Katie Couric is opening up about a meaningful moment from her past and reminding followers to hold their loved ones close. On Dec. 5, the journalist shared a throwback photo on Instagram from her 1989 wedding to her late husband, Jay Monahan. In her caption, Couric wrote that the picture resurfaced on her phone unexpectedly and immediately transported her back to their wedding day. She reflected on how neither she nor Monahan could have imagined he would be diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer eight years later.
“It made me think that we never really know what lies ahead and it was a reminder to appreciate every day and cherish those you love,” Couric wrote. She also shared that her husband, John Molner, responded warmly to the photo, adding, “He never feels threatened by Jay’s memory and understands a heart has space for two people.” Couric closed her message with a simple reminder: “Tell the people who matter to you that you love them… I approve this message.”
Support quickly poured in from followers and friends. According to comments on her post, Amanda Kloots wrote, “Always need that reminder and I also approve this message,” while Sheryl Crow added, “Beautiful pic and beautiful message, Katie ❤️.”
Couric Reflects on Her First Marriage and Honoring Monahan’s Memory
Couric has remained open about the impact Monahan’s passing had on her life. According to People, Monahan passed away in 1998 at age 42, leaving Couric to raise their daughters, Ellie and Caroline. She previously shared that the loss reshaped her understanding of life’s fragility and motivated her long-standing commitment to cancer awareness.
Couric often honors Monahan on significant anniversaries. In June, she posted another tribute on what would have been their 36th wedding anniversary, writing that although their time together was cut short, “our love endures, especially in our remarkable daughters.” She added that she misses him “every day, but especially on the important milestones where his absence feels so acute.”
The journalist has spoken candidly about their final months together, sharing in past interviews that she struggled with acknowledging the severity of his illness because she wanted to preserve hope. Despite the heartbreak, she has continued to honor Monahan’s memory through advocacy, awareness and storytelling.
Life With John Molner and Couric’s Continued Cancer Awareness Work
Years after losing Monahan, Couric found love again with Molner, whom she married in 2014. The pair celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary earlier this year. Per People, Couric praised Molner for being her “port in the storm” and for always respecting the space Monahan still holds in her heart.
Couric has also remained one of the most visible advocates for cancer screening and early detection. She became a national voice for colon cancer awareness after losing Monahan, later experiencing additional loss when her sister passed away from pancreatic cancer. Couric publicly revealed her own breast cancer diagnosis in 2022 and continues to use her platform to encourage regular screenings.
Couric ended her recent Instagram message with a reminder that resonated deeply with her followers: “Be grateful today… appreciate every day and cherish those you love.”
