People see Molly Qerim on their screens every morning—or they did, until her recent, somewhat jarring departure from First Take—and they assume they know her. They see the sharp suits, the quick wit, and that uncanny ability to keep Stephen A. Smith from flying off the handle. But when it comes to who she’s actually dated, the internet has a funny way of turning a few coincidences into a full-blown soap opera.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a mess. If you believe every podcast clip or "insider" tweet, Molly has been in more secret relationships than a spy. The reality is much quieter. It's mostly defined by one high-profile marriage and a whole lot of professional boundaries that people love to pretend don't exist.
The Jalen Rose Era: From Coworkers to Couple
Let’s look at the facts. The most significant chapter in the Molly Qerim dating history is her relationship with former NBA star Jalen Rose. They didn’t just pop up out of nowhere. They were colleagues at ESPN first, building a rapport that eventually turned into something more around 2016.
They weren't exactly hiding it, but they weren't being loud about it either. They made it official on social media in June of that year. By July 2018, they were married. It was a small, private ceremony in New York City. For a while, they were the "it" couple of sports media. Two powerhouses at the same network. It seemed like the perfect setup.
Then things shifted.
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In April 2021, they quietly separated. The public didn't find out until December 2021 when Jalen officially filed for divorce. He posted a note on his Instagram Story saying they’d been apart for a year and decided to remain friends. He even mentioned that the split happened shortly after Molly moved back to Connecticut, near ESPN's headquarters, while he stayed elsewhere.
There was no messy court battle. No alimony. No public mud-slinging. Just two people moving in different directions.
The Stephen A. Smith Rumors That Just Won't Die
As soon as the divorce was announced, the internet did what it does best: it started pointing fingers. Because Molly and Stephen A. Smith had such intense on-screen chemistry, people assumed there was "something going on."
It’s a bit ridiculous, really.
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Every time they wore the same color—like the "all-white outfit" incident in April 2024—the rumors would spike. Chris "Mad Dog" Russo even joked about them looking like a married couple on air. Stephen A. shut it down immediately. He called the rumors "ridiculous" and "unfounded." Molly laughed it off, too, basically saying it was hilarious that anyone took it seriously.
Fast forward to late 2025 and early 2026. Molly Qerim left First Take in November 2025, replaced by Shae Cornette. The exit was sudden, reportedly due to contract disputes and Molly wanting more control over her brand. Of course, the "dating rumors" resurfaced. Comedians like Corey Holcomb claimed her exit was tied to a secret relationship with Smith.
But there’s zero proof. No photos. No sightings. No confirmation. Just talk. Smith has even mentioned he has a "special lady" in his life, but he’s been very clear that it isn't Molly.
Why People Get Her Dating Life So Wrong
We live in an era where "chemistry" on a TV set is mistaken for a romantic spark. Molly is a pro. She’s been in the game since 2006. She knows how to handle big personalities, and she knows how to keep her private life private.
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Since her divorce from Jalen, she hasn't been officially linked to anyone else. She’s been focused on her health—she’s been very open about her battle with severe endometriosis—and her career. When she left ESPN, she didn't leave for a man; she left to "close an incredible chapter," as she put it on Instagram.
What Really Matters Now
If you’re looking for a long list of exes, you won’t find it here. Molly Qerim’s dating history is surprisingly short for someone in the spotlight.
- Jalen Rose: Married 2018, Divorced 2021.
- Stephen A. Smith: Purely professional (despite what the podcasts say).
- Unknowns: She was reportedly linked to one person before Jalen but never engaged.
The takeaway? Don't believe every "leaked" story you see on TikTok or YouTube. Molly has spent years reclaiming her identity beyond being "Mrs. Jalen Rose" or "Stephen A.'s moderator."
Actionable Insights for Following Celeb News:
- Check the source: If the "news" comes from a podcast known for "hot takes" rather than a reputable outlet like People or TMZ, take it with a grain of salt.
- Look for official filings: In the case of her divorce, Connecticut court records confirmed the timeline long before the rumors did.
- Respect the silence: When a public figure like Molly stays quiet about her dating life, it’s usually because she’s actually, well, not dating anyone publicly.
Keep an eye on her next moves. Now that she’s a free agent after leaving First Take, she’s likely to pop up in a new role that has nothing to do with her relationship status and everything to do with her talent.