Updated: April 12, 2026
The name Elizabeth Smart instantly brings back memories of one of the most heart-wrenching kidnapping cases in modern American history. In 2002, the 14-year-old girl was taken from her bedroom in Salt Lake City at knifepoint and held captive for nine long months. Her parents, Ed and Lois Smart, became the public face of unwavering hope as they pleaded for their daughter’s safe return. The family’s strength during that nightmare inspired millions. Yet, years later, another deeply personal chapter unfolded—one that surprised many: the divorce of Elizabeth Smart parents after more than three decades of marriage.
This story is not just about the end of a long union. It’s about resilience, personal truth, family bonds that bend but don’t break, and the quiet courage it takes to rebuild after unimaginable pain. In this post, we explore what led to the split, how the family navigated it, and what life looks like for them today.
Table of Contents
The Unbreakable Bond During Elizabeth’s Ordeal
Ed and Lois Smart married in 1986 and built a large, close-knit family with six children—four sons and two daughters. Elizabeth, born in 1987, was their second-oldest. Their world shattered on June 5, 2002, when a man named Brian David Mitchell abducted Elizabeth while the family slept. For nine months, the Smarts appeared on every news channel, organized massive searches, and refused to give up hope even when authorities grew skeptical.
Lois and Ed stood side by side through press conferences, prayer vigils, and sleepless nights. Their unity became a symbol of parental love. When Elizabeth was miraculously rescued in March 2003, the reunion was emotional beyond words. The family slowly tried to heal, with Elizabeth eventually becoming a powerful advocate for child safety, missing persons, and survivors of abuse. She married Matthew Gilmour in 2012, and the couple now has three children, living a relatively private life in Utah while continuing her advocacy work.
Through all of this, Ed and Lois remained pillars for their children. Their marriage, which had already weathered the ultimate test, seemed rock-solid to the outside world.
The Turning Point: Ed Smart Comes Out as Gay
In August 2019, Ed Smart made a deeply personal announcement that changed everything. He publicly came out as gay and revealed he was leaving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), a faith that had been central to the family’s life. In a heartfelt Facebook letter, Ed shared that he had struggled with his sexuality for decades and finally chose honesty with himself and his loved ones. He described the relief of living authentically while acknowledging the pain it would cause.
Lois filed for divorce on July 5, 2019, after 34 years of marriage. Court records show the divorce was finalized in Salt Lake County Court later that December. Ed spoke openly about his journey, telling media outlets like CBS that revealing his truth to his wife and six children early one morning was incredibly difficult. He emphasized his eternal love for Lois, calling her a “loyal wife and extraordinary mother” who had endured more than anyone should.
This revelation came as a shock to many followers of the family’s story. Some online discussions noted Ed’s comments comparing the emotional weight of his coming out to aspects of Elizabeth’s ordeal—a statement that stirred mixed reactions. Yet, the focus remained on the family’s private struggles amid very public lives.
How the Family Responded with Grace and Support
Elizabeth Smart’s response to her parents’ divorce was mature and compassionate. She stated publicly that while she was saddened by the separation, her love and admiration for both parents remained unchanged. She chose not to judge their personal decisions and instead focused on supporting them and the rest of the family.
The Smart siblings reportedly received the news directly from their father. Elizabeth has shared in interviews that she maintains close relationships with both parents. The family continues to prioritize their bonds, especially as grandparents—Ed and Lois are now doting grandparents to Elizabeth’s three children (Chloe, James, and Olivia) and other grandchildren.
In the years since the divorce, Ed has spoken about wanting happiness for himself and every family member. Reports suggest he has found a new chapter in his personal life, while Lois has kept a lower profile, focusing on her children and private life. The split appears to have been handled with as much dignity as possible under the circumstances.
Here’s a quick overview of key details:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Marriage Duration | 34 years (1986–2019) |
| Divorce Filed By | Lois Smart (July 5, 2019) |
| Finalized | December 2019, Salt Lake County Court |
| Main Reason | Ed Smart coming out as gay and leaving LDS Church |
| Children | 6 (4 sons, 2 daughters including Elizabeth) |
| Elizabeth’s Stance | Supportive of both parents, no judgment |
| Current Family Dynamic | Close-knit; both parents remain involved as grandparents |
This table captures the factual backbone of the story without sensationalizing the deeply personal elements.
Life After Divorce: Healing, Advocacy, and Moving Forward
Today, the Smart family continues to evolve. Elizabeth remains a tireless voice for survivors, authoring books, speaking publicly, and working to prevent crimes against children. Her own family life—with her husband and three kids—serves as a beautiful example of life reclaimed after trauma.
Ed has expressed a desire to live fully and authentically, focusing on his well-being and relationships with his children. Lois, described consistently as a devoted mother, has maintained her strength and presence in the family even after the marriage ended. While the couple no longer shares a household, reports indicate the broader family unit stays connected, putting the next generation first.
Long paragraphs like this one remind us that real life rarely fits neat headlines. The Smarts endured a horrific public trauma in 2002–2003, rebuilt together, and then faced another profound shift in 2019. Divorce after 34 years is never simple, especially when layered with faith, identity, and decades of shared history. Yet, what stands out is the family’s emphasis on love over judgment, support over division, and healing over bitterness. In a world quick to pick sides, the Smarts seem to model something quieter and more powerful: the choice to keep loving even when paths diverge.
Families are complicated. They stretch, they change, and sometimes they reconfigure in ways no one anticipates. The story of Elizabeth Smart’s parents’ divorce is ultimately one of human vulnerability meeting incredible strength. It shows that even after the darkest nights—whether literal abduction or the quiet unraveling of a marriage—light can still find its way through honest conversations, personal growth, and unwavering parental love.
If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: resilience isn’t about never falling apart. It’s about how you hold each other up when pieces shift. The Smart family, scarred yet still standing together in their own ways, continues to inspire through their honesty and commitment to one another.
Conclusion
The divorce of Elizabeth Smart’s parents in 2019 marked the end of one chapter but not the family’s story. Ed’s courageous coming out, Lois’s grace, and Elizabeth’s supportive stance remind us that love can adapt. As they navigate new realities—advocacy, grandparenting, and personal peace—the Smarts show that even the most public families deserve space for private healing. Their journey encourages empathy over gossip and reminds us all that truth, however difficult, often leads to freer, more authentic lives. Whatever comes next, one thing remains clear: the bond forged through unimaginable trials continues to hold this family close.