Katie Couric Reflects on Wedding Day with Late Husband Jay Monahan in Throwback Photo: 'The Future is Uncertain'

Katie Couric is encouraging everyone to treasure each day and the people they love. On Friday, Dec. 5, the journalist and media personality, 68, posted a nostalgic photo on Instagram from her wedding day with her late husband, Jay Monahan, in 1989.

This image appeared on my phone this morning. Its from my wedding day with JayJune 10, 1989, Couric wrote. We had no idea that only eight years later, he would be diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer. It reminded me that life is unpredictable and reinforced the importance of valuing each day and the people you hold dear.

Monahan passed away from colon cancer on Jan. 24, 1998, at the age of 42, leaving Couric to raise their daughters, Carrie and Ellie, now 29 and 24, on her own. Despite the heartbreak, Couric credits time and family support with helping her heal. In 2021, she said, I understand the fragility of life in a way that will always stay with me.

Couric later found love again with John Molner, whom she married in 2014. She added in her Instagram post, When I showed Molner the photo, he said, Ohthats so nice. He never feels threatened by Jays memory and understands that a heart can hold love for more than one person.

Couric used the post to remind followers to express gratitude and affection. Just a reminder to be thankful today. Let those you care about know you love them. Maybe even call your mother if you can. Im Katie Couric and I approve this message, she wrote.

Since Monahans death, Couric has been a steadfast advocate for cancer awareness. Two years after Jays passing, her sister Emily died of pancreatic cancer, and in 2022, Couric herself was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has spent more than twenty years raising awareness and funds for colon cancer research.

Its alarming to see more people under 50 being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, she told PEOPLE. Screening now starts at 45, but only 20% of people in that age range get screened. Theres still so much work to do.

Couric continues to find creative ways to highlight the importance of screenings, combining humor, celebrity involvement, and direct messages to her audience. I try to mix humor, celebrity examples, and direct advice to stress the importance of getting screened. Whether its a small audience or a large crowd, I always remind people: screening saves lives, she said.

Author: Ethan Caldwell