Jill Martin files for divorce from Erik Brooks after 2 years of marriage amid breast cancer diagnosis

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Jill Martin, the well-known lifestyle contributor for TODAY, and her husband Erik Brooks are quietly ending their marriage after two years, according to sources close to the couple.

Martin, 48, and Brooks, the founder of Ethos Capital, tied the knot in September 2022, but their relationship has come to an end just as Martin continues her battle with breast cancer.

Jill Martin and Erik Brooks announce split after two years together

The divorce comes over a year after Martin was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2023, shortly after testing positive for the BRCA gene, which significantly increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

A source told PEOPLE, “Jill is focused on getting healthy and making a difference. She’s launching a new initiative on TODAY for Breast Cancer Awareness Month on October 1, and she’s starting a new business this month.”

When she received her diagnosis, Martin shared with PEOPLE that she felt "grateful" it came after her marriage to Brooks. She reflected that her "life will be defined (as) before and after the diagnosis," Martin expressed her gratitude that the diagnosis came after their wedding, as it "was such a purely happy event."

"I feel like this is a new chapter with a new journey," Martin added. "(But) that's not bad because I am going to take this. It will just be different."

"And my choices will be affected by it, and my lifestyle will be affected by it, and my outlook will be affected by it. And there will be a lot of beautiful, positive silver linings that come out of it, and of course, heartbreak," she continued. "I mean, this is heartbreaking."

Jill Martin describes chemotherapy as 'hell' following double mastectomy

'TODAY' show contributor Jill Martin opened up about her ongoing battle with breast cancer in an emotional appearance on the morning program in October 2023. Sitting down with hosts Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie, Martin detailed the toll chemotherapy has taken on her, both physically and mentally, following her double mastectomy.

“It’s a disconnect because I look like me and sound like me, but it’s been hard," Martin began, fighting back tears. “This has been hell for me and my family for the past two and a half months but it could’ve been prevented,” she said, holding back tears.

“This is my story so far. I can’t believe this is my movie. I’m still in shock. I’m grieving as I’m healing and as I’m fighting.”

Martin, who underwent a double mastectomy after her June 2023 diagnosis, revealed that cancer was found in her lymph nodes, requiring her to go through chemotherapy despite the successful surgery.

She described the brutal nature of the disease, saying, “Cancer will take whatever you let it. It will take your soul, it’ll take your hair. And that might seem small to you, but it’s not. Cancer wants everything."

Throughout her treatment, Martin has continued her work at the 'TODAY' show, finding solace in her job.

“When I walk into the studio, I feel loved, I feel safe. The Today family is my family. It feels like home to me. Everyone knows what I’m going through and everyone’s amazing. You think I’m gonna let cancer take away something else I love to do?”

Despite her determination, the physical and emotional toll has been heavy. Martin admitted that when she leaves the show and returns to her reality, she feels like "a shell" of herself.

“When I look in the mirror at the show, I can forget for a second. And I think people are like, ‘Oh, your surgery’s done! You’re good.’ But I leave the show and then I’m back in reality and I’m fighting for my life,” she said. “I feel like I’m a shell of myself, at least for me.”

Chemotherapy has taken a toll on her physically, but Martin referred to it as her ally in battling “this horrible disease." She mentioned that she's often exhausted and has been experimenting with cold capping during her treatment.

Chemotherapy has been particularly grueling, and she has lost about 30% of her hair. Martin has tried cold capping—wearing a chilled helmet to prevent further hair loss—acknowledging that her hair has always been a key part of her identity.

Despite the hardships, Martin is determined to beat breast cancer, expressing relief that it’s her going through it and not her loved ones.

“It’s hard. I’m happy it’s me and not my husband, (Erik Brooks), not my parents, because I can’t imagine watching someone go through this thing,” she said.

“The treatment weeks are effing hell. Anyone who’s fighting breast cancer, it’s nothing but I will own forever that I had this and that I fought it and that I beat it,” Martin concluded, “Because I’ll beat it.”

Jill Martin’s divorce sparks reactions on social media

Jill Martin’s recent announcement of her divorce from Erik Brooks after just two years of marriage has elicited a range of emotional responses online.

One user reflected on the initial joy Martin seemed to have found with Brooks, writing, “I remember how happy she was to have found him and to be marrying him. I just hope they are not divorcing because of cancer. Sending her best wishes for good health and happiness.”

Another user expressed sadness over the couple's split, saying, “My heart breaks for them! She always seemed so happy and positive! I hate that they are going through this!”

Some users noted the couple's history of ups and downs, with one writing, “They have broken up and gotten back together several times. Now they are married and they can’t make it work. So sad!!”

A user wrote, “Just 2 years? After all the vows and loyal to each other? Sometimes I get tired of everything!!”

Others expressed sympathy and concern, with comments like, “So sorry to hear this news,” and “Well they gave it a whole 2 years. In sickness and in health…”

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