you, Jay, but the poignancy of your absence is most keenly felt during those significant moments when your presence seems to be missing the most. Here’s to celebrating another anniversary with you, wherever your journey may lead.
As a grateful alumna of today, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to my husband, John, whom I married in the year 2014. Moreover, I’d like to offer a heartfelt acknowledgment to @johnmolner, who appreciates that there is space in my heart for two extraordinary individuals.
Reflecting on Jay’s fight against cancer as depicted in her 2021 memoir, “Going There“, Katie has confessed that she was “overwhelmed by fear” when confronted with the harsh truth of his diagnosis.
In a conversation with People in 2021, she expressed that she had been fearful of relinquishing hope, as she didn’t want Jay to spend his remaining time merely waiting for death. She added that it requires extraordinary bravery to confront death, and admitted that she was too afraid, truthfully.
Years have passed since then, but she has never forgotten this lesson. “Life’s fragility is something I’ve come to truly grasp,” she often says, “and it’s a profound understanding that stays with me forever.
Despite the fact that the TV personality will forever grieve over Jay’s passing, she has a steadfast ally standing beside her. Indeed, John realized he had discovered his fairy-tale ending with Katie.
In an interview with Katie Couric Media in 2021, he shared that he had been single for quite some time before meeting me, and during this period, he began contemplating the qualities he’d seek in a potential partner if he were to remarry. He expressed a desire for someone who had their own interests and pursuits, whether she was a professional like a lawyer or doctor, or simply passionate about hobbies such as stamp collecting.
Well, you never know what you might get, right?” he joked playfully. “Katie’s life is quite expansive, and it wasn’t overwhelming to me, but rather intriguing. It captivated me, and I admired it. She’s passionate about her work and excels at it. So, I consider myself fortunate.
Read on for a closer look at Katie’s life in her memoir.
Before the publication of “Going There,” it was no secret that one revelation in particular raised questions about its journalistic integrity, namely Katie Couric’s disclosure about editing out a comment made by Ruth Bader Ginsburg during a 2016 interview for Yahoo Global News.
In response to the question about NFL players kneeling during the national anthem as a form of protest against police brutality towards Black people, the late Associate Justice of the Supreme Court expressed her opinion that it was “foolish” of them. Similar to flag-burning, which is protected free speech, she stated, “I believe it’s a regrettable action,” but she would not advocate for imprisonment for such an act. Instead, she would express how absurd she finds the act.
In the final version, Couric chose not to include a statement by Ginsburg where she criticized the players’ actions as showing “contempt” towards the government that enabled their parents and grandparents to live comfortably. Couric was a fan of Ginsburg and aimed to safeguard the then-83-year-old justice’s reputation, as she felt some of the comments made by RBG were not fitting for an advocate for equality like herself. Notably, Ginsburg passed away in 2020 and had become a symbol of progressivism for many, including herself.
She admits that she’s struggled greatly with the consequences of her decision and it’s ongoing, as well as acknowledging that she couldn’t suppress her political beliefs in that particular instance.
As a teenager and young adult, Couric struggled with an eating disorder, largely impacted by her mother Elinor’s troublesome food habits. While studying at the University of Virginia, her mother frequently wrote letters to remind her about maintaining a healthy weight.
“Starve, cheat, binge, purge—the cycle would take years to break,” Couric writes.
Additionally, she mentions that the 1983 passing of singer Karen Carpenter due to complications from anorexia significantly impacted her. This event served as a pivotal moment in her life when she began to break free from that cycle, although she continued to grapple with body-image concerns for many years afterward.
In a reminiscence, Couric speaks about a 1983 encounter at CNN, where she held the position of assignment editor. During this time, an anonymous executive made a comment suggesting her success was due to her determination, diligence, intellect, and physical attributes, specifically her bust size.
In her late twenties, she had a date with Larry King, who became the host of ‘Larry King Live’ on CNN in 1985. King, who was more than two decades older than her, passed away in January. He remained unmarried from 1983 until he wed his sixth wife in 1989.
