When you think of James Taylor, your mind probably goes straight to that smooth, honey-gold voice and the era of the 1970s singer-songwriter. You might even immediately think of Carly Simon. For decades, they were the "it" couple of the folk-rock world, the king and queen of the confessional ballad. But that chapter ended a very long time ago. Like, decades ago.
So, who is James Taylor married to right now?
If you’ve seen him on tour recently or caught a glimpse of him at a benefit concert in the Berkshires, you’ve likely seen a tall, elegant woman with a warm smile by his side. That is Caroline "Kim" Smedvig. And honestly, their story is way more stable and—dare I say—romantic than the high-drama celebrity flings of Taylor's younger years. They’ve been together for nearly thirty years and married for twenty-five of them. In the world of rock stars, that’s basically an eternity.
Meeting at the Symphony: A Boston Love Story
Most people assume James Taylor meets people at Grammy parties or high-profile recording studios. Nope. He met Kim Smedvig because of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO).
Back in the early 1990s, Kim was the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the BSO. She was a powerhouse in the classical music world. James was performing with the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall in 1993, and that’s where they first crossed paths. It wasn't an instant "marriage" situation—James was still technically married to his second wife, actress Kathryn Walker, at the time, though that relationship was reportedly on its last legs.
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They didn't actually start dating until 1995. Once they did, things moved with a sort of quiet, mature steadying force that James had been looking for his whole life. They eventually tied the knot on February 18, 2001, at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Boston. It wasn't a circus. It was a small, private ceremony with about 50 friends and family. Simple. Elegant. Very "James Taylor."
Who exactly is Kim Smedvig?
Kim isn't just "the wife of a legend." She has her own deep roots in the music world. Her father was Albert Bevington, a prominent lawyer, and she was actually married once before to a classical musician named Rolf Smedvig.
She's often referred to as "Kim Taylor" now, but she remains a fixture in the Massachusetts arts scene. She’s served as a trustee for the Boston Symphony Orchestra—the very place they met. Fans love her because she seems to have provided the anchor James needed after his well-documented struggles with addiction and the "crazy and dangerous" years he often talks about in interviews.
The Family Life in the Berkshires
If you want to understand who James Taylor is today, you have to look at the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts. That’s where he and Kim built their life. They live on a sprawling 50-acre property that looks like something out of a painting. It's quiet. It's isolated. It's home.
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In 2001, just a few months after they got married, the couple welcomed twin sons, Henry and Rufus. This was a bit of a surprise to the public at the time, given James was 53 and Kim was 48. The boys were born via a surrogate, a close friend of the family, and James has often spoken about how being an "older dad" changed his perspective on everything.
- Henry Taylor: Has followed in his dad's footsteps a bit, often appearing on stage to provide backing vocals during tours.
- Rufus Taylor: Mostly stays out of the limelight, though James occasionally shares "proud dad" updates about him.
It’s a far cry from the chaotic parenting years of the 70s with his older children, Sally and Ben (from his marriage to Carly Simon). James has been very open about the fact that he was "gone" for much of his older kids' childhoods—either physically on tour or mentally battling his demons. With Kim and the twins, he got a do-over. And by all accounts, he’s made the most of it.
The Wives Who Came Before: A Quick Refresher
To really appreciate why his marriage to Kim Smedvig is such a big deal, you kinda have to look at the track record. It wasn't always "Sweet Baby James" and domestic bliss.
The Carly Simon Era (1972–1983)
This was the legendary one. They were the royalty of the Laurel Canyon scene. They had two children, Ben and Sally, who are both talented musicians today. But the marriage was fueled by massive fame, heavy drug use (on James's part), and the intense pressure of two superstars living under one roof. They haven't spoken in decades. Seriously. Carly has mentioned in interviews that they don't have a relationship at all anymore.
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The Kathryn Walker Years (1985–1996)
Kathryn Walker was a respected stage and film actress. Many fans credit her with being the person who finally helped James get clean. She was the one who stood by him while he kicked heroin for good in the mid-80s. However, as James later told The Guardian, that relationship had a "lifespan" that eventually ran out. They divorced in the mid-90s, right around the time he started spending more time at the Boston Symphony.
Why it works this time
What’s the secret? Honestly, it seems like Kim just "gets" him without needing the spotlight herself. She isn't a pop star. She isn't a Hollywood actress. She’s a sophisticated, musically-literate woman who shares his love for the Massachusetts woods and a quieter way of living.
James told Parade magazine a while back that he’s "deeply grateful" for where he ended up. You can see it in his performances. He looks healthy. He looks happy. When Kim joins him on stage—which she sometimes does to sing backup—there’s a palpable sense of "this is my person."
Keeping Up With the Taylors in 2026
As of now, in 2026, James and Kim are still going strong. They are frequently spotted at local events in Lenox and Pittsfield. They are massive supporters of environmental causes and the local arts.
If you're looking for the drama, you won't find it here. No tabloid scandals. No "sources say they're on the rocks." Just a guy who found his "October Road" and the woman who was waiting at the end of it.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the Credits: If you listen to James's later albums like Before This World, look for Kim’s name in the backing vocals. She’s actually a very talented singer.
- Visit the Berkshires: If you want to see the world that James and Kim love, visit Tanglewood in the summer. It’s the summer home of the BSO and the place where James plays his legendary July 4th concerts.
- Watch the Documentaries: For a better look at his life with Kim, check out the One Man Band concert film. It gives a really intimate look at their home life and the peace he's found.