While it may not be considered a recent development, the dashing CNN Tonight host, Don Lemon, is now in a committed relationship. In reality, this prominent figure in cable news has been preparing for a wedding with his partner of many years, Tim Malone, since 2019.
For a detailed account of their relationship and Lemon’s journey of publicly coming out, click here, and discover when Malone will formally accept the role of being Don Lemon’s spouse.
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He Came Out In His 2011 Memoir, Transparent
Lemon has openly acknowledged his sexual orientation for a considerable period of time, living authentically. In 2011, when he published his memoir “Transparent,” he shared his truth with the world.
Before releasing his memoir, Lemon explained to the New York Times that his initial intention was to write an inspiring book. However, he altered his message and opted to release a memoir instead.
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“When I started reviewing it,” he explained, “I decided to keep those personal details in the book. I strongly dislike hypocrisy. I believe that if you’re in the news business, your mission is to tell the truth, to illuminate the obscure corners, and therefore, you must be truthful. The same principles should apply to you as they do to everyone else.”
Lemon went on to express, “I believe it would be wonderful if everyone could be open about their sexual orientation. However, it’s a profoundly personal decision, and individuals must do it at their own pace. I respect that. I must say, though, that the more people who come out, the better it is for everyone.”
Don Lemon Felt ‘Scared’ About Coming Out
Lemon didn’t have a strong desire to turn his sexual orientation into a significant news story. Prior to the publication of “Transparent,” there were only a few openly gay news anchors, with Rachel Maddow and Thomas Roberts from MSNBC being the most well-known figures at that time.
Lemon shared with People in June 2020 that the process of coming out to his mother, Katherine Clark, was filled with tension and emotional turmoil. According to the anchor, he called her in the 1990s after ending a relationship with a boyfriend, describing the experience as “one of those emotionally charged moments.”
“She inquired about the nature of our relationship, and I told her, ‘He was my romantic partner,'” Lemon disclosed. “That’s when I began to cry.”
“She accepted it for a period,” he added. “However, as I grew more confident in my identity, she grew more uneasy.”
Lemon explained that Clark worried about her son’s safety and welfare and felt a sense of loss for not having the chance to be a grandmother. Fortunately, with time, she had a change of heart and became more accepting.
“She began to get to know my friends and become familiar with my life, and she genuinely began to embrace it,” he explained. “She recognized that many of the worries she had weren’t valid; she had built them up in her mind.”
Years later, when Lemon was prepared to make his public declaration, he experienced anxiety once again. “I’m fearful,” he confided to the New York Times just before his book’s release. “I’m discussing something that might lead people to reject me or exclude me.”
However, ultimately, Lemon found the strength to do what he believed was the right thing. He stated, “I believe that if I had witnessed more individuals like me, openly embracing their identity, it wouldn’t have taken me 45 years to acknowledge it and live authentically.”
Tim Malone Became The Perfect Partner For Don Lemon
If you follow Don Lemon on Instagram, you’ll notice that his life with Tim Malone seems like a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting brought to life.
Lemon jokingly mentioned their relationship as “heteronormative” to friends, highlighting how they engage in traditional activities like watching football, ice skating, cooking dinner, and doing puzzles.
Malone, a real estate agent in New York, first crossed paths with Lemon in 2015 at a popular venue in the Hamptons. They began dating the following year and made their relationship public on Instagram in April 2017. In 2018, they even shared a New Year’s kiss live on CNN, a notable public display of affection.
On April 6, 2019, Malone took Lemon by surprise by proposing to him. Being very devoted to their family life, Malone involved their beloved pets, Boomer and Barkley, in the proposal:
Lemon and Malone recognize that, based on outward appearances, they might seem like an unconventional couple. Nonetheless, they are determined not to allow surface-level disparities to hinder their love.
“As a couple, I believe we have quite a fascinating narrative, particularly with our age gap,” mentioned Malone, who is 18 years younger than Lemon. “We come from different backgrounds, including diverse racial backgrounds… When we initially started dating, there were many questions about what might pose a challenge, and honestly, our sexual orientation was the least of our concerns.”
Malone’s primary worry revolved around entering a relationship with a well-known public figure and confirming his partner’s readiness for a long-term commitment.
Lemon addressed his boyfriend’s concerns by making a public announcement as he welcomed the year 2017 on CNN. He stated, “I need a bit more balance in work and life. I might be open to a relationship this year.” He then declared that he had found love and sealed it with a public kiss with Malone.
Are Don Lemon And Tim Malone Married?
It’s been more than two years since Lemon accepted Malone’s proposal, but there’s no official wedding date announced yet. It’s possible that the pandemic may have caused some delays. However, Lemon’s Instagram posts don’t suggest that either of them is having second thoughts.
“I’m just focusing on relishing this period of happiness. And then, whenever we decide to get married, we’ll do it,” Lemon shared with People in 2019. “The advice I often receive from people is not to get too fixated on the ceremony or wedding planning—just savor the moment.”
One thing that’s clear is that Lemon isn’t concerned about being labeled a groomzilla. When Chris Cuomo playfully commented on the size of his engagement ring, Lemon responded, “If I’m going to get married, I want some bling, and who cares? It’s my finger, and it’s my marriage.”
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