For years, Jess Hilarious built much of her brand by letting fans into her personal life. These days, however, the comedian, author, and co-host of The Breakfast Club is taking a different approach—especially when it comes to her marriage.
During a recent appearance on the We in Miami Podcast, Jess opened up about why she intentionally keeps her husband out of the spotlight despite her highly public career. While discussing public relationships in the entertainment industry, she explained that experience taught her there are some things worth protecting. “This is something worth protecting,” she said of her marriage. “My marriage is worth protecting. My man is worth protecting. My family, my brand is worth protecting.”
Jess revealed that her decision stems in part from lessons learned during previous relationships that played out publicly. She noted that when relationships become “content,” the fallout often becomes public business too.
“If it don't work, oh, you going to have to go back and explain to all these millions of people,” she said, describing why she now chooses a more private path.
The shift reflects a major chapter in Jess’ life. The Baltimore native recently released her book ‘Til Death Do Us Parent, a co-parenting memoir inspired by her experience raising her 14-year-old son Ashton alongside his father, Rome.
In the interview, she described the support system surrounding her family, saying, “My husband, everybody collectively, we all help raise this kid.”
That family has continued to grow. Jess and her husband Chris, a trucking company CEO, welcomed daughter Marley Sky Moore Tolliver in August 2024. According to Jess, Chris has also embraced a positive role in Ashton’s life, helping maintain the healthy co-parenting dynamic she discusses throughout her book.
She also shared the story of how the relationship began. After spotting Chris at a Baltimore restaurant in February 2023, Jess made the first move by offering to buy him a drink. The pair eventually exchanged numbers, and she said the connection developed almost immediately. “He hit me a week later, took me on a date, and I haven't left his side since then.”
Perhaps the most revealing moment came when Jess described how marriage changed her personally. “When you marry somebody that just breathes life into you and pour into you and empower you, lift you up,” she said, “it shows.”
She added that her husband handles her “with so much care” and credited the relationship with helping her embrace a softer side of herself.
