LL Cool J and Simone I. Smith Renew Their Vows After 30 Years

Faith, Resilience, and 30 Years: Couple Celebrates Milestone Marriage Amidst Health Battles

New York, NY – A New York couple is celebrating three decades of marriage, offering a powerful testament to faith, commitment, and enduring love. Simone and her husband recently marked 30 years together,sharing a heartfelt message on social media that quickly resonated with followers.

“All glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ‼️,” Simone posted alongside a celebratory image. Her message continued, emphasizing the realities of long-term partnership: “Marriage isn’t for the weak, it’s for the faithful. It takes work, love, listening, picking your battles, being a friend, a prayer warrior, a cheerleader, and a safe place.”

The couple, who first connected through a mutual friend in 1987, navigated eight years of dating before exchanging vows. their journey hasn’t been without its trials. simone openly shared that every marriage possesses a unique dynamic, rejecting the notion of a one-size-fits-all formula for success. Rather, she attributes their longevity to “grace, commitment and two people willing to grow through every season together.”

“We’ve laughed, cried, prayed, forgiven, and grown-together,” Simone wrote. “We did the work, and God did the rest.💜”

Their union has blossomed into a family, with four children – Najee, italia, Samaria, and Nina – and the joy of becoming grandparents through their daughter Italia, who has two children of her own.

However, the couple faced a particularly daunting challenge in 2004 when Simone received a diagnosis of stage III chondrosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer. The diagnosis came after experiencing a strange sensation in her leg during a workout.

“I was training downstairs in my house and doing leg presses…I had the weirdest feeling in my leg,” Simone recounted to First For Women. “I stopped and said to my trainer, ‘Naomi, I feel like my leg wants to break right here.'”

Ignoring the warning signs could have led to a fracture, highlighting the importance of listening to one’s body. Simone’s experience underscores the critical role of early detection in battling serious health conditions.

Despite the immense physical and emotional toll, the couple credits their faith and unwavering support for each other in overcoming this obstacle. “30 years. Countless memories.One God who kept us. 🗣️LORD I THANK YOU‼️🙏🏽💜✨,” Simone expressed, acknowledging the divine guidance that sustained them.

The Enduring Power of Commitment:

The Smiths’ story offers valuable insights into the foundations of a lasting marriage.in a society often characterized by fleeting connections, their three decades together serve as a reminder of the power of intentionality, forgiveness, and shared faith. experts in relationship psychology emphasize that accomplished long-term partnerships aren’t about avoiding conflict, but about developing healthy communication patterns and a shared commitment to growth.

Moreover, navigating life’s challenges – whether health scares, career setbacks, or personal struggles – as a united front can strengthen the bond between partners.The Smiths’ experience demonstrates that vulnerability, reliance on faith, and a willingness to prioritize the relationship can create a resilient foundation for a lifetime of love and companionship.

What motivated LL Cool J and Simone I. Smith to publicly renew their vows after maintaining a relatively private marriage for 30 years?

A Love Story Three Decades in the Making

LL Cool J, the iconic rapper and actor, and his wife, Simone I. Smith, recently reaffirmed their commitment to each other in a gorgeous vow renewal ceremony. After 30 years of marriage, the couple celebrated their enduring love wiht family and friends, marking a significant milestone in their relationship. this event has sparked renewed interest in their journey, prompting fans to delve into the details of their lasting romance and the importance of recommitting after three decades together.

The History of a Hip-Hop Power couple

LL Cool J (James Todd Smith) and Simone I. smith’s love story began in 1987. Their connection blossomed despite the challenges of navigating fame and public scrutiny.

Early Days: They met as teenagers, and their relationship developed organically, away from the spotlight whenever possible.

Marriage & Family: The couple quietly married in 1995.They have four children together: Najee, Ty, Julius, and Italia. Maintaining a relatively private family life has been a priority for both.

Simone’s Battle with Cancer: In 2004, Simone faced a challenging battle with chondrosarcoma, a rare form of cancer.LL Cool J famously put his career on hold to support her through treatment, demonstrating unwavering dedication. this period highlighted the strength of their bond and their commitment to facing life’s obstacles together. simone is now a cancer survivor and advocate.

Details of the Vow Renewal Ceremony

The intimate vow renewal ceremony took place on August 3, 2025, in a private setting.Details released through social media and People Magazine reveal a heartfelt and elegant event.

Location & ambiance: The ceremony was held at a luxurious estate, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere.

Alex Reed List: The event was attended by close family and friends, including fellow celebrities like Queen Latifah and Salt-N-Pepa.

Simone’s Stunning Gown: Simone I. Smith wore a breathtaking custom-designed gown, showcasing her impeccable style.

LL Cool J’s Emotional Vows: LL Cool J delivered moving vows, expressing his continued love and gratitude for his wife.he spoke of their journey, the challenges they’ve overcome, and his excitement for the future.

Why Renew Vows After 30 Years? The Benefits of Recommitment

Renewing vows isn’t just a romantic gesture; it’s a deliberate act of recommitment and celebration of a relationship’s longevity.For LL Cool J and Simone I. Smith, it signifies a deepening of their bond after decades of shared experiences.

Strengthening the Bond: Reaffirming vows provides an opportunity to consciously reaffirm love and commitment.

Celebrating Milestones: It’s a way to acknowledge and celebrate the journey taken together, including triumphs and challenges.

Reigniting the Romance: The process of planning and participating in a vow renewal can reignite passion and create new memories.

Public Declaration of Love: While their initial marriage was private, the vow renewal, and subsequent media coverage, serves as a public declaration of their enduring love.

Inspiring Others: Their story can inspire other couples to prioritize their relationships and celebrate their own milestones.

Simone I.Smith’s Entrepreneurial Journey & Impact

Beyond being a devoted wife and mother, Simone I. Smith is a successful entrepreneur. Her journey exemplifies resilience and determination.

Simone I. smith Collection: She founded the Simone I. Smith Collection, a fashion line specializing in eyewear. The brand has gained significant recognition and success.

Giving Back: A portion of the proceeds from her eyewear line is donated to cancer research and support organizations, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the community.

* Empowering Women: Simone’s entrepreneurial