In my line of work as a lifestyle guide, I found myself in a situation that was all too predictable – a dance between the tongue and hands. It had me chuckling softly and politely distancing myself. When discussing my preference for someone more my contemporary, she recalls, he playfully responded, “No issue. However, when I’m smitten, I truly appreciate it.” Over time, we maintained our camaraderie, often sharing hearty laughter whenever our paths crossed again.
In her book, Couric claims that their live-in nanny from the early ’90s, whom she calls “Doris”, had such a profound impact on their family and her mental state that she believed she couldn’t manage without her, and even attempted to undermine Couric’s marriage.
Additionally, the book alleges that Doris responded to being let go by creating stickers with statements such as “Katie Couric seems to prioritize her job over her child” and “Isn’t her husband a pedophile?” along with Couric’s private phone number. She then placed these stickers in payphone booths and at rest stops throughout New Jersey.
In a clarification, Couric suggests that the misleading claim against Monahan might have originated from a photo he posed for during vacation, where he was seen reclining on a bed with an unfastened khaki top button for comfort, while their daughter Ellie played nearby. Moreover, it’s said that Doris produced flyers featuring the questionable image and distributed them in the lobby of the New York apartment building where Couric and Monahan were planning to reside, intending to alert residents of an alleged pedophile moving into the building.
Previously employed caregiver, identified as Nancy Poznek, criticized Katie Couric’s account of events, expressing her displeasure to DailyMail.com: “I was very upset by what she wrote. This misrepresentation will be in the book forever, it’s not accurate and I must endure it continually…If I encountered Katie Couric on the street, I wouldn’t acknowledge her. Before this story emerged, I might have, but not since then. I wish to have no further contact with her.
Concerning the accusations of sticker retaliation, Poznek stated, “I didn’t possess a vehicle, and that claim is false.” On the subject of the flyers, he clarified, “That statement is 1,000-million times not accurate.
Couric admits that her marriage to Monahan suffered as her star rose.
She remembers her popularity feeling like an overpowering visitor in our relationship, she says. It was pleasant for me when people would gaze at me as I walked confidently to a superior table at a fancy restaurant…The more prominent I became – being frequently photographed, featured on magazine covers, and the subject of gossip – the less significant he felt.
In 1989, they tied the knot, staying together until Monahan passed away from colon cancer at just 42 years old in 1998. This tragedy prompted Couric to become a strong advocate for preventive screenings, and she even had her colonoscopy broadcast on television in 2000. Together, they raised two daughters, affectionately known as Ellie and Carrie.
In the book, Couric expresses regret over allowing marital problems to grow unaddressed until Monahan fell ill, which eventually caused them to set aside all their issues. Later, even though she knew they had exhausted every effort to keep him alive, she wished she could have been more effective in aiding his passing, in better preparing for the inevitable end when it became clear.
In 1996, Couric encountered Princess Diana and later reminisced about the divorced royal inquiring how she prevented her children from watching excessive television, as she was struggling to limit Prince William and Prince Harry’s screen time. Couric advised that hiding the remote could be a solution.
Speaking as a lifestyle expert, I shared with the American journalist that my home felt unusually vacant, and she graciously proposed hosting a sleepover to fill the space. Although I believe she picked up on my melancholy, she couldn’t fathom the depth of my struggles.
During her coverage of Princess Diana’s funeral for NBC News the next year, on September 6, 1997, Couric couldn’t help but cry, causing the control room to temporarily adjust the camera angle.
According to Couric, Matt Lauer appeared less chauvinistic than his previous co-host on the Today show, Bryant Gumbel, with whom she worked for nearly six years. (This version aims to make the text more conversational and easier to read.)
In a 2019 edition of her newsletter, Couric recounted an older interview from Gumbel where he questioned her extended leave after the birth of her first child. Initially, he mentioned nine weeks as the duration, but she clarified later that it was only four weeks. The controversy revolved around his comment about how her ancestors didn’t have time to recover from the shock of childbirth. However, Couric emphasized in an interview with USA Today in 2019 that she and Gumbel had a strong professional relationship and continued to maintain friendship afterwards.
