Jimmy Kimmel is one of television’s most recognizable hosts, best known as the face and executive producer of Jimmy Kimmel Live! His late-night show was recently suspended following his remarks about the killing of right-wing influencer and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk.
While the news of the cancellation shocked viewers, it also sparked curiosity about Kimmel’s personal life—particularly his marriage.
Kimmel has been married twice, and both women—his current wife and his ex—have impressive careers of their own. His current wife, Molly McNearney, long served as the head writer of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and is also known for her outspoken criticism of President Donald Trump.
The pair first met in the mid-2000s, though their romance didn’t begin until years later. They tied the knot in 2013 and have since welcomed two children together, with McNearney often by his side at award shows and major milestones.
Before Molly, Kimmel was married to Gina Kimmel, a costume designer whom the host met during college. The two struggled financially in the early years of their marriage but went on to raise two children together before parting ways.
Related: How Much Is Jimmy Kimmel’s Net Worth in 2025?
Here’s a closer look at Kimmel’s relationships with both his wife, Molly McNearney, and his ex-spouse, Gina Kimmel.
Who is Jimmy Kimmel’s Wife, Molly McNearney?
McNearney is a well-established television writer and producer. She joined Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2008 and went on to serve as the show’s head writer until 2023. Along the way, the celebrity spouse occasionally stepped in front of the camera, appearing in 11 episodes, including a recurring segment called “Win Jimmy’s Crap.”
Born on March 5, 1978, in Missouri, McNearney grew up in St. Louis and graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy before pursuing a career in media.
She has also contributed to high-profile events such as the Primetime Emmy Awards and the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Jimmy Hired His Wife Molly In 2004 But Didn’t Start Dating Until 2009
Kimmel first hired Molly McNearney as a writer’s assistant on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2004. At the time, both were in other relationships, and their connection remained strictly professional.
McNearney once recalled their very first meeting during an interview with Glamour. “When I first met him, he insulted me,” she said. “The executive producer brought me into his office and said, ‘This is Molly; she’s my new assistant.’ Jimmy barely looked up from his desk until my EP said, ‘She competes in triathlons,’ and then Jimmy looked up at me and said, ‘That is really stupid! What a waste of time.’”
Their friendship grew naturally over the years, and after Kimmel’s split from comedian Sarah Silverman in March 2009, things began to change. By October of that year, Kimmel and McNearney were officially dating.
He Proposed to McNearney in 2012 and Married in 2013
In August 2012, while on vacation in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, Kimmel proposed to his longtime girlfriend Molly McNearney. At the time, she was 34, and Kimmel’s rep later confirmed the engagement.
The pair married less than a year later, on July 13, 2013, in Ojai, California. The wedding drew an A-list guest list that included Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, and Jennifer Aniston. Instead of traditional gifts, the couple asked attendees to make charitable donations.
After the ceremony, they celebrated their honeymoon in Portofino, Italy.
Speaking with Glamour in 2014, McNearney explained how she keeps her marriage and work life separate. “At home, it’s a different relationship. At 10 a.m. he’s my boss, not my husband; he does say he’s my ‘husboss,’ but I refuse to call him that.”
They Have Two Children
Jimmy Kimmel and Molly McNearney share two children together, daughter Jane and son William “Billy” John.
Jane was born in July 2014, followed three years later by Billy, who arrived on April 21, 2017. Soon after his birth, doctors discovered he had a rare congenital heart defect known as tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia. The condition was first noticed when he appeared purplish just three hours after being born. At only three days old, Billy underwent a successful open-heart surgery.
McNearney has spoken openly about her son’s health journey. On Anna Faris’ Unqualified podcast, she recalled, “Kids are so resilient — he had open-heart surgery on a Monday and we were home on Friday.”
Today, Kimmel and his better half, McNearney, live in California, raising their two children while balancing their busy careers in television.
Gina Kimmel, Jimmy Kimmel’s First Wife and Their Two Kids
Before his marriage to Molly McNearney, Kimmel was married to Gina Maddy, his college sweetheart. The two met while studying at Arizona State University and tied the knot in 1988. In later interviews, Kimmel admitted that the early years of their marriage were financially tough, recalling how he worked as a radio host while they moved houses several times just to make ends meet.
The couple welcomed their first child, Katherine “Katie” Kimmel, on August 28, 1991, in Tampa, Florida. Katie went on to become an artist, earning her BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2015. In September 2021, shortly after her 30th birthday, she married her partner, Will Logsdon. Katie made Kimmel a grandfather in May 2025 when she gave birth to a baby girl.
Their second child, Kevin Kimmel, was born on September 19, 1993. Following in his father’s footsteps, Kevin pursued a career in television, working as a production assistant.
Despite their years together, the marriage began to falter. After 14 years, Kimmel and Gina divorced in 2002, citing irreconcilable differences.
As for her professional life, Gina pursued a career in costume design, working on The Man Show in 1999 and later contributing to TV movies such as Party Like the Queen of France (2012) and Party Like the Rich and Famous (2012).
Gina now runs her own vintage-inspired loungewear line, Maddy James.
