When it comes to enduring marriages in the world of Hollywood, the love story of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith stands out as a testament to resilience and commitment. Despite the persistent rumors and public scrutiny, the couple has maintained a rock-solid relationship for over two decades, with divorce never even being considered as an option.
Will Smith’s unwavering stance on their marriage is evident in his consistent response to the periodic rumors about their relationship’s demise. His refrain has been clear and unchanging, “Divorce can’t be an option. With Jada, I stood up in front of God and said, ‘Til death do us part,'” he declared in 2006. He humorously added, “So there are two possible outcomes. One, we are going to be together ’til death, or two, I am dead.”
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Jada Pinkett Smith echoed this sentiment in a candid 2018 episode of her former Facebook Watch series, Red Table Talk. She recounted how, before their New Year’s Eve wedding in 1997, she had set the expectations straight with Will, who was already the father of their son Jaden. Her message was clear: “If you marry me, know this: we’re gonna be together. We’re going to be under the same roof.” Divorce, in her eyes, was never an option.
The couple has faced their fair share of challenges and controversies throughout their relationship. One notable incident was Jada’s use of the term “entanglement” in 2020 to describe her brief romantic involvement with singer August Alsina. This revelation raised eyebrows and generated significant public interest. However, for Will and Jada, it was just another chapter in their long journey together.
Over the years, they have had to debunk rumors about their marriage, including claims that they are swingers or have an open relationship. While they have acknowledged giving each other some freedoms, their mutual trust and understanding have been the cornerstone of their unconventional approach to marriage.
In Jada’s words, “I’ve always told Will, ‘You can do whatever you want as long as you can look at yourself in the mirror and be okay.’ Because at the end of the day, Will is his own man. I’m here as his partner, but he is his own man. He has to decide who he wants to be, and that’s not for me to do for him. Or vice versa.”
This level of trust and independence may not fit traditional norms, but it works for them. They have both emphasized that their marriage is built on mutual respect and open communication.
However, their relationship faced a significant test around Jada’s 40th birthday in September 2011. Despite Will’s successful career, he struggled with personal shortcomings that he hid behind a facade of success. Each day began with Jada in tears, a stark contrast to his public persona.
Their breaking point occurred when Will threw an extravagant birthday party for Jada, featuring Mary J. Blige’s performance and numerous celebrity well-wishers. When Jada asked for some “intimate time” to reflect, Will’s refusal led to a heated argument in front of their daughter Willow. This moment pushed them to confront the issues in their marriage.
In their 2018 Red Table Talk interview, they discussed their decision to “destroy” their marriage in order to rebuild it. Divorce was never considered, as both had experienced it previously and were determined to avoid it. Instead, they chose separation to rediscover themselves as individuals.
Jada explained, “You have to go your separate ways and get out of each other’s way to really see yourself. I had to go away, gain my strength as Jada again—not Mommy, not wife.”
During this period, Jada’s friendship with August Alsina evolved into a deeper connection, which she referred to as a “different kind of entanglement.” While this episode drew significant public attention, for Will and Jada, it was just another chapter in their complex journey.
Their enduring marriage has defied conventions and shown that love can weather storms when built on trust, communication, and a commitment to growth. As they continue to navigate the ups and downs of life together, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith serve as an entanglement for couples facing their own challenges, reminding us all that love can conquer even the most daunting obstacles.