Sharon Mobley Stow: Jim Acosta’s Ex-Wife, Nursing Career, and Life After Divorce

Sharon Mobley Stow is a registered nurse from Maryland who gained public attention through her marriage to Jim Acosta, former CNN Chief White House Correspondent. Born on December 26, 1970, in Severna Park, Maryland, Sharon has consistently maintained a private life despite her connection to a prominent journalist.

Unlike many individuals associated with public figures, Sharon chose a healthcare career and has dedicated herself to nursing. Her 23-year marriage to Acosta ended in 2017, but she has remained focused on her profession and raising their three children away from media scrutiny.

While public records confirm her work as a registered nurse in Maryland, including a documented position as a Substitute Registered Nurse for Anne Arundel County in 2018, Sharon has successfully kept most details of her personal and professional life private.

Early Life and Family Background

Sharon Mobley Stow grew up in Severna Park, Maryland, where she was raised by her parents, Joy Johnson and Kent W. Stow. She has two siblings: Michelle Marie Stow Vance and Steven Stow. Her upbringing in a supportive family environment shaped her values around privacy and service to others.

From an early age, Sharon showed interest in healthcare. This passion guided her educational choices and eventually led her to pursue nursing as a profession. Her family background emphasized education and hard work, values that would serve her throughout her career.

Growing up in Maryland provided Sharon with strong community ties that have remained important to her. Even after marrying a high-profile journalist, she maintained her connections to her home state, where she continues to live and work.

Education and Professional Training

Sharon attended James Madison University in Virginia, where she pursued a nursing degree. She graduated in 1993 with the qualifications needed to become a registered nurse. The university is where she also met Jim Acosta, who was studying mass communication with a minor in political science.

Her education provided the foundation for a career dedicated to patient care. Nursing requires not only technical knowledge but also compassion and dedication—qualities Sharon demonstrated throughout her professional life.

According to Maryland licensing records, Sharon received her nursing license on September 14, 2015. This credential allowed her to work professionally as a registered nurse in Maryland hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Nursing Career in Maryland

Sharon Mobley Stow built her career as a registered nurse in Maryland. Public records confirm she worked as a Substitute Registered Nurse for Anne Arundel County in 2018, a position that typically involves filling shifts across various healthcare settings as needed.

Substitute or per-diem nursing positions offer flexibility, which can be particularly valuable for professionals balancing work with family responsibilities. Throughout her career, Sharon has worked in different hospitals across Maryland, though specific workplace details remain private.

Registered nurses in the United States earn between $56 and $118 per hour, depending on experience and location. With her years of experience in Maryland’s healthcare system, Sharon has built both a respected career and financial stability through her work.

Her commitment to nursing continued even during challenging personal times, including throughout her divorce proceedings in 2017. This dedication demonstrates her professional integrity and commitment to patient care.

Meeting Jim Acosta at James Madison University

Sharon met Jim Acosta during their time at James Madison University in Virginia in the early 1990s. Both were focused on their respective fields—Sharon on nursing and Jim on mass communication. Their relationship developed gradually through mutual friends and shared campus experiences.

The couple dated for several years while completing their education. They bonded over their ambitions and supported each other through the challenges of university life. By 1993, after both had graduated (Sharon in 1993, Jim in 1993), their relationship had grown serious enough to lead to engagement.

Their college romance laid the foundation for what would become a 23-year marriage. Meeting at the university, where both were building the skills for their future careers, created a partnership based on mutual respect and shared goals.

Marriage to Jim Acosta

Sharon Mobley Stow and Jim Acosta married in 1994 at the Wye of Carmichael United Methodist Church in Queenstown, Maryland. The wedding was a private ceremony attended by close friends and family members. Following their nuptials, the couple honeymooned in the Greek Islands before beginning their married life together.

The marriage lasted 23 years, during which Jim’s journalism career took off significantly. He joined CNN in April 2007 and became increasingly prominent, particularly during his coverage of presidential campaigns and his role as Chief White House Correspondent. His confrontations with President Donald Trump during press conferences brought him national attention.

Throughout their marriage, Sharon and Jim maintained a home in Maryland. In 2008, they purchased a house valued at approximately $660,000. The three-bedroom property served as their family home, where they raised their children away from the intense public scrutiny that came with Jim’s career.

Sharon supported Jim’s demanding career while pursuing her own work in nursing. Balancing two professional careers with family life required significant effort, particularly as Jim’s role at CNN became more high-profile and demanding.

