Born and raised in Cheshire, Connecticut, to an Italian Catholic mother and an Albanian father, Molly Qerim has made a name as one of the most dynamic media personalities in sports. As the host of ESPN’s First Take, Molly commands the spotlight daily, drawing fans in with her sharp insights and engaging presence. Before joining ESPN, the on-air personality made waves hosting the NFL Network’s NFL AM and NFL Fantasy Live.
While Molly’s professional journey has been well-documented, her personal life remains a topic of curiosity. Since her divorce from her former husband, her relationship status has sparked endless speculation. So, what’s the real story? Let’s dive into the details of her past marriage and find out if there’s a special someone in her life in 2025.
Who Was Molly Qerim’s Husband? A Low-Key Wedding in 2018
In July 2018, Qerim and Jalen Rose surprised fans by tying the knot in a discreet ceremony. The ESPN host and former NBA star exchanged vows in New York City, keeping the event away from the media frenzy.
Shortly after saying “I do,” the couple jetted off to the stunning beaches of Turks and Caicos for a private getaway. Their relationship wasn’t exactly a secret before the wedding—Jalen even called Molly his “wifey” in a 2016 tweet—but their decision to marry quietly caught many by surprise.
Molly with her ex-husband Jalen.Just days before their wedding, Molly posted a cozy photo of the two on her Instagram, subtly flaunting a sparkling diamond ring on her left hand.
For those unfamiliar, Rose isn’t just Molly’s ex-husband—He’s a household name in the sports world. A former NBA small forward, Rose played for six teams, with his most memorable years on the Indiana Pacers. He also worked as a sports analyst for ABC and ESPN.
Qerim and Rose’s Divorce in 2021
By late 2021, the seemingly picture-perfect marriage between Molly and Jalen came to an unexpected end. According to TMZ, Jalen quietly filed for divorce in April of that year, marking the official conclusion of a relationship that had been unraveling for months.
The decision came after the couple had been living apart for over a year, with Molly relocating to Connecticut—a move that Jalen cited as a turning point in their marriage.
In a statement, Jalen emphasized that their split was mutual and drama-free, saying, “We both agree remaining friends and colleagues is the best course of action moving forward.” True to their word, the former couple has maintained a cordial relationship, continuing their professional ties while parting ways personally.
Who Is Molly Qerim Dating Now?
As of 2025, Molly remains single and isn’t romantically linked to anyone. Despite ongoing speculation, particularly about her close rapport with First Take co-host Stephen A. Smith, there’s no truth to the rumors.
Their undeniable on-screen chemistry has fueled whispers of a possible romance, but both Molly and Stephen have firmly denied any personal involvement. They’ve been clear: their connection is purely professional, built on mutual respect and years of working together.
