While Today anchor Laura Jarrett may be one of the most trusted faces delivering America’s weekend news, she’ll be the first to tell you that she doesn’t shine alone. Behind the studio lights and polished broadcasts stands a devoted husband who has supported her through some of the biggest changes in her life — attorney and academic leader Tony Balkissoon.

Their relationship began far away from TV studios and camera crews. In 2008, Laura and Tony were both Harvard Law School students, navigating casebooks and late-night study sessions. What started as an academic connection blossomed into a deep partnership rooted in shared intelligence, ambition, and values. Just four years later, they married — and the adventure really began.

Today, Tony serves as the vice president and executive counsel at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, where he works at the intersection of education, public service, and the legal system. His work highlights the couple’s mutual passion for justice and fairness — something that profoundly influenced Laura’s early career path.

Before stepping into journalism, Laura spent years practicing law, following the prestigious path she built at Harvard. But at a critical point in her legal career, she found herself questioning whether the traditional law firm ladder — and the push toward becoming a partner — was truly fulfilling. Tony played a crucial role in encouraging her to explore her interests beyond the courtroom.

“He would tell me, ‘You’re so energized by the work you love. That excitement makes you better in every part of your life,’” Laura has said. With that confidence behind her, she made the jump to news — a courageous switch that brought her first to CNN, where she served as a legal correspondent for six years.

Then, in January 2023, her biggest dream yet came true. She joined NBC News as a senior legal correspondent, bringing insightful reporting and analysis to millions of viewers. Just months later, she was named the official co-anchor of Weekend Today, succeeding Kristen Welker. Tony stood proudly by her side through every milestone, cheering the success he always believed she deserved.

For Laura and Tony, teamwork isn’t limited to career goals. They’re also parents to two young children who keep them laughing, learning, and always on their toes: their son, James, and their daughter, June.

The couple intentionally waited to start their family, wanting time to grow together before diving into parenthood. “We had the freedom to travel, have fun, and just enjoy being a couple,” Laura has shared. “It was one of the best choices we made.”

Now, James and June have become the light of their world. James, who has recently discovered his love for puzzles and Sudoku, already has the sharp mind of his parents. In one particularly adorable moment, he told his mom, “It’s OK, you don’t get it,” when she tried to jump in and help solve one of his games — a strong, humorous reminder that independence starts early.

And then there’s little June — who wakes up smiling, giggling, and ready to steal hearts every single day. When Laura comes home from work, June reportedly squeals with excitement just at the sight of her mom. The bond is pure joy — and one that fuels Laura through long days and late-night news coverage.

Tony, too, cherishes his role as a hands-on dad. Whether attending school events, cheering on achievements, or simply enjoying family movie night, he balances a demanding job with being fully present for his wife and kids. His support ensures Laura can thrive in front of the camera while knowing everything at home is filled with love and stability.

One aspect that makes their marriage strong is their shared intuition about each other’s stress and success. Tony recognizes the version of Laura that TV audiences see — confident, engaged, and passionate — and takes pride in knowing he helped her get there by encouraging her to follow her heart.

Their relationship is also grounded in humor. In interviews, Laura has joked about parenting surprises, playful kid commentary, and life as a working mom — and Tony is often right there, chiming in with a laugh. They know when to take life seriously… and when not to.

Despite their high-profile roles, Laura and Tony keep their family life remarkably grounded. They prioritize privacy, normalcy, and a loving environment where their kids can grow up without feeling the weight of their parents’ public careers. They’re deliberate about giving James and June space to be imaginative children, without pressure to perform.

As Laura continues rising in the broadcast world — and Tony continues shaping the future of education and criminal justice — their partnership remains the foundation that keeps them strong. Love, respect, shared values, and unwavering encouragement form the bedrock of everything they do.

Laura often credits Tony with boosting her confidence at pivotal moments, while Tony admires Laura’s leadership and resilience. Whether they’re navigating a major career shift or simply solving a puzzle with their kids on the living room floor, their commitment to one another is unmistakable.

In a world where ambition can divide families, Laura and Tony prove the opposite can be true: when you build each other up, the journey becomes richer for everyone. Two brilliant careers, two beautiful children, and one incredibly supportive marriage — that’s the story behind one of morning TV’s rising stars.