LL Cool J and Simone I. Smith: A Love Story Forged in Youth and Fortified by Faith
Music icon LL Cool J discovered romance with his spouse, Simone I. Smith, during their adolescent years.
The acclaimed rapper, set to host the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, first encountered his enduring partner in 1987 in New York City. Their courtship spanned approximately eight years before they exchanged vows in 1995. Throughout their enduring connection, LL Cool J (whose birth name is James Todd Smith) and Simone have built a family together, provided mutual support for their professional endeavors, and uplifted each other through challenging periods – notably Simone’s battle with bone cancer in 2004.
Continue reading to learn all about LL Cool J’s wife:
Discovering LL Cool J’s Wife
Both Simone and LL Cool J grew up in the Queens borough of New York. Today, she is an entrepreneur and jewelry designer who launched her distinct brand, Simone I. Smith Jewelry, in 2011.
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As per her brand’s official site, Simone was inspired to establish her jewelry collection following her diagnosis with stage III chondrosarcoma, an unusual form of bone cancer, in her right leg in 2004.
“Post-surgery, she noticed that the lollipop tattoo on her leg had changed. This alteration became the muse for her signature lollipop charm, aptly named ‘A Sweet Touch of Hope,’” the website explains. “Subsequently, she introduced hoop earrings, bangles, necklaces, and a range of men's jewelry. Through her collaboration with the American Cancer Society, a portion of the revenue from each sale is contributed to the ongoing fight against various forms of the disease.”
Simone underwent an extensive 15-hour operation to replace the affected bone, followed by a period of recovery and rehabilitation. She has remained free of cancer since that time.
LL Cool J remained steadfastly by his wife’s side throughout her cancer journey.
"You don't desert someone in that vulnerable position," he stated in a 2013 interview. "You must be there alongside them in that difficult moment. I made certain professional choices, opting to be with Simone more during that specific time."
The Story of LL Cool J and Simone I. Smith’s First Encounter
LL Cool J and Simone were introduced by a shared acquaintance, as the NCIS: Los Angeles actor revealed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2012.
"It was Easter, and I was driving down the street in my mother's car,” he recounted, adding that he paused to greet a friend, who then inquired if he wished to meet their cousin.
"I glanced over and responded, 'Oh yes, I'd like to meet your cousin,'” LL Cool J continued.
LL Cool J disclosed in his 1997 autobiography, I Make My Own Rules, that he proposed to Simone while they were driving in his car.
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“I drove my Porsche at 110 m.p.h. and refused to slow down until she agreed!” he penned.
The couple exchanged vows on August 7, 1995.
Do LL Cool J and Simone I. Smith Have Children?
Simone and LL Cool J welcomed their son Najee in September 1989, followed by their daughter Italia in January 1991. Their second eldest daughter, Samaria, was born in September 1995. The couple’s youngest child, daughter Nina, arrived in August 2000.
Simone and LL Cool J are also the proud grandparents to Italia’s three children.
