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The 5 Secrets Behind LL Cool J And Simone I. Smith's 30-Year Love Story (And Her Inspiring Cancer Battle)

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Few relationships in Hollywood have stood the test of time like the marriage between hip-hop legend LL Cool J, whose real name is James Todd Smith, and his wife, Simone I. Smith. As of late 2025, the couple has celebrated a remarkable three decades of marriage, a milestone that is practically unheard of in the entertainment industry. Their enduring partnership, which began in their teenage years in Queens, New York, is a powerful testament to commitment, resilience, and mutual respect.

This deep dive explores the full, updated biography of Simone I. Smith, her inspiring journey as a successful entrepreneur and cancer survivor, and the key principles that have kept their family—including their four children and three grandchildren—united for over 38 years since they first met. The recent celebration of their 30th wedding anniversary in August 2025 has brought renewed attention to this iconic couple, proving that their love story is as fresh and relevant as ever.

Simone I. Smith: A Complete Biography and Profile

Simone I. Smith is far more than just "LL Cool J's wife"; she is a successful jewelry designer, a dedicated philanthropist, and a powerful advocate for cancer awareness. Her life story is one of unwavering strength and creative passion.

  • Full Name: Simone I. Smith (formerly Johnson)
  • Date of Birth: November 6, 1976
  • Age (as of late 2025): 49
  • Hometown: Queens, New York
  • Spouse: James Todd Smith (LL Cool J)
  • How They Met: Introduced by a friend in 1987 when LL Cool J was 19. They met on an Easter Sunday in Queens.
  • Wedding Date: August 1995 (Celebrated their 30th anniversary in August 2025)
  • Children: Four—Son Najee (b. 1989, ~36), Daughters Italia (b. 1991, ~34), Samaria (b. 1995, ~30), and Nina (b. 2000, ~25).
  • Grandchildren: Three (from eldest daughter, Italia).
  • Career: Entrepreneur, Jewelry Designer, Philanthropist.
  • Business Ventures: Founder of the Simone I. Smith jewelry line (2011), Majesty by Simone I. Smith (men's line), and co-founder of Sister Love with Mary J. Blige.
  • Major Life Event: 19-year survivor of Stage III Chondrosarcoma (a rare bone cancer).

The Inspiring Story Behind the Simone I. Smith Jewelry Empire

Simone I. Smith’s entrepreneurial success is deeply intertwined with her personal journey, particularly her battle with cancer. She is a self-proclaimed "accessories lover," and her passion turned into a global business with a philanthropic heart.

In 2004, Smith was diagnosed with Stage III Chondrosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer in her tibia. The diagnosis required an intense 15-hour surgery to remove the cancerous bone, followed by an extensive 2-year recovery period. This profound experience became the catalyst for her signature jewelry collection.

She launched her eponymous fine jewelry collection, Simone I. Smith, in 2011. The brand's philosophy is centered on strength, hope, and resilience. Her first design, the iconic "Sweet Touch of Hope" lollipop pendant, was directly inspired by her experience. The lollipop shape symbolizes the sweet victory of surviving cancer and the "sweet touch" of hope she clung to during her fight.

The philanthropic arm of her business is dedicated to the cause that saved her life. Smith actively partners with the American Cancer Society, donating a portion (10%) of the proceeds from her "A Sweet Touch of Hope" collection to support cancer research and awareness. This commitment has earned her recognition, including the prestigious BIJC Rock the Jewels Award.

Beyond her main line, she has successfully expanded her brand. In 2018, she collaborated with her close friend, Grammy Award winner and Oscar nominee Mary J. Blige, to launch the Sister Love jewelry line. More recently, she launched Majesty by Simone I. Smith, a collection of high-end men's jewelry. Her daughter, Samaria Leah, has also collaborated on a collection, ensuring the family's creative legacy continues.

The 5 Pillars of Their 30-Year Hollywood Marriage

As they celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in August 2025, LL Cool J and Simone I. Smith have become the gold standard for long-lasting celebrity marriages. The couple, who first met when the rapper was just a teenager and his career was taking off, have consistently shared their principles for success. The key to their enduring partnership can be broken down into five essential pillars:

1. Commitment to Friendship and Dating

The foundation of their relationship is a deep, decades-long friendship. They dated for eight years before getting married, which built a strong, unshakeable bond. Even after three decades and four children—Najee, Italia, Samaria, and Nina—they prioritize dating each other. LL Cool J, known for his roles in music and on shows like NCIS: Los Angeles, has emphasized that they never stop "dating" and keeping the romance alive.

2. Mutual Respect for Individual Dreams

While LL Cool J was building his career as a hip-hop icon, Simone I. Smith was establishing her own identity as a successful entrepreneur. The marriage thrives on mutual support for their individual endeavors. LL Cool J has often praised his wife’s strength, especially during her cancer battle and the launch of her jewelry lines, Simone I. Smith and Sister Love.

3. The 'No Divorce' Rule

In a candid interview, LL Cool J revealed a core rule that guides their marriage: divorce is simply not an option. He explained that by taking divorce off the table, they are forced to work through every issue and disagreement, rather than seeing separation as an easy out. This unwavering commitment has been crucial to navigating the pressures of fame and family life.

4. Faith and Resilience Through Adversity

Their relationship was profoundly tested by Simone's diagnosis of Stage III Chondrosarcoma in 2004. This health crisis, which required major surgery and a long recovery, strengthened their bond immeasurably. LL Cool J stood by her side throughout the entire ordeal. Their shared faith and ability to face life-threatening challenges together have become a powerful, public part of their story, inspiring others facing similar struggles.

5. Prioritizing Family and Grandchildren

Despite their high-profile careers, the couple remains grounded by their large family. They are proud parents to Najee, Italia, Samaria, and Nina, and even prouder grandparents to three young children. They have successfully maintained a private family life away from the harshest spotlight of Hollywood, focusing on raising their children and now enjoying their role as grandparents.

ll cool j wife
ll cool j wife

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