LL COOL J credited separate televisions and mutual respect because the keys to his 30-year marriage to Simone I. Smith, sharing the light-hearted recommendation whereas reflecting on their long-lasting bond.
“Having a pair TVs doesn’t harm,” the 57-year-old Hip-Hop icon instructed Folks. “A few TVs goes a great distance.”
The Queens native defined the logic behind the setup. “As a result of I may not wish to watch actuality all day lengthy. I would wish to watch a documentary or one thing so she may go watch actuality, I can go in there and watch a documentary.” His conclusion? “All people’s completely satisfied.”
Whereas the tv technique would possibly sound easy, LL emphasised that the actual glue behind their relationship is constructed on one thing deeper.
“Simply mutual respect,” he defined. “Preserve it easy. That’s all.”
The couple’s historical past dates again to 1987 after they met by a mutual good friend. After eight years of courting, they married in 1995. In August 2025, they marked their thirtieth marriage ceremony anniversary with a touching Instagram submit.
“30 years of marriage at the moment. All glory to our Lord and savior Jesus the Christ!!” Smith wrote within the caption.
She additionally supplied her personal reflections on what it takes to make a wedding final. “Marriage isn’t for the weak, it’s for the trustworthy. It takes work, love, listening, selecting your battles, being a good friend, a prayer warrior, a cheerleader, and a secure place.”
Smith added, “Each marriage has its personal DNA,” and famous there’s no one-size-fits-all components. As an alternative, she emphasised the significance of “grace, dedication and two folks keen to develop by each season collectively.”
“We’ve laughed, cried, prayed, forgiven, and grown—collectively,” she mentioned. “We did the work, and God did the remaining.”
The longtime pair made a joint look on the 2025 MTV VMAs in matching houndstooth outfits in September.
Collectively, LL COOL J and Smith have 4 youngsters: Najee, 36; Italia, 34; Samaria, 30; and Nina, 25. They’re additionally grandparents to 2 youngsters by their daughter, Italia.