Children and Family Life

Sharon and Jim Acosta are parents to three children. Their daughter Hartley and son Peter are known publicly, while the name of their third child has not been disclosed. Throughout their marriage and following their divorce, Sharon has prioritized protecting her children’s privacy.

Raising three children while both parents maintained demanding careers presented challenges. Jim’s work as a White House correspondent involved frequent travel and unpredictable hours. Sharon’s nursing career also required flexibility and dedication, often involving shift work and extended hours.

Despite these challenges, Sharon focused on providing stability and normalcy for her children. She kept them out of the media spotlight even as Jim’s profile grew. This commitment to her children’s privacy reflects her broader values around maintaining personal boundaries.

After the divorce, Sharon continued her role as a dedicated mother, maintaining custody and care for her children in Maryland while Jim remained involved in their lives.

The Divorce in 2017

After 23 years of marriage, Sharon Mobley Stow and Jim Acosta quietly separated in early 2017. They filed for divorce on July 6, 2017, at the Charles County District Court in Maryland. The proceedings were finalized later that year.

The couple never publicly disclosed the reasons for their separation. Both chose to handle the matter privately, without media interviews or public statements. This approach protected their family, particularly their children, from unnecessary public scrutiny.

The divorce came during a particularly intense period in Jim’s career. His confrontations with President Trump had made him one of the most recognized journalists in America. Despite this public attention, Sharon and Jim managed to keep details of their separation private.

Following the divorce, the division of their assets likely included the family home and other financial considerations. However, specific details of the settlement have never been made public, in keeping with both parties’ preference for privacy.

Life After Divorce

Since her 2017 divorce, Sharon Mobley Stow has maintained an exceptionally private life. She continues to work as a nurse in Maryland and focuses on raising her children. Unlike Jim, who has remained in the public eye through his journalism career, Sharon has deliberately stayed away from media attention.

Sharon does not maintain any social media presence. She has no accounts on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or other platforms. This complete absence from social media has helped her maintain the privacy she values.

While Jim Acosta left CNN in January 2025 after refusing a late-night timeslot for his show, Sharon’s life has remained steady and focused on her professional and family responsibilities. She continues to live in Maryland, where she has strong community ties and professional connections.

There has been no public information about Sharon dating or entering new relationships since the divorce. She appears content, focusing on her career, her children, and living life on her own terms without public scrutiny.

Financial Status and Net Worth

As of 2026, Sharon Mobley Stow’s net worth is estimated between $500,000 and $2 million. This wealth comes primarily from her nursing career and potentially from the divorce settlement, though financial details of the settlement were never made public.

Experienced registered nurses in the United States, particularly those in the Maryland area, can earn substantial salaries. With decades of experience and specialized skills, nurses can earn well over $100,000 annually. Sharon’s long-standing career in Maryland healthcare has provided her with financial stability.

The couple’s 2008 home purchase for $660,000 represented significant shared assets during their marriage. Real estate holdings, retirement accounts, and other investments likely contributed to Sharon’s current financial position, though specific details remain private.

Sharon’s financial independence allows her to maintain her lifestyle and support her children without relying on public attention or leveraging her connection to a well-known journalist. This independence aligns with her values of self-sufficiency and privacy.

What Are Sharon Mobley Stow’s Most Valuable Assets?

While specific details about Sharon Mobley Stow’s assets aren’t public knowledge, we can make some educated guesses based on typical valuable assets for someone in her position.

1. Real Estate: Sharon and Jim owned a home in Maryland during their marriage. Depending on the divorce settlement, Sharon may still own this property or have purchased a new home. Real estate is often one of the most valuable assets a person can own.
2. Retirement Accounts: As a long-time nurse, Sharon likely has substantial retirement savings. This could include a 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plans, as well as personal IRAs.
3. Investments: With a net worth of over $1 million, Sharon likely has some of her wealth invested in stocks, bonds, or mutual funds.
4. Savings Accounts: A portion of Sharon’s wealth is probably held in traditional savings accounts or certificates of deposit (CDs) for easy access and security.
5. Personal Property: While not typically as valuable as real estate or financial assets, items like cars, jewelry, and home furnishings can contribute to overall net worth.
6. Professional Credentials: While not a tangible asset, Sharon’s nursing license and experience are valuable. They allow her to earn a good income and contribute significantly to her overall financial picture.

