The Private Life And Public Split: Unpacking The Jonathan Bailey And Sage Steele Story

The relationship between Jonathan Bailey and Sage Steele is a fascinating case study in how a high-profile career can intersect with a deeply private family life, especially one that defied traditional gender roles. As of late 2025, while former ESPN anchor Sage Steele has pivoted to a new chapter in her career following her high-profile departure from the sports network, the public interest in her former husband, Jonathan Bailey, and the foundation of stability he provided for their family remains strong. Their two-decade-long partnership, marked by Jonathan's role as a dedicated stay-at-home father, provided the essential grounding for Sage's ascent to one of the most recognizable faces in sports broadcasting.

Their story is not one of Hollywood scandal, but rather a quiet, enduring partnership that began in college and ended with an equally private divorce in 2019. The details surrounding Jonathan Bailey are intentionally scarce, a testament to his commitment to privacy and his focus on raising their three children. This article dives into the known facts about their marriage, the unique family dynamic they cultivated, and the separate paths they have forged since their separation.

Biography and Timeline: The Partnership of Jonathan Bailey and Sage Steele

The foundation of the Bailey-Steele family began in the early 1990s at Indiana University. Their relationship was a classic college sweetheart story that quickly transitioned into a long-term commitment, setting the stage for a unique family structure.

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• Sage Marie Steele:
  • Born: November 28, 1972 (Age 53 as of late 2025)
  • Place of Birth: Panama Canal Zone, Panama
  • Education: Indiana University (B.A. in Sports Communication, 1995)
  • Career Highlights: ESPN Anchor (2007–2023), Co-host of SportsCenter, various roles at local stations (WISH-TV, Fox Sports Florida, etc.).
  • Current Status: Left ESPN in 2023; expanded career into political/commentary space (announced March 2024).
• Jonathan Bailey (Sage Steele's Ex-Husband):
  • Education: Indiana University (Two Degrees)
  • Previous Career: Details are highly private; he had career ambitions before committing to fatherhood.
  • Primary Role: Stay-at-Home Father (SAHD) for nearly two decades.
  • Current Status: Highly private post-divorce.
• Relationship Timeline:
  • Met: 1993, at Indiana University.
  • Marriage Date: October 30, 1999.
  • Children: Quinn Bailey (Daughter, born 2002), Nicholas Bailey (Son, born 2004), Evan Bailey (Daughter, born 2006).
  • Divorce Date: 2019 (Low-key and private).

The Unconventional Dynamic: A Stay-at-Home Dad and a Star Anchor

What made the Bailey-Steele marriage a subject of quiet admiration was the role reversal they embraced. While Sage Steele was traveling the country, covering major sporting events like the NBA Finals, Super Bowl, and College Football Playoff, Jonathan Bailey took on the full-time, often unsung, job of managing the home and raising their three children.

This decision was a deliberate choice made early in their marriage. When they discovered they were expecting their first child, Jonathan, despite his own career ambitions and two degrees from Indiana University, chose to step away from his professional path. This allowed Sage to pursue her demanding and high-travel career without the stress of finding consistent, external childcare.

Sage Steele often spoke publicly about the vital role Jonathan played. She candidly addressed the societal stigma that sometimes accompanied their dynamic, even writing a blog post titled "No, I'm Not the Nanny" for People magazine, where she recounted being mistaken for her children's caregiver while Jonathan was the father. This piece highlighted the challenges and judgments faced by families who choose to redefine traditional gender roles, solidifying Jonathan's identity as a dedicated stay-at-home dad (SAHD) and a co-equal partner in their life.

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Their partnership was a powerful example of modern marriage—one where career success was a shared goal, and the support system was built on mutual sacrifice and a willingness to challenge societal norms. The stability Jonathan provided was crucial in allowing Sage to thrive in the competitive, 24/7 world of sports journalism.

The Private Split and New Beginnings Post-2019

After nearly two decades of marriage, Jonathan Bailey and Sage Steele quietly divorced in 2019. In keeping with their desire for privacy, the details and primary reasons for the split were kept out of the public eye. This low-key separation was consistent with how they had managed their personal lives throughout Sage’s public career, prioritizing the well-being and privacy of their three children: Quinn, Nicholas, and Evan.

The years immediately following the divorce brought significant changes for both individuals, particularly for Sage Steele, whose career entered a new, turbulent phase.

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Sage Steele’s Pivot Post-ESPN

The most recent and public development in Sage Steele’s life is her departure from ESPN in 2023. After 16 years with the network, she left following a settlement in a lawsuit against the Walt Disney Co.-owned cable network. This exit marked the end of her prominent role as a SportsCenter anchor and signaled a major shift in her professional direction.

In a move that reflects the evolving landscape of media and commentary, Sage Steele has expanded her focus beyond sports. In March 2024, it was announced that she was moving into the political and commentary sphere, leveraging her platform and outspoken nature. This transition from a sports journalist to a broader cultural commentator has kept her in the public eye and generated fresh interest in her life and views.

Steele has since focused on new projects, including giving interviews and establishing herself as an independent voice. Her career trajectory post-ESPN illustrates a desire to exercise her "First Amendment rights" more freely, a key factor in her departure from the network.

Jonathan Bailey’s Continued Privacy

In contrast to his ex-wife's public pivot, Jonathan Bailey has maintained his commitment to a private life. Since the divorce in 2019, very little is known about his current occupation or personal life. This deliberate choice to remain out of the media spotlight underscores his identity not as a celebrity spouse, but as a man who dedicated a significant portion of his life to his family.

His legacy, as understood by the public, remains centered on his role as the anchor of the Steele-Bailey household. He is remembered for redefining what it means to be a supportive partner and a primary caregiver, allowing his wife to achieve professional success while ensuring their children had a stable, loving environment. The story of Jonathan Bailey and Sage Steele, therefore, is ultimately a narrative about the complexities of modern partnership, the sacrifices made for career and family, and the quiet dignity of a relationship that, while ended, laid the groundwork for significant professional achievements.