In the world of stand-up comedy, Fortune Feimster has always been the one to tell it like it is. Whether she's riffing on her Southern roots or her hilarious attempts at being "ladylike," she has built a massive following by being brutally honest. But recently, fans have been looking for answers about a different kind of reality. They want to know what's going on with Fortune Feimster and wife Jacquelyn "Jax" Smith.
Honestly, the news wasn’t what anyone expected.
For years, Jax was the steady force behind the scenes of Fortune's meteoric rise. She wasn't just a partner; she was a producer, a sounding board, and the person holding the leash of their famous Pomeranian, Biggie. Their love story felt like a rare Hollywood success. It started in a parking lot and led to a beautiful, intimate wedding that seemed to defy the chaos of the world.
But in June 2025, the couple shared a joint statement that changed everything.
The Pride Meeting That Started It All
You’ve probably heard Fortune talk about their meeting in her specials. It's legendary. They met at a Chicago Pride event in June 2015. This wasn't just any weekend; it was the day after the Supreme Court's Obergefell v. Hodges decision legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
Talk about timing.
Fortune had only been at the event for about ten minutes when she spotted Jax. She later described it as "love at first sight." Jax, a former kindergarten teacher from Michigan, had an "ease" about her that immediately clicked with the comedian. While Fortune was based in California and Jax was in Chicago, they didn't let the distance stop them. After a year of flying back and forth, Jax made the move to Los Angeles.
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It was a huge leap of faith.
That Big Sur Engagement and a Pandemic Wedding
In January 2018, Fortune took Jax to Big Sur for a romantic getaway. She popped the question, and Jax said yes—a thousand times yes, according to her Instagram. For two and a half years, they were "feyoncés," eventually planning a big celebration for the summer of 2020.
Then, COVID-19 happened.
Like so many other couples, their plans were totally upended. But they didn't want to wait. There was a sense of urgency, especially after the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Fortune mentioned at the time that as a gay person, the shifting political climate made her nervous about the future of marriage equality.
They decided to be proactive.
On October 23, 2020, they rented a house in Malibu. It was a tiny ceremony on a backyard patio overlooking the ocean. Fortune wore a sharp blue suit, and Jax wore a "beachy" white dress. Their dog Biggie served as the ring bearer, nearly losing the rings during a vigorous "puppy shake" at the altar. Because of travel restrictions, their families couldn't be there, so they livestreamed the whole thing over Zoom on a computer propped up on a chair.
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It was simple. It was heartfelt. It was very them.
Life Behind the Scenes: Jax as the "Brains"
Jax Smith was never one for the spotlight. While Fortune was out on stage or filming The Mindy Project and FUBAR, Jax was the strategist. She transitioned from teaching to working alongside Fortune, serving as an executive producer on the Netflix special Sweet & Salty and the series Good Fortune.
"She’s the brains helping me," Fortune told People. "We’re teammates."
They shared a life that looked incredibly grounded. They bought a home together, traveled to places like Greece, and shared endless photos of Biggie. To the outside world, they were the "normal" couple Fortune always talked about—just two people trying to navigate life, who happened to be gay.
The Difficult Decision to Part Ways
The news of their split in June 2025 came as a shock to the fanbase. In a joint Instagram post, they revealed they had actually been separated for a while before making the public announcement.
Why the secrecy?
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Basically, they were dealing with a lot. Both women were navigating serious health issues within their respective families. They needed space to handle those private burdens without the pressure of public scrutiny. The divorce filing in Los Angeles cited "irreconcilable differences," which is the standard legal term, but their statement was far more personal.
They emphasized that the split was amicable. After ten years together, they felt it was time for this chapter to close. There was no scandal, no "tea" to spill—just two people who had grown in different directions but still held deep respect for one another.
What’s Next for Fortune and Jax?
Divorce is never easy, especially when your life and career are so intertwined. However, it seems both are moving forward with a focus on their individual paths.
- Career Focus: Fortune is continuing her heavy touring schedule and her work in film and television.
- Privacy: Jax continues to maintain a lower profile, focusing on her own projects away from the camera.
- Co-Parenting Biggie: While they don't have children, their Pomeranian remains a central part of their lives, and it's clear they both still care deeply for the little guy.
If you’re a fan looking to support Fortune during this transition, the best thing you can do is catch her on tour. She’s always used her life experiences—the good, the bad, and the awkward—as fuel for her comedy. This new chapter will undoubtedly find its way into her storytelling eventually.
For those navigating their own relationship shifts, Fortune and Jax’s approach is a reminder that a "successful" relationship doesn't always have to last forever. Sometimes, ten years of being a great team is a success in itself.
To stay updated on Fortune’s upcoming projects or tour dates, check her official website or follow her social media channels, where she continues to share her unique perspective on life after marriage.