Katie Couric likewise remembers suggesting an equal split in story assignments when she was first offered the position of Today co-anchor in March 1991. At that time, NBC News President Michael Gartner offered her a 49-51 split, which she accepted, considering it “close enough—I’d made my point.” Immediately afterward, she informed Gartner, “Oh, I almost forgot, I’m pregnant,” to which he replied with a joke, “You have really poor timing.” She recalls responding with a smile, “So I guess you won’t be knitting me baby booties anytime soon.
In a candid moment, Couric reminisced about the periodic friction she experienced with Lauer, her fellow anchor on the Today Show for nine years. Despite their on-screen camaraderie, they often found themselves vying for the best stories behind the scenes.
It improved their performance on the job, she noted, yet off camera, their relationship wasn’t particularly deep. Couric was careful not to jeopardize their consistently excellent rapport as co-anchors by spending too much time together socially beyond work hours.
She notes that Matt was extremely private, keeping his personal matters to himself. Meanwhile, they often teased about the nickname “America’s first family” given to Couric, Lauer, Roker, and Curry, but Matt and I understood that our success was based on the image we projected as being like siblings during our morning broadcast hours from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Katie Couric characterizes Deborah Norville, who replaced her as co-anchor on Today in 1991, as “sharply intelligent,” “stunningly beautiful,” and “exceptionally dedicated”—yet also someone whose unwavering pursuit of perfection reportedly alienated viewers. Norville held the position for a brief period, taking over after longtime anchor Jane Pauley was allegedly forced out without ceremony.
In 1989, Dick Ebersol, a high-ranking executive at NBC News, revealed to the Washington Post that his initial intention was to involve both ladies, Jane Pauley and Deborah Norville, in some capacity on Today. Ebersol expressed that he didn’t want Jane to depart from the show but Deborah was moving towards prime-time, leading to a “happy ending” for the whole situation. On her final episode as co-anchor of Today, Pauley hugged Norville and stated, “It has been painful to witness two of my friends, Bryant Gumbel and Deborah, being assigned roles they didn’t play.” Afterward, she described some of the media coverage surrounding the shakeup as “perverse.” Pauley, who continued co-anchoring Dateline until 2003, commented that there is a certain American character that enjoys clear-cut definitions like winners and losers, heroes and villains. She was portrayed as the loser and Deborah as the winner in early ‘Woman of the ’90s’ stories, but then suddenly, she was wearing the white hat, and Deborah was cast as the antagonist.
Norville expressed that she was too shocked and, honestly, wounded to offer a response regarding Couric’s portrayal of her, to the New York Post.
During this current month, following an anecdote that gained popularity, Couric stated, “I believe Deborah Norville is one of the most considerate and polite individuals.” She also mentioned that viewers were particularly guarded towards Pauley, and there was a minor reaction when Norville took her seat. Couric clarified, “This wasn’t a criticism of Deborah; it was about the circumstances at the time.
She mentioned, “I believe I’ll mail her a book along with the words, ‘It’s wonderful that you can read the entire book, as it will help place my observations in a clearer perspective.’
Katie Couric pens down her thoughts, stating that she saw Diane Sawyer as the antithesis of herself. She admits to enjoying the fact that her morning show, Today, often secured sought-after interviews before Good Morning America, making Diane a bit uneasy. However, she quickly points out that the feeling was mutual, implying that she too had an impact on Sawyer’s nerves.
As an ardent admirer, let me share a fascinating tidbit from a recent conversation with Couric on Today. She joked about Diane and I vying for high-profile interviews, stating, “I found it amusing and absurd, the way things used to be between us.
In the book, she mentions that tabloids took notice of what Couric perceived as a humorous comment when she said, “I wonder who she had to make important connections with to get that,” following the Good Morning America anchor’s achievement of conducting the first interview with a woman who had twins at 57 years old.
In my opinion, I believe Diane would agree with me when I say that neither of us used real oral sex to secure an interview, but we did both employ a metaphorical form—complimenting gatekeepers, relatives, and anyone else who might have been able to help us get a major opportunity,” Couric writes.
In her recent interview on “Today”, Couric expressed that she believed she had been exceptionally kind towards her coworkers.
