Mollie King Shares Emotional Reason for Postponing Marriage to Stuart Broad
Mollie King has publicly disclosed the profoundly personal and heartbreaking reason behind her decision to delay marrying her fiancé, cricketer Stuart Broad. The 38-year-old singer and broadcaster confessed that she cannot bear the thought of having a wedding without her beloved father, Stephen, who tragically passed away just ten days after she gave birth to their first child.
A Devastating Loss Amid New Motherhood
Mollie and Stuart, 39, first began dating in 2012, briefly parted ways, and then rekindled their relationship in 2019. The couple are now parents to two daughters: Annabella, born in November 2022, and Liliana, born in January 2025. Their family joy was shattered when Mollie's father, an accountant named Stephen, died from a brain tumour in late 2022, merely three months after his diagnosis and a decade after Mollie's initial romance with Stuart.
In a candid interview with The Times, Mollie explained her emotional turmoil: 'We do need to get married — it’s high up my priorities list. We want to do it soon, but it can take a while to prepare. I’ve dreamt of my wedding day since I was five.' She elaborated on the profound impact of her father's absence, stating, 'I can’t bear to think about my wedding without Dad being there. Elements like walking down the aisle without him I still struggle with. There needs to be a gap so I can process it all.'
Coping with Grief and Family Life
Reflecting on the sudden loss, Mollie described the experience as happening 'so quickly, out of nowhere.' She was in the final stages of her pregnancy at the time, making the situation 'incredibly tough.' Despite the pain, she expressed gratitude that her father was able to meet Annabella and witness her entering motherhood.
To honour her father's memory, Mollie undertook a gruelling 500-kilometre cycle from London to Hull a year after his death, raising funds for Comic Relief. This physical challenge mirrored the emotional strength she has had to summon while navigating grief and parenting.
Career, Priorities, and Personal Growth
Mollie, who spent seven years in the pop group The Saturdays—selling five million records in the UK—has built a diverse career. She has been a presenter at Radio 1 for eight years and recently launched a new Channel 4 show, Family Budget Switch Up, which educates children about money management.
Her personal life has remained largely scandal-free, though she was previously in a five-year relationship with male supermodel David Gandy and had a brief, rumoured dalliance with Prince Harry in 2012, which she declines to discuss in detail. Regarding her pop career, Mollie noted that The Saturdays have never officially split and are open to a potential comeback, but she would only consider it when her daughters are older.
As a mother, Mollie admits that her priorities have shifted dramatically. 'My priority is my family, then work,' she said, acknowledging that self-care often falls to the bottom of her list. She praised Stuart for his ability to take time for himself, such as playing golf, and expressed a desire to learn from his example.
Stuart Broad's Support and Future Plans
Mollie highlighted Stuart's calming nature as a crucial support system, especially when she experiences anxiety. She recalled a moment in May 2024 when she realised he was 'it,' appreciating his steadiness during difficult times. The couple's relationship has endured challenges, including Stuart's five-week trip to South Africa for commentary work shortly after Liliana's birth, leaving Mollie to care for a toddler and a newborn alone.
In a reflection shared with Women's Health, Mollie spoke about the lessons learned from her father's passing. 'When I found out I was pregnant, my dad was the healthiest person I knew... To then find out halfway through my pregnancy that he had a brain tumour was such a shock,' she said. 'I think the lesson is just be kind to yourself; to know that you never know what's around the corner.'
She added, 'We are stronger than we think we are. And I think that we've all got it in us to be strong.' This resilience continues to guide her as she balances grief, family, and the hope of a future wedding with Stuart, when the time feels right.
