Is Molly Qerim married? All about the First Take host as she announces her ESPN exit

Molly Qerim, who was previously married to former NBA player Jalen Rose, announced on Monday that she is leaving ESPN after being with the network for many years. According to The New York Post, Qerim, who hosted the popular show "First Take," took to her Instagram Stories to share the decision, saying that it is time for her to close this chapter of her life. She wrote:

"After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Taks. Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Every morning, I had the privilege of sharing the desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports — and with all of you, the best fans in the world."

She further added:

"I’m so grateful for what this journey has given me: lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the chance to be part of something truly special. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for welcoming me into your homes."

Molly Qerim was previously married to former New York Knicks player Jalen Rose, who was also a commentator on ESPN until his firing in 2023. The couple married in 2018 and were married for three years until their divorce in 2021.

More about Molly Qerim's life and career, as beloved ESPN host announces her exit from the network

Molly Qerim, whose full name is Molly Ann Qerim, was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on March 31, 1984. Not much is known about her parents, but she is of mixed ancestry, with her mother being Italian and her father being Albanian.

According to Heavy Magazine, Molly Qerim attended Cheshire High School and later studied at the University of Connecticut, from where she graduated with a degree in Communications and a minor in Business Administration. She later pursued her Master's at Quinnipiac University.

After graduating from college, Molly Qerim first worked for ESPN, where she was part of the network's digital team. She later became the breaking news reporter on ESPN2, for which she won an Emmy Award.

She later went on to join CBS Sports Network as a reporter, working there for two years from 2010 until her exit in 2012. After that, Molly Qerim joined the NFL Network, where she was the host of the NFL Fantasy Live and NFL AM. She worked at the network for three years, from 2012 until 2015.

Qerim rejoined the ESPN Sports Network in 2015 and was brought in as the new host of "First Take," replacing Cari Champion. Since then, she has continuously hosted the show for the past ten years, before recently announcing her departure.

The TV show personality, who is known for her on-camera presence, had, back in 2018, opened up about her personal struggle with endometriosis. In an interview with the Endometriosis Foundation of America, Molly Qerim revealed how she came to know about her diagnosis, and said:

"Describing my symptoms is challenging because I didn't realize anything was wrong with me. But looking back, I definitely suffered pain, and I would say migraines as well, and a lot of fatigue, chronic fatigue. After a full night’s sleep, I would think, 'Why don’t I have the energy that I should have?'. At 26, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Endometriosis. The endometrium was all over my organs."

She further added how she manages her condition, saying:

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"I very rarely drink alcohol. I will have a splash of prosecco for celebratory occasions, but pretty much no alcohol and no sugar. I am up at 5 a.m., so I have not been able to entirely cut out caffeine. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy going out to eat. I am a total foodie, but I try to eat at home. I grew up on a very Mediterranean diet, and that goes hand-in-hand with also being anti-inflammatory, like a lot of fruits, vegetables, meats, and lots of unprocessed foods. I got into meditation."

At the moment, ESPN has not released a statement announcing the new host for their show, after Molly Qerim decided to leave at the end of this year.

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