However, she acknowledges in her book “Going There” that she might not have been as kind to the rising star Ashleigh Banfield, who joined MSNBC in 2000. This was because she was “significantly less welcoming” than appropriate after learning that Banfield’s father was openly stating to anyone who would listen that Banfield was going to replace her.
“In that environment,” Couric writes, “mentorship sometimes felt like self-sabotage.”
Discussing Couric’s memory with Entertainment Tonight, Banfield expressed that he was genuinely taken aback by her statement. You see, in the year 2000, he was relatively unknown. So, it’s flattering to think I might have been perceived as a threat. However, I can’t help but wish I could have learned from her leadership back then.
The host of NewsNation clarified that the statement regarding Katie Couric’s father was false, but there were no hard feelings between them. He continued by expressing his enduring admiration for her, stating that she is unparalleled in morning television and will always be held in high regard by him.
As an ardent admirer, I’d rephrase Couric’s statement as follows: “Reflecting on Martha Stewart, who graced the screens of Today in 1996, it took a couple of years and a touch of humility (the kind prison tends to provide) for her to develop a witty sense of humor.
The expert in home management, who served a five-month sentence in federal prison from 2004 to 2005 for conspiracy, obstruction, and lying to investigators following allegations of insider trading, has appeared on Today numerous times. Her latest appearance was promoting fall fruit desserts on October 13. Katie Couric departed from the show in 2006 after spending 15 years with NBC to anchor the CBS Evening News.
2006 was a challenging time for Couric when she relocated to CBS, as she reminisces. Despite the initial boost in ratings after her hiring, the viewership of CBS Evening News eventually fell behind that of NBC and ABC’s evening news broadcasts. At this point, Les Moonves, then-CBS head, suggested a shift back to mornings to co-host The Early Show (now CBS This Morning). However, Couric firmly declined, stating, “I didn’t abandon the morning show I helped make number one to join the third-place morning show.
She expresses that the belief I could instantly lead CBS to number one position had diminished over time. The scenario was untenable – we were attempting to instigate change in a place that resisted change. We assumed they would welcome us as liberators, but instead, we faced resistance, more like an uprising.
Concerning the “Alas, Poor Couric” cover story in New York magazine from 2007, when it appeared that CBS’ highly anticipated recruitment of Katie Couric was not successful, Couric compares her feelings to those of Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City when New York’s “Single and Fabulous?” cover is released. She can now laugh about it, but she had a prolonged crying spell back then.
In a more positive spin on events, during this challenging time, my daughter attempted to lift my spirits by flawlessly mimicking Samantha’s words, “If I fretted over what every woman in New York City said about me, I’d never step out of the house!” This remark, as I remember it, effectively brought me out of my slump.
60 Minutes didn’t make her feel especially welcomed either. She remembers a cold photo session where all the other talent had their own support staff and she was left without any assistance. In her memoir, Couric mentions that she missed out on interviewing Lady Gaga, whom she had initially proposed for coverage a year prior, as well as a meeting with Hillary Clinton.
Katie Couric managed to secure the opportunity to interview Captain “Sully” Sullenberger following the extraordinary landing on the Hudson River in 2009. She was advised, as she describes, not to mess it up. Fortunately, she didn’t disappoint. The interview segment even earned an Emmy for Outstanding Interview. Later, she reprised her role in the Clint Eastwood-directed film Sully, where she acted alongside Tom Hanks, who portrayed the remarkable pilot character (who was also dealing with media scrutiny).
Prior to her well-known interview with Alaska Governor Sarah Palin in 2008, during which questions like the ones about the newspapers and magazines that influenced her perspective left her at a loss, Couric remembers former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright advising her to simply let the candidate do most of the talking.
Simultaneously, Couric reminds us, she found herself in a controversial situation when overheard making light of Palin’s children’s names. This seemingly innocuous moment was seized upon by conservative media outlets as proof that Katie Couric lacked impartiality on CBS News.
In 2012, it was surprising to see Lauer willing to join Couric for an opening segment on her debut daytime talk show Katie, produced by ABC, with Jessica Simpson as the first guest. This was reminiscent of the TV series Newhart, where they portrayed former co-anchors waking up in twin beds. Couric mentioned to him that she had an unusual dream about leaving Today to host the evening news instead.