Remember, the true value of these assets can fluctuate based on market conditions and personal circumstances. Without more detailed information, it’s impossible to say exactly what Sharon’s most valuable assets are.

Current Residence and Lifestyle

Sharon Mobley Stow currently resides in Maryland, though her exact location remains private. Maryland has been her home throughout her life—from her childhood in Severna Park through her marriage and continuing after her divorce.

Her lifestyle reflects her values: quiet, grounded, and focused on meaningful work rather than public recognition. She continues her nursing career while raising her children in a stable environment away from media attention.

Unlike many individuals connected to celebrities, Sharon has never sought to capitalize on her association with Jim Acosta. She has not given interviews, written books, or made public appearances related to her marriage. This commitment to privacy is remarkable given the intense public interest in her ex-husband’s career.

Sharon’s choice to remain in Maryland, where she has family connections and professional ties, demonstrates her preference for stability and continuity over the opportunities that might come with a more public profile.

Public Records and Privacy

While Sharon Mobley Stow values privacy, certain public records confirm key facts about her life. Maryland payroll records list her as a Substitute Registered Nurse for Anne Arundel County in 2018. Her nursing license, issued on September 14, 2015, provides official documentation of her professional credentials.

Court records from Charles County District Court confirm the 2017 divorce filing and finalization. The couple’s 2008 home purchase in Maryland is also documented in public property records.

Beyond these official records, very little verified information about Sharon exists in the public domain. She has successfully maintained privacy in an era when personal information is readily accessible. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given her connection to a prominent journalist who regularly appears on national television.

Sharon’s approach to privacy serves as a reminder that it is possible to maintain personal boundaries even when connected to public figures, provided one is committed to staying out of the spotlight.

Comparison with Jim Acosta’s Public Life

The contrast between Sharon Mobley Stow’s private life and Jim Acosta’s public career is striking. While Jim became one of America’s most recognizable journalists through his work at CNN, Sharon deliberately chose a path away from public attention.

Jim Acosta served as CNN’s Chief White House Correspondent during both the Obama and the first Trump administrations. His confrontational style with President Trump, particularly during White House press briefings, made him a household name. In January 2021, he was appointed CNN’s anchor and Chief Domestic Correspondent.

In January 2025, Jim left CNN after refusing to accept a midnight timeslot for his show, ending an 18-year tenure with the network. Throughout his career’s ups and downs, Sharon remained completely removed from his professional life, maintaining her own identity separate from his fame.

This separation between their lives demonstrates Sharon’s commitment to her own path. While Jim’s career thrived on public visibility, Sharon found fulfillment in the quieter but equally important work of nursing and raising their children.

Misconceptions and Rumors

Several misconceptions about Sharon Mobley Stow persist in online sources. The most significant involves conflicting information about when she and Jim Acosta married. While most sources cite 1994 as their wedding year, some claim 1993, and Wikipedia states 1999. The most reliable sources, including recent articles and court records, support 1994 as the correct year.

Similarly, confusion exists about the number of children they have. Some sources claim two children, while most report three. The consistent identification of Hartley and Peter, plus references to a third unnamed child, supports the three-children claim.

Sharon’s birth year also varies in different sources, with some listing 1970 and others 1971. December 26, 1970, appears most frequently in recent articles and should be considered most reliable.

False rumors, including completely unfounded claims connecting Sharon to other public figures like Anthony Weiner, occasionally circulate online. These have no basis in fact and reflect the misinformation that can spread about private individuals connected to celebrities.

Conclusion

Sharon Mobley Stow represents a different kind of strength—one built on privacy, dedication, and living according to personal values rather than public expectations. While known primarily as Jim Acosta’s ex-wife, her identity extends far beyond this connection.

As a registered nurse in Maryland, Sharon has built a meaningful career helping others through healthcare. Her work in Anne Arundel County and other Maryland facilities demonstrates her commitment to patient care and professional excellence.

Her success in maintaining privacy throughout a 23-year marriage to a prominent journalist and continuing that privacy after their 2017 divorce is noteworthy. In an age of oversharing and constant connectivity, Sharon’s complete absence from social media and public life stands out.

With a net worth between $500,000 and $2 million, Sharon has achieved financial independence through her own career efforts. She continues to raise her three children in Maryland, providing them with stability and normalcy despite their father’s public profile.

Sharon Mobley Stow’s story reminds us that meaningful lives can be lived away from the spotlight. Her dedication to nursing, her children, and her privacy demonstrates that success takes many forms—not all of them requiring public recognition.