If you’ve spent any time watching Life Below Zero: First Alaskans on National Geographic, you’ve probably found yourself rooting for the Jacko family. There is something incredibly grounding about watching people live so far off the grid that "grocery shopping" involves a boat, a rifle, and a lot of patience. But when cameras stop rolling, fans always have questions. Specifically, is Joel Jacko still married, or has the harsh reality of the Alaskan bush taken its toll on his personal life?
Living in Pedro Bay isn't exactly a walk in the park. It’s a tiny village on the edge of Iliamna Lake, and if you aren’t built for the cold or the isolation, things can fall apart fast. Yet, for Joel and his wife Jacqueline, the story seems to be one of endurance rather than a split.
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The Relationship Between Joel and Jacqueline Jacko
Joel Jacko is Athabascan, raised in Chignik, Alaska. He's as local as it gets. Jacqueline, however, is originally from Washington state. Their meeting sounds like something out of a Hallmark movie, if Hallmark movies featured more grizzly bears and less peppermint lattes. She was on vacation in Alaska when she met Joel, and basically, she never left.
Honestly, that kind of commitment—moving from the Lower 48 to a remote Alaskan village for love—is a pretty strong foundation.
As of early 2026, there is no public evidence to suggest that Joel and Jacqueline have separated. In fact, they remain one of the most stable units featured on the show. Their marriage isn't just a romantic partnership; it is a functional necessity for survival. In the bush, your spouse is your business partner, your safety net, and your only neighbor for miles.
Family Life and Adoption
One of the biggest reasons people keep asking "is Joel Jacko still married" is because they see the deep bond the couple has with their daughter, Anzlie. Their family dynamic is a major part of their TV appeal.
They didn't just have a kid; they fostered and eventually adopted Anzlie, who has Yup’ik roots. Seeing them navigate the complexities of raising a child while trying to maintain a 100% sustainable lifestyle is what keeps viewers hooked. They are teaching her to live off the land, hunt, and respect the traditions that Joel grew up with.
Divorce rumors in the reality TV world are usually sparked by a lack of social media posts or a "missing" wedding ring. But for the Jackos, social media isn't really a daily thing. When your internet connection is spotty and you have a root cellar to build before the ground freezes, you don't spend much time posting selfies.
Why the rumors start
- Isolation: People assume the stress of the wilderness breaks couples.
- Privacy: Because they don't share every detail of their lives online, fans fill in the blanks.
- Show Breaks: When a season ends and they aren't on screen, people wonder if they've split.
What Life in Pedro Bay Really Looks Like
To understand why they stay together, you have to look at what they do. Joel is constantly working. Whether he’s checking waterways for salmon or building structures to protect their food from predators, his life is manual labor. Jacqueline is right there with him.
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They are aiming for a totally sustainable life. That means if one person leaves, the whole system collapses. It's a partnership in the truest sense of the word. They aren't just "still married"—they are co-dependent in a way that most modern couples in the suburbs couldn't imagine.
Sustainability and Survival
They subsist on what the land gives them. This includes:
- Fishing for salmon during the spawn.
- Hunting for moose and other game.
- Gathering berries and wild plants.
- Protecting their home from bears (which are a very real, very constant threat).
Is Joel Jacko Still Married to Jacqueline in 2026?
Yes. Based on the most recent updates from National Geographic and the filming of subsequent seasons of First Alaskans, Joel and Jacqueline are still very much a team. Their story continues to be one of the highlights of the series because it shows a successful "blending" of cultures—Joel’s indigenous roots and Jacqueline’s outside perspective—coming together to raise a daughter in the most authentic way possible.
If you’re looking for drama, you won’t find much here. Their "drama" is usually whether or not the boat engine will start or if the fish are running. Their marriage appears to be one of the few things in the harsh Alaskan environment that isn't constantly under threat.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to keep up with the Jacko family, the best way isn't through gossip sites, which often conflate "Joel Jacko" with "Joe Jackson" (the late father of Michael Jackson) because of the name similarity.
Instead, watch the latest episodes of Life Below Zero: First Alaskans on Disney+ or National Geographic. Pay attention to the credits and the official bios provided by the network. These are the only places where their current status is officially confirmed. If you're inspired by their lifestyle, look into sustainable living practices that you can implement in your own home, even if you don't live in the middle of the woods.
The Jackos prove that while the Alaskan wild is tough, a solid partnership can be even tougher. They are still together, still living off the land, and still showing the world how to survive with grace and tradition.