When you think about Hollywood power couples that actually seemed like they’d go the distance, Patricia Southall and Emmitt Smith usually topped the list. They had the whole "Texas royalty" vibe going on for two decades. But if you’re looking for a quick answer to who is patricia southall married to now, the reality is a bit more nuanced than a simple name on a marriage license.
As of early 2026, Patricia Southall—widely known as Pat Smith—is not currently married to anyone else. She remains legally separated from NFL legend Emmitt Smith. While they haven't officially finalized a divorce in a way that’s been blasted across every tabloid, they haven't been "together" in the traditional sense for a few years now.
It’s one of those situations that catches people off guard because they were so stable for so long. You’ve got the former Miss Virginia USA and the NFL’s all-time leading rusher; they were basically the blueprint for a successful post-fame life. Then, 2020 happened, and everything shifted.
The Shocking 2020 Announcement
Honestly, it felt like it came out of nowhere. In August 2020, right after celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary, the couple dropped a joint statement on Instagram. They mentioned "much contemplation and prayer" led to the decision to separate.
It wasn’t a messy, "he said, she said" situation. They were very clear about moving forward with "love and compassion." You don't often see that. Usually, there’s some drama about cheating or money, but with Pat and Emmitt, it felt more like two people growing into different versions of themselves. Pat even wrote about this in her book Second Chances, hinting that marriage isn't just a static thing—it’s a constant, sometimes grueling, evolution.
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Life After the Breakup
Since the split, Pat hasn't been rushing to the altar with anyone new. She’s been incredibly focused on her own brand and her nonprofit work. If you follow her on social media, you’ll see she’s still very much "Pat Smith." She’s the founder of Treasure You, which is this big organization aimed at helping women find their worth after setbacks.
Basically, she’s practicing what she preaches.
- Philanthropy: Still co-leading the Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities.
- Family: They have three kids together (plus kids from previous relationships), and they’re seen together at graduations and sporting events constantly.
- Media: She’s still a frequent face on the speaking circuit and occasional TV spots.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Past
A lot of people forget that Emmitt wasn't her first high-profile husband. Before the NFL stardom entered the picture, Pat was married to comedian Martin Lawrence. That was back in the mid-90s—1995 to 1997, to be exact. They have a daughter, Jasmin, who is now an adult and doing her own thing in the industry.
That first marriage was short and, by most accounts, pretty intense. When she married Emmitt in 2000, it felt like the "forever" match. That’s why the 2020 separation hit the public so hard. We all thought they’d cracked the code on how to stay married in the spotlight.
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Is a Reconciliation Possible?
There are always rumors. Because they are so "good" at co-parenting and still run businesses together, fans are always wondering if they’ll pull a "Ben and JLo" (well, maybe a more successful version).
They still show up in each other's feeds for big family milestones. In 2025, they were seen together supporting their son’s football career. But as of 2026, there’s no official word on them getting back together. They seem to have mastered the art of the "friendly exes" dynamic, which, frankly, is probably harder than staying married.
Why the "Separated" Status Matters
In the world of who is patricia southall married to now, the word "separated" is doing a lot of heavy lifting. In many celebrity cases, a separation is just a slow-motion divorce. But for the Smiths, it seems to be a functional way of life. They have massive business interests tied together—real estate, charities, and brand deals.
Untangling that is a nightmare. Staying "married but separate" allows them to maintain their legacy while living independent lives.
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Real Talk on Moving Forward
If you're looking for a new husband in the picture, he's just not there. Pat has been very vocal about this season of her life being about "self-discovery." She’s 55 now and looks like she’s having a total second act.
If you want to keep up with what she's actually doing—rather than just who she's dating—the best thing to do is look into her Treasure You retreats. She’s turned her personal "hardship" into a blueprint for other women.
Next Steps for You:
If you're interested in the "how" of her transition, check out her memoir Second Chances. It gives a lot of context into the struggles she faced even when things looked perfect on the outside. Also, keep an eye on the Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities website; it’s the best way to see how they continue to work as partners, even if they aren't a couple.