The cameo originated from Jeff Zucker, her producer, as an idea. Upon receiving his suggestion, Couric responded, “It sounds intriguing and might generate quite a stir. However, given his timid nature, I doubt he’ll follow through with it.
In 2012, during Prince Harry’s rebellious phase, Katie Couric encountered him at a polo game in Brazil while she was preparing an interview with Queen Elizabeth II’s famously jovial grandson ahead of the monarch’s Diamond Jubilee celebration. According to her account, there was a strong smell of alcohol and cigarettes emanating from Harry’s body. (His representative did not provide comment regarding Couric’s recollection of his scent.)
Katie Couric shares that Louis C.K., in a past occasion, invited her to make an appearance on his popular sitcom, “Louie,” during its run from 2010 to 2015, as herself in a cameo. According to her memory of the proposed scene, she’s delivering news on TV and Louie is watching when she interrupt the broadcast to address him directly: “Louie, just go ahead and do it. You know you will, so why not take off your pants and get started.
In November 2017, approximately three weeks before his dismissal, The New York Times disclosed that five women had claimed that comedian Lauer had engaged in sexual misconduct towards them. Four of these women alleged that he had asked to expose himself and/or masturbate in front of them (and followed through with such actions for two of the accusers), while another woman stated she could hear him masturbating during a phone call without her invitation.
In response to the 2017 article in The Times, Louis C.K. admitted that the stories were true. He initially justified his behavior by stating he always asked first before showing a woman his private parts, which was accurate. However, he later understood that even asking a woman to look at one’s genitals isn’t really a question when one holds power over them. Instead, it puts the woman in an uncomfortable situation. The power Louis C.K. had over these women was their admiration for him, and he misused that power.
A member of Louis C.K.’s team did not return a request for comment about Couric’s anecdote.
Reflecting on the 50th birthday party she organized for herself, she points out that glancing through the pictures from that night, one would hardly guess that her life was in turmoil or a mess (like a dumpster fire) at the time.
Couric believes that dating Brooks Perlin, who was significantly younger, during her early 50s, was a reflection of a midlife crisis or a rebellious act following a life devoid of deliberate scandals. She is thankful that her moment of rebellion, which involved getting excessively ill after consuming too many drinks at Lenox Hill Hospital, remained private, shielding her from the sensationalized headlines in the tabloids.
She got a heads up that Perlin was moving out when Page Six called her rep for comment.
Looking back, she expresses that prolonging the relationship created a rift not only with Katie Couric but also with her daughter Carrie (who was attending college at the time), as well as her mother Elinor. This is something she now wishes she hadn’t done.
She was aiming for something more meaningful, so she asked her friends to help find a match for her. Luckily, they introduced her to John Molner, whom she later received an invitation from via email.
She appreciated his good eating habits and was impressed by how he remained silent and covered the expensive $500 bill for the wine she ordered during their initial date, aiming to make a strong impression.
At the time when Molner initially made contact, as Couric mentions, he was in a relationship. However, that relationship didn’t last long; he ended it straight away.
The unnamed designer initially hired to create her wedding dress, who had a more extravagant style, ended up designing something that made her feel like an overlooked meringue piece during the fitting, contrary to her expectations. She describes it as a costly blunder in her writing.
Instead of Carmen Marc Valvo, her friend stepped in just days before the June wedding. She characterized the white halter dress she wore for the ceremony as chic, simple, and pretty when marrying Molter.
In the days before the #MeToo movement gained prominence, there were certain questionable actions that people would discreetly discuss when she appeared on Today. Specifically, Couric mentions a rumor about a hidden office known as “The Bunker,” which was accessible only by one anonymous male anchor who used it for private meetings, and not for typical interviews.
She claims that on one particular instance, Lauer mistakenly sent an intra-office message to another staff member (who shared the same last name as a woman he had previously been romantically involved with), asking her to visit his office and wear “a skirt that was easy to remove” or something similar. Shortly after, Couric notes, a nervous Matt appeared at her door. He handed her a book, saying it could be good for the show. However, they never discussed this incident afterwards.
