If you’ve ever watched The Real Housewives of New York City, you know that Jill Zarin was basically the glue—and sometimes the gasoline—of the early seasons. But behind the gossip and the "Hiiiiii" heard 'round the world, there was a relationship that even the harshest critics had to respect. When people talk about Jill Zarin and husband Bobby Zarin, they aren't just talking about a reality TV duo. They’re talking about one of the few genuinely stable, loving marriages to ever grace the Bravo screen.
Honestly, it’s rare. Most "house-husbands" are either hiding a scandal or looking for a camera. Bobby was just... Bobby.
The Bobby Zarin Era: More Than Just a "House-Husband"
Bobby Zarin wasn't just Jill’s partner; he was the owner of Zarin Fabrics and a real estate developer who brought a certain "adult in the room" energy to the show. They got married on January 4, 2000. It was a second marriage for both, but it felt like the main event.
For years, fans watched Bobby dote on Jill. He bought her parents a car. He tried his best with her daughter, Allyson. He even tagged along to "Scary Island" when Jill famously crashed the trip, proving he’d go anywhere if it meant supporting his wife.
A Battle No One Wanted to Fight
The news that Bobby was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2009 hit the fan base hard. It wasn't a quick thing. It was a grueling, years-long struggle that eventually spread to his lungs and brain.
Jill was there for every second.
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She often says he was her "everything." He closed the cabinets she left open. He finished her sentences. On January 13, 2018, Bobby passed away at 71. The funeral was a massive NYC event, drawing in even her former rival Bethenny Frankel, which felt like a tectonic shift in the Bravo universe.
Who Is Jill Zarin’s Husband Now?
The short answer? She doesn’t have one. Not yet.
But she isn't alone.
About six months after Bobby died, rumors started swirling that Jill was dating again. People were judgmental. Of course they were. The internet can be a nasty place when it comes to grief timelines. Jill basically told everyone to back off, explaining that Bobby actually gave her his blessing to find love again before he passed.
Enter Gary Brody
Jill has been in a long-term relationship with Gary Brody, a clothing executive, since 2018. They didn’t rush into a wedding, though. They started as tennis partners—a sport Bobby encouraged her to keep playing.
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- They live together: They share a luxury penthouse in New York.
- They travel constantly: You’ve probably seen them at Wimbledon or the U.S. Open.
- Marriage status: They are not officially married as of 2026.
Jill has been vocal about why they haven't tied the knot. Between the pandemic delays and her focus on her daughter, Ally, she's said she wants the timing to be perfect. She’s also mentioned she wouldn't want a million-dollar wedding again. To her, that’s "conspicuous consumption." She’d rather just take the money and run.
The First Marriage Nobody Talks About
Before there was Bobby, there was Steven Shapiro.
Jill married Steven in 1987, and they stayed together for about a decade before divorcing in 1998. This is where things get a bit complicated. Their daughter, Allyson Shapiro, was born during this marriage.
For years, the world assumed Steven was Ally’s biological father. It turns out, that wasn't the case. In a reveal that stunned fans in 2020, Jill shared that Ally was conceived via a sperm donor because of fertility issues.
"We were going to take that secret to our graves," Jill admitted on a podcast.
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But a relative tried to blackmail her, so she had to tell Ally the truth. It's wild. Ally eventually found her biological father through 23andMe—and it turns out there was even a mix-up at the sperm bank. It’s a whole saga that makes reality TV scripts look boring.
Why the "Zarin" Brand Still Works
Jill hasn't just sat around. She’s turned the "Zarin" name into a lifestyle empire. From Jill Zarin Home to her collaboration with her daughter on "Jill & Ally," she’s leaned into the business side of fame.
She's also still a regular on the "Ultimate Girls Trip" circuit. Fans still want to know what she’s doing because she represents a very specific kind of New York resilience. She lost the love of her life, survived a public firing from the show that made her famous, and managed to find a "second act" with Gary that seems genuinely happy.
What You Should Know About Moving On
If you're looking at Jill’s life and wondering how she handled the transition from being a devoted wife to a widow and then to a partner again, there are a few takeaways.
- Grief isn't a straight line. Jill faced heavy criticism for dating Gary "too soon." Her response? "I haven't been alone since I was 20." Everyone processes loss differently.
- Health is wealth. Bobby’s battle with thyroid cancer is a reminder of how quickly things change. Jill now uses her platform to raise awareness and support for cancer research.
- Family secrets will out. The Allyson Shapiro story proves that honesty—even late in the game—is usually better than waiting for a blackmailer to do the talking.
If you're following Jill's journey, the best way to stay updated is through her social media, where she's surprisingly transparent about her "messy" but blessed life. You can also check out her latest home decor launches if you want to bring a bit of that Zarin "luxury" into your own space.
To really understand Jill Zarin's current lifestyle, look into her recent work with the Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, as it's the most direct way she honors Bobby's legacy today.