Jess Hilarious on co-parenting, motherhood and her new memoir ‘Til Death Do We Parent’

Jess Hilarious says her new memoir isn’t really about comedy. It’s about learning how to co-parent, let go of resentment and build a healthy family after a turbulent relationship.

In “‘Til Death Do We Parent,” the comedian and “The Breakfast Club” co-host, whose real name is Jessica Moore, reflects on becoming a young mother in Baltimore while navigating a volatile relationship with the father of her son.

The book chronicles years marked by infidelity, financial struggles, manipulation and conflict, as well as the difficult work of forgiveness and accountability that ultimately allowed the pair to build a healthier co-parenting relationship.

In an exclusive interview with UATL before hitting Atlanta this weekend for a book signing and two nights of shows, Hilarious said writing the memoir forced her to confront not only her son’s father’s shortcomings but her own tendency to prioritize fixing others at the expense of herself.

Jess Hilarious (center) with DJ Envy (right) and Charlamagne Tha God (left). (Courtesy of 105.3 The Beat)

The result is a candid look at motherhood, healing and the importance of community support, themes that Hilarious — who grew up idolizing Martin Lawrence, Bernie Mac and Dave Chappelle — says continue to be impactful as her career continues to grow.

And the memoir definitely shows the comedian can proudly turn any serious moment into a laughing situation.

(This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.)

Q: “‘Til Death Do We Parent” is not a typical memoir. Why is it timely in telling your story?

The co-parenting world is something that never ends. You think of relationships; they come to an end: friendships, contracts, jobs, job placement, whatever. You are a parent forever. I just wanted to kill the stigma that two people can’t come together and still raise a child if they’re not together. With families — especially Black families — that is how we’re often viewed: that there’s so much toxicity and dysfunction that there’s no way we can have a healthy bond and raise a healthy child.

That’s the whole reason why I wanted to write “‘Til Death Do We Parent.” Me and my son’s father faced a lot of adversity. It got crazy. I’ve been to jail a few times, dealing with him and infidelity and manipulation. But we put all of that aside and made it work. We’ve been great ever since. Now we are like best friends.

Comic and "The Breakfast Club" radio show co-host Jess Hilarious (right) poses with her son Ashton (left) and Ashton's father, Rome (center). In April 2026, Hilarious released a memoir on co-parenting, "'Til Death Do We Parent" (2026, Simon and Schuster). (Courtesy of Jess Hilarious)

Q: How did the relationship with your son’s father affect other relationships throughout your life?

I was giving a lot, but I wasn’t getting a lot in return, and I was subconsciously training myself for putting Band-Aids on people, like fixing people. I developed this mentality that every guy needs chance after chance — I need to give the type of grace that I gave my son’s father to everyone, no matter what they were doing to me or behind my back. Writing this book was very hard because I had to take accountability for all those things.

Comic and "The Breakfast Club" radio show co-host Jess Hilarious releases a memoir on co-parenting, "'Til Death Do We Parent" (2026, Simon and Schuster). (Courtesy of Jess Hilarious)

Q: In your memoir, there’s almost this sense of centering your life around a man or the male gaze, finding a man, creating that ideal family. Where does that come from?

I’ve watched my mom take care of everyone but herself. She would do for others things that she wouldn’t even do for herself. I’m not saying my mother did not love herself, but … she just kept holding on because she was taught you don’t give up on your marriage.

Q: Why don’t Black women tend to put themselves first? Why aren’t they allowed to be multifaceted?

I’m still trying to search for that answer. It’s embedded in us. Even going back 400 years ago, we take care of everyone. The woman is the person who makes the house a home, and it’s not right until the woman is here. Every Black man needs a Black woman. Behind every powerful man is a Black woman, to the point where we don’t ever get to be tired. We don’t get to go and live for ourselves. That’s why I think it is frowned upon that we have these go-getter, independent women.

Comic and "The Breakfast Club" radio show co-host Jess Hilarious during her earlier days in standup comedy. (Courtesy of Jess Hilarious)

We can do it all. I can be a nice housewife and do all the wifely duties for my husband, but I still get up every morning and I go to “Breakfast Club.” I still travel every weekend, and I get on that stage for my fans. I’m making laps every day.

Q: What advice do you have for a Black woman pursuing a nonconventional career path as a single mother?

Comic and "The Breakfast Club" radio show co-host Jess Hilarious poses with her family. (From L to R: Jess, daughter Marley, son Ashton, husband Chris.) (Courtesy of Jess Hilarious)

I had a village, and that’s the most important thing. If it wasn’t for my parents, (my son’s father), his friends, my cousins, my aunts and uncles all stepping in to help raise this young boy that we had so young, I wouldn’t get to be on “Breakfast Club.” I wouldn’t get to be Jess Hilarious.

I’m still becoming Jess Hilarious, and I have a lot more growing to do in my career. I have a lot more stages to touch. I got a lot more ears to speak into, a lot more hearts to fill with laughter and joy. But unconventional careers come at a price. It’s gonna be hard, but that village definitely helps. That’s how I made it through; I owe everything to my parents.

IF YOU GO

Jess Hilarious Book Discussion and Signing

Free — $37.44. Friday, June 5. 1-2 p.m. 44th & 3rd Bookseller. 451 Lee St. SW, Atlanta. 678-692-6519. eventbrite.com