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 couple TVs doesn’t hurt,” the 57-year-old Hip-Hop icon instructed People. “A couple of TVs goes a long way.”

The Queens native defined the logic behind the setup. “Because I might not want to watch reality all day long. I might want to watch a documentary or something so she could go watch reality, I can go in there and watch a documentary.” His conclusion? “Everybody’s happy.”

While the tv technique would possibly sound easy, LL emphasised that the true glue behind their relationship is constructed on one thing deeper.

“Just mutual respect,” he defined. “Keep it simple. 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 wedding ceremony anniversary with a touching Instagram submit.

“30 years of marriage today. All glory to our Lord and savior Jesus the Christ!!” Smith wrote within the caption.

She additionally provided her personal reflections on what it takes to make a wedding final. “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.”

Smith added, “Every marriage has its own DNA,” and famous there’s no one-size-fits-all formulation. Instead, she emphasised the significance of “grace, commitment and two people willing to grow through every season together.”

“We’ve laughed, cried, prayed, forgiven, and grown—together,” she stated. “We did the work, and God did the rest.”

The longtime pair made a joint look on the 2025 MTV VMAs in matching houndstooth outfits in September.

Together, LL COOL J and Smith have 4 kids: Najee, 36; Italia, 34; Samaria, 30; and Nina, 25. They’re additionally grandparents to 2 kids by their daughter, Italia.

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