Is Rodney Blackstock Maria Taylor’s Husband? Here’s the Truth About Her Relationship Status
If you’ve found yourself wondering, “Is Rodney Blackstock Maria Taylor’s husband?”—you’re not alone. The question pops up frequently, especially among fans of the popular sports broadcaster who has graced screens on ESPN and NBC. While Rodney Blackstock once held that title, things have changed significantly in recent years. In this article, we’ll clear up the confusion, walk through Maria Taylor’s marital history, and reveal the facts about who she’s married to today.
Who Is Maria Taylor and Why the Question Arises
Maria Taylor is a highly recognizable face in sports media. Known for her insightful commentary and dynamic presence, she’s covered everything from college football to the NFL, NBA, and the Olympics. With her professional life in the spotlight, it’s no surprise that fans are curious about her personal life as well.
Rodney Blackstock’s name often comes up because of his past relationship with Maria. Their highly publicized romance and wedding naturally led to public interest, and many outdated articles still suggest that he may be her current husband. But time has moved on—and so has Maria.
Maria Taylor’s First Marriage — Rodney Blackstock
To answer the question directly: yes, Maria Taylor was married to Rodney Blackstock, but they are no longer together.
The couple met back in 2014 at a Charlotte Hornets basketball game. It was a chance encounter that blossomed into a deep relationship. After dating for several years, they got engaged and eventually tied the knot on May 5, 2019, in a small ceremony on the beach in Destin, Florida.
Rodney Blackstock, a sports agent and former college athlete, was often seen as a solid match for Maria given their shared interest in sports and fitness. Their wedding was low-key and attended by close friends and family, and for a time, they seemed like a picture-perfect couple.
However, despite the promising start, their marriage didn’t last long. By 2021, the couple had divorced. Sources close to them cited irreconcilable differences, and neither Maria nor Rodney ever made public statements giving full details. What’s clear is that the marriage ended quietly and without public drama—suggesting mutual respect despite the split.
Is Rodney Blackstock Maria Taylor’s Husband Today?
No—Rodney Blackstock is no longer Maria Taylor’s husband. Their marriage ended in 2021, and Maria has since moved on and remarried. Although some media outlets continue to list Rodney as her spouse, that information is outdated.
It’s important to distinguish between her past and present relationships. While Rodney Blackstock was once her partner, he no longer holds that role in her life. Today, Maria Taylor is married to someone entirely different, and they’ve begun a new chapter as a family.
Maria Taylor’s Second (Current) Husband
After her divorce from Rodney Blackstock, Maria Taylor found love again—this time with Jonathan Lee Hemphill, an art dealer and entrepreneur based in London. The two tied the knot in February 2021, the same year her divorce was finalized.
Jonathan, often referred to simply as “Jon” or “Lee,” is the co-founder of creative ventures such as Paddle and Squared Circles, organizations known for blending art, tech, and digital experiences. While he maintains a relatively private profile, he is known in European art circles and is deeply involved in the creative community.
Interestingly, Maria and Jonathan reportedly knew each other in high school. Their reconnection later in life led to a strong bond that evolved quickly into marriage. Since then, they’ve shared glimpses of their life together—including holidays, shared hobbies, and eventually, parenthood.
Maria has praised her husband in interviews as being incredibly supportive, describing their relationship as one built on friendship and deep understanding. While she doesn’t post frequently about her personal life, when she does, it’s clear that her marriage to Jonathan is grounded in love, mutual respect, and shared goals.
Why the Confusion Around Rodney Blackstock Remains
So, why do people still ask, “Is Rodney Blackstock Maria Taylor’s husband?” The simple answer is that the internet often lags behind reality. Numerous articles, blog posts, and even celebrity profiles still list Rodney as Maria’s spouse, even though they divorced years ago. Many of these sources haven’t been updated to reflect her current status, and that can lead to confusion.
Another factor is that Maria Taylor is a public figure who values her privacy. Unlike some celebrities, she doesn’t broadcast every detail of her personal life on social media. This means that unless fans are following her career and life updates closely, they might still assume she’s married to the man she wed in 2019.
Rodney’s initial visibility as her husband also plays a role. He was part of a highly covered relationship at the time, and those stories continue to circulate online. Until search engines fully catch up or media outlets update their archives, these questions will likely persist.
Maria Taylor’s Personal and Family Life
Maria Taylor isn’t just a successful broadcaster and a twice-married woman—she’s now a mother as well. In December 2023, she and Jonathan welcomed their first child, a son named Roman Ryan Taylor Hemphill. The birth was a joyous moment for the couple and marked a new chapter in Maria’s life.
What makes her motherhood journey even more meaningful is that she has opened up about the challenges she faced along the way. In interviews, Maria has spoken candidly about her struggles with fertility and the emotional toll it took. Her transparency has made her even more relatable to fans and followers, especially those going through similar experiences.
Now, as a mother, wife, and trailblazing sports journalist, Maria Taylor seems more grounded than ever. She’s managing a high-pressure career while building a loving home with her husband and son—a balance many admire and look up to.
