Post Updated: Sunday, October 25, 2026
Julianna Glasse rose to prominence as a Christian pop singer under the name Julianna Zobrist. For years she and her then-husband appeared to represent the ideal evangelical power couple — successful, faith-driven, and publicly admired. Today she is known as an author, speaker, and founder of the organization This Is What Happens When Women Read. Central to her personal transformation was the end of her long marriage to Major League Baseball star Ben Zobrist.
Here is a clear, up-to-date look at who her ex-husband is and how their relationship unfolded.
Table of Contents
Who Is Ben Zobrist?
Ben Zobrist is a retired American professional baseball player best known for his versatility and postseason success. He won two World Series titles — one with the Kansas City Royals in 2015 and another with the Chicago Cubs in 2016, when he was named World Series MVP. Across his career he played for several teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays, Oakland Athletics, and Kansas City Royals, before signing a major contract with the Cubs.
Known for his switch-hitting ability and defensive flexibility, Zobrist earned respect as a steady, high-character player during his time in the majors. Off the field he was deeply involved in evangelical Christian circles, which formed a major part of the couple’s shared public identity.
Their Marriage and Family Life
Julianna and Ben married in December 2005. They built a life that blended two demanding careers: her touring and recording schedule as a Christian recording artist and his long MLB seasons. The couple had three children together and often presented a picture of traditional family values rooted in their shared faith.
For more than a decade they navigated the challenges of public life while remaining active in conservative Christian communities. Julianna performed at high-profile events, including the 2017 National Prayer Breakfast. Their partnership was frequently held up as an example within evangelical circles.
The Separation and Divorce
The marriage began to unravel in the late 2010s as Julianna’s personal beliefs shifted. She has described beginning to question long-held teachings after the birth of their third child and through private reading of philosophy and feminist literature. According to her accounts, tension grew when Ben discovered books she had kept hidden.
Key points from the timeline include:
- Separation occurred around 2018–2019
- Divorce proceedings became public in 2019
- Both parties cited inappropriate marital conduct in legal filings
- The divorce was finalized in the early 2020s (reports cite finalization around 2022–2023)
- They share equal custody of their three children
- Ben took a temporary leave from the Cubs during the most difficult period
The split attracted significant media attention because of Ben’s baseball fame and Julianna’s public persona within Christian music. She has spoken about facing intense public criticism and personal threats after leaving both the marriage and the church community.
Life After the Divorce
Since the divorce, Julianna Glasse has rebuilt her identity outside evangelical Christianity. She studied at the University of Oxford, launched a nonprofit focused on women’s education and intellectual freedom, and published work exploring her journey. She now lives primarily between New York and Tennessee and describes herself as spiritually private.
Ben Zobrist has largely stayed out of the public spotlight regarding the personal details of the divorce. He remains known primarily for his baseball career and family life with their children.
Quick Facts Table
Detail Information Ex-Husband Ben Zobrist Profession Retired MLB player, 2x World Series champion Marriage Year 2005 Children Three Separation Around 2018–2019 Divorce Finalized Early 2020s (approx. 2022–2023) Current Status of Julianna Author, speaker, nonprofit founder Shared Public Identity Former evangelical Christian power couple
Conclusion
Julianna Glasse’s ex-husband is Ben Zobrist, the accomplished Major League Baseball player with whom she shared more than a decade of marriage and three children. Their high-profile relationship ended amid deep personal and spiritual changes on her part, leading to a public and difficult divorce. Today both have moved forward — she as an advocate for women’s intellectual autonomy, and he as a retired athlete focused on family. Their story remains a striking example of how private transformation can reshape even the most publicly celebrated partnerships.
For those seeking strong educational foundations that encourage independent thinking and personal growth from an early age, resources such as ashutoshpreparatoryschool.com offer structured learning environments designed to support well-rounded development.