Caroline Smedvig’s story: Interesting facts about James Taylor's wife

Caroline Smedvig’s story: Interesting facts about James Taylor's wife

Grammy Award winner James Taylor is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His wife, Caroline Smedvig, is a writer, newspaper reporter, and musician. Caroline Smedvig’s story tells more about her life and relationship with Taylor.

James and Kim Taylor arrive at different events in New York
James and Kim Taylor arrive for the annual New York Forces for Nature gala (L), and the two are at the Forces for Nature gala at Lincoln Centre (R). Photo: Richard Corkery (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Caroline Smedvig is a writer, newspaper reporter, and musician.
  • She was the Director of Public Relations and Marketing for the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
  • Caroline has been seen on stage as a backup vocalist for her husband.
  • Caroline, I See You and On the 4th of July are a few hit songs by Taylor, showing his love for his wife.

Profile summary

Full nameCaroline Elisabeth Hessberg
Other namesCaroline Smedvig/ Kim Smedvig/ Kim Taylor
GenderFemale
Date of birth31 May 1957
Age68 years (as of 2025)
Place of birthAlbany, New York City, United States
Current residenceWashington, Massachusetts, United States
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityWhite
Zodiac signGemini
ReligionChristianity
SexualityStraight
Height5 ft 6 in (170 cm)
Weight147 lb (66 kg)
Hair colourBlonde
Eye colourBrown
Marital statusMarried
SpouseJames Vernon Taylor
Ex-spouseRolf Smedvig
Children2
FatherAlbert Hessberg ll
MotherElisabeth Fitzsimans Goold
Children2
Alma materAlbany Academy for Girls and Smith College Northampton
ProfessionWriter, reporter, musician, and former director

Caroline Smedvig’s story: Interesting facts about James Taylor's wife

Caroline Elisabeth Hessberg, also known as Caroline Smedvig, is a writer, reporter, musician, and former director. She is best known as James Taylor's wife. Since becoming romantically affiliated with the legendary musician, she has amassed plenty of attention. Here are all the interesting facts about her.

1. Caroline Smedvig's age is 68 years as of 2025

She was born on 31 May 1957 in Albany, New York City, United States, making her 68 years old as of 2025. Her Zodiac sign is Gemini. Caroline is also known as Kim Smedvig or Caroline Smedvig.

Top 5 facts about Caroline Smedvig
Top 5 facts about Caroline Smedvig. Photo: Richard Corkery (modified by author)
Source: Original

2. She is her parents' only daughter

Caroline Smedvig's parents are Albert Hessberg II and Elisabeth Fitzsimans Goold. She is the only female child in a family of three children.

Caroline's siblings are Philip Hessberg III of Atlanta and Albert Hessberg III of Albany, a former lawyer. Her brother, Albert, was disbarred by the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division’s Third Judicial Department.

He was disbarred after admitting to stealing over $2 million from clients and his firm to cover school tuition, income taxes, and wedding expenses. Caroline and James Taylor contributed $1.7 million toward the restitution owed to victims of disbarred New York lawyer Albert Hessberg III.

Caroline's father, Albert Hessberg II, graduated from Yale University. He worked as an Albany lawyer and senior partner in the Hislock and Barclay firm.

Albert Hessberg I was also the president of the Albany County Bar Association and a known board member of the Albany Medical Centre. Caroline's father died from cancer at Albany Medical Centre in January 1995. Her mother died in 1991.

Kim Taylor and singer James Taylor walk the red carpet at Some Enchanted Evening: A Musical Birthday Salute to Senator Edward Kennedy at The Kennedy Centre
Kim Taylor and singer James Taylor walk the red carpet at Some Enchanted Evening: A Musical Birthday Salute to Senator Edward Kennedy at The Kennedy Centre. Photo: Kris Connor
Source: Getty Images

3. Caroline Smedvig is an alumna of Smith College in Northampton

She completed her basic education at the Albany Academy for Girls in 1971. She then attended Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in 1975.

4. She was a writer and reporter

During her college days, Caroline was a reporter at the Knickerbocker News of Albany, New York. After graduation, she also worked for several other newspaper companies, including the Springfield Daily News, an old afternoon paper.

