Jim Acosta, CNN’s seasoned journalist known for his bold White House reporting, has long been a recognizable figure in American media. But away from the spotlight, his personal life has drawn public curiosity—especially his marriage to Sharon Mobley Stow. While Acosta’s professional journey is well-documented, Sharon’s story is often overshadowed, even though she built a respectable career of her own. This article offers a complete relationship timeline between Jim Acosta and Sharon Mobley Stow, alongside newly discovered insights into her background, career, and life after their split.
Quick Bio of Sharon Mobley Stow
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sharon Mobley Stow |
| Born | December 26, 1970 |
| Birthplace | Maryland, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | James Madison University, Nursing Degree |
| Profession | Registered Nurse |
| Known For | Former spouse of CNN journalist Jim Acosta |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Marriage Year | 1994 |
| Divorce Year | 2017 |
| Children | Three (names not publicly disclosed for privacy) |
| Current Residence | Maryland, USA |
| Religion | Christian |
Early Life and Education of Sharon Mobley Stow
Sharon Mobley Stow was born in Maryland in 1970 and grew up in a close-knit family. Unlike Jim Acosta, whose Cuban-American background shaped his public narrative, Sharon’s upbringing was quiet and traditional. After completing high school, she pursued higher education at James Madison University, where she earned a degree in nursing. It was here that she also crossed paths with Jim Acosta, who was studying mass communications. Their friendship at university laid the groundwork for a relationship that would eventually evolve into marriage.
The First Meeting: College Days Together
Jim Acosta and Sharon Mobley Stow first met during their university years. Acosta was honing his skills in broadcast journalism while Sharon was immersed in medical studies. Friends from their college years recall them as a complementary pair—Sharon grounded and empathetic, Jim ambitious and outspoken. They began dating seriously, and by the early 1990s, their connection had grown strong enough to consider marriage.
Marriage in 1994
The couple tied the knot in 1994 in a private ceremony attended by close friends and family. At that time, Jim Acosta was beginning his professional journey as a reporter for local stations, while Sharon was preparing to build her career as a registered nurse. Their early married years were marked by mutual support: Jim chasing stories across the country, and Sharon establishing herself in the demanding field of healthcare.
Building a Family Together
Over the course of their marriage, Sharon Mobley Stow and Jim Acosta welcomed three children into their family. They maintained a relatively private life, shielding their children from media attention. Sharon played a crucial role in balancing her career and family responsibilities, while Jim’s work often kept him on the road. Insiders suggest that Sharon’s steady presence at home allowed Acosta the flexibility to pursue major career opportunities.
Sharon’s Career in Nursing
Unlike many who become known primarily through their connection to a public figure, Sharon Mobley Stow carved her own path. She worked as a registered nurse in Maryland, serving patients in hospitals and clinics. Her colleagues described her as compassionate and dedicated, with a reputation for professionalism. While Jim was making headlines, Sharon was saving lives and guiding patients through difficult times—an aspect of her life that rarely reached the media spotlight but defined her career.
Jim Acosta’s Career Rise
Parallel to Sharon’s nursing career, Jim Acosta’s professional trajectory accelerated rapidly. From local news stations, he moved to CBS News before eventually joining CNN in 2007. His role as a White House correspondent brought him into the national spotlight, particularly during the Trump administration when he became known for his assertive questioning style. While Jim was at the center of political battles on live television, Sharon continued her steady work in healthcare, demonstrating the different but equally demanding paths they pursued.
Strains in the Marriage
As Jim Acosta’s profile grew, so did the pressures of public life. His demanding schedule meant long hours away from home, while Sharon managed both her nursing career and family responsibilities. Reports suggest that the increasing gap between their professional lives began to place strain on their marriage. While neither publicly discussed the details, friends close to the couple observed that balancing high-profile journalism with a private family life became increasingly difficult.
Divorce in 2017
After 23 years of marriage, Sharon Mobley Stow and Jim Acosta finalized their divorce in 2017. The split was handled privately, without public statements or disputes. While Acosta remained in the public eye, Sharon largely stepped away from media attention, focusing on her work and her role as a mother. Their decision to keep details confidential reflects Sharon’s preference for privacy and professionalism, even in difficult times.
Life After Divorce for Sharon Mobley Stow
Following the divorce, Sharon continued to live in Maryland, where she maintained her career in nursing. She has not been publicly linked to new relationships, choosing instead to live outside of the media glare. For many, her post-divorce life is a testament to her independence—demonstrating that her identity has always been more than just “Jim Acosta’s ex-wife.”
Jim Acosta’s Life After the Split
Post-divorce, Jim Acosta remained at CNN, eventually becoming the network’s chief domestic correspondent. While he has occasionally been photographed at events, Acosta has not spoken openly about his personal life since his separation from Sharon. Both he and Sharon appear to have embraced their individual paths, prioritizing career and family over public discussion of their past.
Legacy of Their Relationship
Though their marriage ended, the story of Jim Acosta and Sharon Mobley Stow remains an important chapter in both of their lives. Together, they raised three children, built parallel careers in two very different fields, and supported each other through early professional years. Their journey highlights the challenges of maintaining a private family life alongside a high-profile media career.
Conclusion
The relationship between Jim Acosta and Sharon Mobley Stow offers a unique look into how public and private lives intersect. While Jim’s career brought him into the heart of political reporting, Sharon maintained a quieter but equally impactful role as a healthcare professional and mother. Their 23-year marriage, though it ended in divorce, underscores themes of resilience, dedication, and the difficulty of balancing ambition with personal commitments.
FAQs
1. Who is Sharon Mobley Stow?
Sharon Mobley Stow is an American registered nurse, best known to the public as the former wife of CNN journalist Jim Acosta. She was born in Maryland in 1970 and studied nursing at James Madison University. Her professional career in healthcare has been long and respected, even though she avoids the media spotlight.
2. How did Sharon Mobley Stow and Jim Acosta meet?
The couple met while studying at James Madison University. Jim pursued mass communications while Sharon studied nursing. Their friendship during college gradually developed into romance, leading to their marriage in 1994.
3. How many children do Jim Acosta and Sharon Mobley Stow have?
They share three children. To protect their privacy, their names and personal details are not widely publicized. Sharon and Jim have both made efforts to keep their children away from media attention despite Jim’s public career.
4. Why did Sharon Mobley Stow and Jim Acosta divorce?
While the exact reasons have not been disclosed, reports suggest that the demanding nature of Jim Acosta’s journalism career and the strains of balancing family responsibilities contributed to the split. The divorce was finalized in 2017 after 23 years of marriage.
5. Where is Sharon Mobley Stow now?
After her divorce, Sharon continued her life in Maryland, focusing on her nursing career and her family. She has chosen not to engage with public media or high-profile appearances, maintaining the private lifestyle she preferred during her marriage.
