Katie Couric reveals biggest regret while caring for late husband Jay Monahan amid his cancer journey
Katie Couric has opened up about the painful lessons she learned while caring for her husband, Jay Monahan, during his battle with colon cancer before his death in 1998.

In a recent interview, she admitted her biggest regret was never having the difficult conversations about the possibility of him dying.
Couric explained that she clung to hope and avoided confronting the reality of his illness, wishing now that they had sought help from someone who could have guided them through those discussions.

Couric, who was left to raise their two young daughters after Monahan’s passing, has since become a vocal advocate for colon cancer awareness.

She famously underwent a colonoscopy live on Today in 2000 to encourage screenings and continues to stress the importance of early detection, noting that younger people are increasingly being diagnosed.

She said losing her husband made her more grateful for every stage of life and determined to help others avoid similar heartbreak.

In the years since, Couric remarried John Molner in 2014 and has embraced new chapters of family life, including becoming a grandmother when her daughter Ellie welcomed a son in 2024.

The baby was named Jay in honor of his grandfather, a tribute that deeply moved Couric.

She has emphasized her joy at watching her daughters grow into adulthood and her hope to be present for her grandchildren for many years to come, describing herself as “so lucky” to witness these milestones.