Caroline Smedvig Is James Taylor’s Wife and Mother of His Twin Sons (2024)

Award-winning musician James Taylor has been married to his wife, Caroline Smedvig, for two decades, and she inspired some of his most famous love songs, including "Caroline I See You."

Caroline Smedvig, James Taylor's wife, might not be as famous as her Grammy-winning husband, but she is also into music. Her parents were Elisabeth Goold and Albert Hessberg II, but they died in 1991 and 1995, respectively.

Goold and Hessberg II were survived by Smedvig and her two brothers, Albert Hessberg III, and Philip. Hessberg III followed in his dad's footsteps and became a lawyer, but the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division's Third Judicial Department disbarred him in June 2019.

James Taylor performing at an event on January 28, 2019, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Smedvig's brother pled guilty to wire and mail fraud and filing a false tax return. He confessed to stealing over $2 million from his firm and clients to pay school tuition, income taxes, and wedding expenses.

Taylor's wife chose a different career path. She graduated from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts in 1975 and got a job as a newspaper reporter. In 1980, Smedvig joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) and eventually became its director of public relations and marketing – a position she left in 2004 after marrying Taylor.

When Taylor met his current wife, he was still married to his second wife. However, he and Smedvig respected his marriage and didn't date until he was available. After going on their first date, the musician and Smedvig took the time to get to know each other before walking down the aisle.

James Taylor and his wife, Caroline Smedvig, at an event on April 17, 2014, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

When Did James Taylor’s Wife, Caroline Smedvig, Marry Him?

Smedvig and Taylor met in 1993 at a concert with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. They waited two years before giving love a try because he was still married to his second wife, actress Kathryn Walker. More on Taylor's previous wives later.

Taylor and Smedvig went on their first date on July 3, 1995 (thus his hit love song "On the 4th of July") and tied the knot on February 18, 2001, at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Boston.

The famous musician is Smedvig's second husband. She was first married to Rolf T. Smedvig, the BSO's former principal trumpeter. They tied the knot in December 1980.

James Taylor and his wife Caroline Smedvig at the after-party for the 25th anniversary concert for the Rainforest Fund on April 17, 2014, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

While Smedvig doesn't seem to have her own social media accounts where fans can keep track of her life, Taylor has a few, and he frequently shows off his wife and family in different posts.

For instance, in July 2022, he uploaded a fun throwback picture of them embracing with the hashtag "love is love." In June 2023, the singer showed how active he and his wife are by sharing pictures of them hiking in Mount Charleston in Nevada.

James Taylor performs with wife Catherine "Kim" Smedvig and their son Henry on May 7, 2020, on Season 7 of "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" | Source: Getty Images

Their son, Henry, accompanied them since it was his day off. He towered over both his parents as he posed sandwiched between them on the mountain. Taylor also urged fans not to worry, revealing his son was returning for another show that night at The Chelsea in Las Vegas.

In July 2023, when Tony Bennett passed away, Smedvig's husband paid his respects with a touching and lengthy tribute that outlined the relationship they once shared. He revealed Smedvig once met the late iconic singer and his wife. He also uploaded a photo featuring him and his wife with Bennett and his spouse.

The musician and his family have also celebrated many special occasions as a unit. On March 12, 2023, his birthday, Taylor received a simple birthday message on his Instagram account alongside two pictures of him and Smedvig posing at the 2007 Oscars.

Two days later, the family of four gathered together to wish him a "Happy Birthday again." This time all four family members posed with the birthday boy holding a cake while one of his sons snuggled up against him lovingly. Before tying the knot with Smedvig, Taylor was married twice before.

James Tayor and Carly Simon at the preview of the movie "The Last Waltz" on April 17, 1978 | Source: Getty Images

Who Was James Taylor Married to Before?

Speaking of ex-partners, Taylor's first wife was legendary singer Carly Simon. They walked down the aisle in 1972 and welcomed daughter Sally and son Ben, both musicians. The former couple divorced in 1983 and eventually lost contact.

Two years later, Taylor married Kathryn Walker, who helped him get sober and quit his substance addiction. They were together for 11 years, parting ways in 1996 with no children. With Smedvig, the singer welcomed twins.

James Taylor, his wife, Caroline "Kim" Smedvig, and their twin sons, Henry and Rufus, at their Berkshires home on September 6, 2006 | Source: Getty Images

Who Are Caroline Smedvig and James Taylor’s Children?

When Taylor married Smedvig, he didn't want to have more children. However, he changed his mind after noticing how much he loved his wife. Smedvig also wanted kids, but they eventually learned she could not have them.

Instead of being discouraged, they turned to surrogacy and welcomed twin sons Rufus and Henry in April 2001. Taylor has since admitted that becoming a parent later in life was better.

James Taylor, his wife Caroline Smedvig, and their twin sons, Rufus and Henry, before a World Series game on October 25, 2007, in Boston, Massachusetts | Source: Getty Images

Taylor explained that at a later age, you feel more ready and settled enough to expand your family. The "Fire and Rain" singer added that men should marry later in life because they don't make good partners until they are at least 35 years old and have already finished experimenting and hoping for someone "different or better."

Days before Christmas in 2022, Taylor showed off his family as they prepared decorations for the holidays. Their family pets—two pugs—were also featured in the images.

James Talyor, his wife Caroline Smedvig, and their sons Henry and Rufus Taylor at the Entertainment Industry Foundation's NCCRA Colon Cancer Benefit on March 15, 2006 | Source: Getty Images

For Christmas Eve, the singer's family posed for a lovely picture taken in a cabin in Montana, wishing everyone a happy holiday celebration. To usher in the New Year, Smedvig's husband uploaded an Instagram photo of the family bonding and smiling while wearing Christmas hats.

Taylor and Smedvig are currently settled in Lenox, Massachusetts, and they are still involved with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. What a lovely couple!