Does Jill Martin have children? Today host divorces Erik Brooks a year after announcing cancer diagnosis

TODAY show host and lifestyle contributor Jill Martin has filed for divorce from her husband, Erik Brooks, just over a year after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The couple, who married in 2022, is nearing the end of their divorce process. Although she does not have children, Jill Martin has been a very active part of her stepchildren’s lives, calling herself a ‘bonus mom.’

47-year-old Martin has explicitly preferred the term ‘bonus mom’ to ‘stepmom’ as it has a seemingly more positive connotation to it.

"I always felt like step had a negative connotation to it, and I guess that is how most people regard it. It had a negative connotation to it," Martin told PEOPLE.

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Jill Martin opens up about her role as a "bonus mom" while navigating divorce from Erik Brooks

Jill Martin began using the term after discussing the challenges of step-parenting during a show on TODAY’s streaming channel. The conversation led her to learn about Dr. Jann Blackstone, the founder of the non-profit organization Bonus Families, which promotes peaceful coexistence between divorced or separated parents and their blended families.

Martin has spoken candidly about her experiences as a bonus mom to Brooks' children, recalling an incident early in her relationship with them. While on vacation, Brooks' 11-year-old daughter, Bella, packed up Martin’s belongings, signaling her discomfort.

Though the moment was difficult, Jill Martin now shares a strong bond with the children, and Brooks' oldest daughter, Georgia, even spends her summers with her.

In 2023, Martin even celebrated bonus moms with her Mother’s Day-themed TODAY x Shop The Scenes collection. A portion of the collection’s proceeds goes to the Bonus Families organization, further supporting Martin’s advocacy for blended families.

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Martin and Brooks filed for divorce in August 2023

Jill Martin and Brooks had been dating for a few years with Brooks initiating engagement in 2019. However, their relationship was tested early when the couple broke up during COVID-19 time because they couldn’t handle living in two different cities; Brooks in Boston and Martin in New York.

However, they split up after 18 months and got back together Martin said ‘yes’ to Brooks’ proposal again in 2021. The couple went on to wed in the New York Public Library in 2022 in a grand white wedding.

Shortly after their wedding, Jill Martin was hit with devastating news: She was diagnosed with breast cancer just three months before their first anniversary. Following a breast cancer diagnosis, Martin received a double mastectomy and underwent chemotherapy as the treatment.

Nevertheless, she went on with her hosting on the TODAY show and shared her experience with fans about having cancer. She has followed through with the operations and has been tested free of cancer but for the next few years, she will be on medication as the treatment plan showed.

In early August 2023, Jill Martin and Brooks filed for divorce. Speaking to the press, a representative of Martin confirmed that the couple is nearly done with the divorce process; the issue has been a very personal one given that the families of both Martin and Kike are involved, and considering that the past year has affected Martin emotionally.

"Because there are families involved, and the past year has been so earth-shattering for Jill, she plans for this to be her only acknowledgment," the spokesperson stated.

As Jill Martin focuses on her health and recovery, she is also concentrating on her role as a daughter, friend, and new aunt. She continues to co-host the third hour of TODAY and plans to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a major announcement on October 1. Her spokesperson hinted at exciting new beginnings, including the launch of a new company this month.