Maria Taylor is a popular sports broadcaster with charisma to spare, who has seen her share of ups and downs—not just on camera, but in her love life too. Maria’s first walk down the aisle was with Rodney Blackstock in 2019, after a long, winding romance that began back in 2014. But, just when everyone thought they were the perfect match, the fairy tale hit a roadblock, leading to their split in early 2021.
Maria didn’t shy away from opening up about the rollercoaster romance, recalling how quickly their love story shifted from bliss to uncertainty. “It was really fast…” she admitted to The Knot, reflecting on the rapid pace of their romance. Rodney, apparently eager to lock things down, couldn’t even stick to his original plan of proposing during a Palm Springs vacation—he just couldn’t wait. “His original plan was to propose when we went to Palm Springs because we were going on vacation, but he couldn’t wait. He was so anxious… We planned on getting married that June in 2016.”
But as their wedding day loomed, the reality check hit. Both Maria and Rodney began feeling uneasy about rushing into something so big. “I wasn’t ready to be a wife and he wasn’t ready to be a husband. We just needed more time,” Taylor confessed, highlighting how neither felt fully prepared for such a life-changing commitment. “As difficult as it was to break off the wedding, we wanted to be in a better place together—especially when you go through a life-changing event like a wedding.”
Maria didn’t stay on the sidelines for long. Not one to let setbacks hold her back, she found love again, and shortly after her divorce, she was swept off her feet by her current husband, Jonathan Ryan Hemphill.
The two made it official on February 21, 2021, rekindling a connection that had been quietly brewing since their days at Centennial High School. Their wedding was a low-key affair, filled with close friends and no frills—exactly what Maria needed at the time. She shared a few dreamy snaps on Instagram, captioning them with the sweet sentiment, “I Love Our Love Story.”
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While Maria shines in the spotlight, her spouse, Jon, is the opposite—a laid-back, behind-the-scenes kind of guy who keeps things private. But there’s more to Jonathan than meets the eye, and you won’t believe what’s next in their story.
Unlike The Claims, He Is an American
Despite what some sources might say about Jonathan being a British businessman and art dealer linked to Oxford and elite brands, the truth is he’s American and works stateside. His exact job title remains a bit of a mystery, but his LinkedIn profile photo suggests his work involves serious security measures—definitely not your average desk job!
Adding more weight to his American roots, Jonathan attended Centennial High School in Roswell, Georgia, proving that his background is far from the British narrative some have spun.
He Supported His Wife Throughout Her Pregnancy
Maria can’t stop raving about Jonathan’s support—he’s her ultimate hype man! While some partners might get a little green-eyed, Jonathan is all about lifting his wife up and watching her win. From cheering on her career milestones to turning even the most mundane moments into little bursts of joy, he is always there with a smile. And let’s not forget—he loves her for exactly who she is, quirks and all. How sweet is that?
Their rock-solid bond faced a real test during a tough chapter. On July 30, 2023, Maria got real about her pregnancy struggles, sharing how her husband was her rock through it all, keeping her spirits high.
She poured her heart out on Instagram, writing, “My journey to motherhood has not been a straight path. It’s been diverted by surgeries, multiple egg retrievals, and failed IVF cycles. There were times when I felt like my body was betraying me, that God didn’t want me to become a mom and that I ultimately didn’t deserve to be a mom.”
Despite the setbacks, Maria credited Jonathan’s strong support, adding, “For every setback my husband was there reminding me to keep the faith”
And all those tough moments were worth it when they finally welcomed their little bundle of joy, Roman Ryan Taylor Hemphill, on December 24, 2023—just in time to make their Christmas extra special!
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Their Son Has Brought More Joy in Their Life
Taylor, now 39, absolutely dotes on her son Roman, calling him the most precious gift she’s ever received. On her birthday, May 12, 2023, she shared a special moment on her social media, describing her first glimpse of her baby during an ultrasound as “the greatest gift ever.” Since then, Roman has been her sidekick, tagging along both before and after his arrival.
He isn’t just a mama’s boy at home—he’s already a globetrotter, joining Maria on her world tour, including the Olympic Games! From jet-setting adventures to everyday fun, Maria loves sharing their special moments together.
Now, Maria, her hubby, Jonathan, and their little one, Roman, are living it up in Buckhead, Atlanta.
