Katie Couric Shares Heartwarming ‘Grandmother Rule’ for Daughter Ellie’s New Baby
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Renowned journalist Katie Couric recently opened up about her approach to being a grandmother, revealing a heartwarming ‘grandmother rule’ she follows for her daughter Ellie’s newborn baby, exclusively to PEOPLE. Couric, 68, became a grandmother for the first time in March 2024, when Ellie and her husband Mark Dobrosky welcomed their son, John Albert.
During the Stand Up to Cancer’s annual televised fundraising event in Nashville, Couric disclosed that her one rule as a grandparent is to refrain from giving unsolicited advice to her daughter. She commended Ellie as an exceptional mother and expressed her belief that Ellie is doing an incredible job with parenting. Couric humorously mentioned, “When it comes to parenting, I just keep my trap shut,” showcasing her respect for Ellie’s choices.
John Albert, who was born on March 23, 2024, holds a special significance in the family as Couric revealed that he would be called Jay in memory of his maternal grandfather, Jay Monahan. Jay Monahan, Couric’s late husband and Ellie’s father, passed away from colon cancer in 1998 at the age of 42. Couric shared the joyous news of John Albert’s birth on Instagram, expressing her excitement at becoming a grandmother for the first time.
In addition to her endearing role as a grandmother, Couric continues her efforts in cancer prevention advocacy. As a co-founder of Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C) in 2008, Couric explained the decision to tape the 2025 SU2C television special in Nashville. She highlighted the city’s prominent healthcare institutions like Vanderbilt and the Ingram Cancer Center and emphasised the infusion of country music into the event.
The upcoming SU2C telecast boasts an impressive lineup of performances from artists including Sheryl Crow, Jonas Brothers, Noah Cyrus, Gavin DeGraw, and more. Couric expressed her gratitude towards these artists for their unwavering support in the fight against cancer. The televised fundraising special is scheduled to air on August 15 across various channels and streaming services.
Couric’s dedication to cancer advocacy and her empowering approach to grandparenting reflects her multifaceted role in the realm of entertainment and philanthropy. Her transparency about navigating the joys of grandmotherhood while honouring her family’s legacy exemplifies her grace and poise in every aspect of her life. Through her actions and words, Couric continues to inspire and uplift those around her, leaving a lasting impact on both her professional endeavours and personal relationships.
As Couric embraces this new chapter as a grandmother with warmth and wisdom, her journey serves as a beacon of strength and resilience for others facing similar milestones in their lives. With her unconditional love and support for her family, Couric exemplifies the true essence of familial bonds and the enduring legacy of cherished memories passed down through generations.