Eventually, Couric reflects, “The overall sentiment then was mind your own business. It was a ‘don’t-ask-don’t-tell’ culture where anything could happen and did. Given that Matt might have been involved in a consensual relationship, I didn’t contemplate discussing it with the young employee, fearing it would embarrass her. I simply assumed she would feel embarrassed. I never had the opportunity to learn otherwise.
Additionally, she mentions that there was a whisper about Lauer’s wife, Annette, reaching out to the control room on a Sunday morning, hoping to talk to an anchor who was rumored to be romantically involved with her husband. Upon learning this, Couric expresses that she felt embarrassed for Anette. However, she was unaware if the gossip was accurate and, if it was, she wasn’t sure what to do with such information.
Katie Couric mentions that she had dinner with Matt Lauer in November 2017, just a few weeks prior to his termination from Today. She remembers him expressing concern about the #MeToo movement, stating it seemed like it was getting excessive and resembling a witch hunt. Following the dinner, she texted him, “Goodness gracious, what did you slip in my drink? Phenobarbital??? Thank you for being such a good friend. I value you greatly.” To this, he responded, “The depth of our friendship and the peace it brings surpasses any substance in a drink!
According to a company memo, NBC terminated Matt Lauer following allegations of inappropriate workplace sexual conduct by a fellow employee. At that time, he released a statement expressing regret for any actions that may have caused pain and admitting that while some accusations are unfounded or misrepresented, there is enough truth to make him feel humiliated and mortified.
In her book Going There, Couric mentions that after Lauer’s dismissal, she received calls from journalists to whom she disclosed the truth. The common understanding was that Matt had marital issues. I knew he was known for being a ladies’ man, but I wasn’t aware his indiscretions were taking place within the 30 Rock building.
In 2017, due to a misconduct scandal, the Lauers parted ways, and Annette filed for divorce in 2019.
In a candid moment, Couric confessed that she was extremely concerned about her ex-colleague following his termination, and she reached out with words of encouragement via text: “Matt, I’m heartbroken. My affection for you runs deep, and I care about your wellbeing sincerely. I’m here if you need to talk. There will be brighter days ahead.
He replied with a kiss emoji, she shares.
In the ensuing weeks as further shocking and unsettling accounts of Lauer’s actions surfaced, she remained troubled for both him and his family. Molner, a long-time golf companion of Lauer, suggested that if she truly cared, she should visit him at his residence in East Hampton. However, she admits, “I wasn’t sure what I would say.” “If I’m being completely truthful,” she reflects, “I was concerned about my own reputation.
She remembers pondering, “If I had been seen there, it could give the impression that I approved of the actions,” noting she might have dropped by during the night, a situation similar to one portrayed on The Morning Show between co-anchors portrayed by Jennifer Aniston and Steve Carell after he was accused of sexual misconduct. “I was perplexed and not prepared to assume the part of supportive friend and coworker so soon.
In December 2017, Addie Collins Zinone – who had once been a journalism student and had worked with Couric, eventually being hired as a production assistant after an internship and a day of shadowing – claimed that she had a month-long affair with Lauer in the year 2000. Couric messaged Lauer to express her thoughts about him. (She explains that she contacted Zinone in 2019, and they met up in Los Angeles, where Zinone, now a married mother of two, told Couric that her relationship with Lauer was consensual but she also didn’t feel that she could refuse. According to Couric, Zinone said she didn’t ask for help because she felt ashamed.)
In her initial conversation about the controversy, which was released on January 13, 2018, Couric conveyed to People that she found the allegations “troubling, upsetting, and confusing.” She expressed, “I was unaware that such activities were happening during my time or afterward. I believe I echo the sentiments of many of my former coworkers when I say this was not the Matt we knew.
Currently, there seems to be a lack of communication between them, and she’s uncertain if it will ever resume. She expresses, “I understand Matt thinks I’ve let him down, which saddens me. But he wronged me too, with his actions backstage at the show we were both passionate about.
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2025-06-11 23:49