Why Jill Martin and Her Fiancé Erik Brooks Separated and Got Back Together

TODAY show contributor and sports broadcaster Jill Martin and her partner Erik Brooks began dating in 2017 and announced their engagement in May 2019 after Brooks proposed on a trip to the Hamptons.

Sadly, one year after the happy news was announced, the pair decided to call it quits on their relationship and ultimately end their engagement.

In a statement made in May 2020, Martin shared that the long-distance nature of the relationship—she was based in New York and Brooks in Boston—coupled with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, had meant their relationship had become strained.

Martin said: "This pandemic has taken a toll on so many aspects of life—it's such a difficult time for everyone. Erik is the most magnificent person, but with him living in Boston with his children and me living in New York, the distance just became too difficult for us to maintain the kind of relationship that's important to us both."

She added: "He is an amazing man, and I wish him nothing but the best."

They spent 18 months apart and in an open essay on Today.com, Martin reflected on their break-up and their decision to get back together.

In her essay, she described the end of their relationship as "heart-wrenching" but, she was accepting of the fact they "needed a pause. A long pause."

Martin explained: "We were arguing more than we were getting along.

"Energetically, the timing wasn't right. We both still needed to grow. It took falling apart to build ourselves back together."

In her essay, Martin shared she spent time working on herself, attending therapy, exercising, practicing self-care, and exploring her creativity. It was only after this process, she decided to reach out to Erik 18 months later, one Thursday afternoon.

She penned: "When I called Erik on that random Thursday a few months ago, he was shocked to hear from me. He took time to process that first conversation and then we began to learn about each other again. We wanted to make sure this time would be different. Better."

After months of dating and rediscovering their relationship, Martin announced on Sunday, November 21 in the same open essay that she and Brooks were engaged for a second time.

Brooks popped the question whilst the couple were on holiday on Harbor Island in the Bahamas.

Newsweek has approached TODAY Show representatives for comment.

Who Is Erik Brooks?

Erik Brooks is the Founder & CEO of Ethos Capital, an equity investment firm.

He also attended Harvard Business School, according to his LinkedIn Page.

Brooks, who is Boston-based, has three children from a separate marriage.

Unfortunately, very little is known about him but fans of the couple can expect to see a lot more of them now that they are officially engaged.

Martin's essay about her second engagement to Brooks was shared via TODAY's social media pages and fans of the presenter have been sharing their messages of congratulations online.

On Twitter, one fan replied: "Oh my gosh @JillMartin, I am soo happy for you. Congratulations! You deserve all the happiness in the world."

A second fan wrote: "I think her story is more beautiful and meaningful the 2nd time around."

A third fan added: "That's pretty cool. I think you need to go through things before a relationship really solidifies. After 40 years together, my wife and I are closer than ever. You can't abandon ship without trying to save it."

The TODAY show airs on weekdays at 7 a.m. ET on NBC.

Martin's new special "Holiday Steals & Deals with Jill Martin," launches November 22 at 8 a.m. ET on Peacock.