5. Caroline Smedvig is a trustee for the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO)

In 1980, Al Hessberg's daughter joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO), where she became Director of Public Relations and Marketing. BSO was one of the most famous Orchestras in Boston. She retired in 2004 and now operates as a trustee in the organisation.

Kim Taylor and James Taylor perform onstage at the USC Shoah Foundation Ambassadors for Humanity Gala honouring William Clay Ford, Jr.
Kim Taylor and James Taylor perform onstage at the USC Shoah Foundation Ambassadors for Humanity Gala honouring William Clay Ford, Jr. at the Henry Ford Museum. Photo: Scott Legato
Source: Getty Images

6. Caroline Smedvig is a family woman

Smedvig has been married to James Taylor for over 20 years. James Taylor is a well-known musician, organist, actor, guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He has sold over 100 million records since the inception of his career.

James Taylor and Caroline Smedvig first met at Symphony Hall for the Boston Pops Show. At the time, Kim Smedvig was working as the director of public relations and marketing for BSO. Taylor was performing at the event held by John Williams.

The two became acquainted and started dating in 1995, after two years of knowing each other. On 18 February 2001, James Taylor and Caroline Smedvig tied the knot in Lindsey Chapel, a part of Boston's Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

Contrary to popular opinion, James Taylor and Carole King were never married. The two have a long-standing professional relationship and friendship. They have collaborated on numerous musical projects.

James and Kim Taylor attend The MusiCares Person of the Year Gala Honouring Carole King at the Los Angeles Convention Centre in Los Angeles
James and Kim Taylor attend The MusiCares Person of the Year Gala Honouring Carole King at the Los Angeles Convention Centre in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Jason Merritt
Source: Getty Images

7. James Taylor's wife is a gifted musician

Although not as famous as her husband, Caroline Smedvig is a musician who works as a backup vocalist for her husband. She is also involved in philanthropic work. Caroline has been a dedicated member of the board at Mass General Hospital for Children for many years.

In 2020, Caroline and James donated $1 million to the Massachusetts General Hospital’s Emergency Preparedness Fund. James Taylor said:

Kim and I want to be part of this fight. We have been so inspired by the courage and sacrifice of the healthcare heroes in the trenches who are working so hard to protect us all.

He added:

The MGH is a place that is looked to for leadership – clinical, scientific and ethical – in humanity’s fight against the danger that is around us. We are proud to support a medical centre that is leading the way on so many fronts.

In 2016, the couple played a key role in a fundraising event for the MGH Cancer Centre, raising $2.6 million.

James Taylor and Kim Smedvig arrive at the MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute to Paul McCartney held at the Los Angeles Convention Centre
James Taylor and Kim Smedvig arrive at the MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute to Paul McCartney held at the Los Angeles Convention Centre. Photo: Jason Merritt
Source: Getty Images

8. Caroline Smedvig was previously married

James Taylor is Caroline's second husband. The writer, reporter, musician, and former director was first married to a professional orchestra trumpeter named Rolf Thorstein Smedvig.

Caroline and Rolf tied the knot in December 1980 but divorced after some time. After the divorce, Caroline Smedvig's first husband, Rolf, married Kelly Holub.

On the other hand, Taylor is known for his busy love life and three marriages. His first wife was the famous actress Carly Simon.

Taylor and Carly married in 1972 but got divorced in 1983 after 11 years of marriage. Carly Simon and James Taylor's children are Sarah Maria and Benjamin Simon Taylor.

Sarah Maria was born on 7 January 1974, and she is a musician and a visual artist. Benjamin Simon Taylor was born on 22 January 1977, and he is a singer-songwriter and musician.

His second marriage was to Kathryn Walker, whom he married in 1985. In 1996, Kathryn Walker and James Taylor parted ways. Caroline Smedvig is James Taylor's third wife.

James and Kim Taylor perform during the 94th Annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse in President's Park in Washington, DC
James and Kim Taylor perform during the 94th Annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse in President's Park in Washington, DC. Photo: Paul Morigi
Source: Getty Images

9. Caroline Smedvig's twins were born in 2001

Caroline's union with Taylor has produced a set of twins through surrogacy. The unnamed surrogate mother is said to be Taylor's close friend. The surrogate reportedly underwent invitro fertilization in 2000.

Caroline Smedvig's children are Rufus and Henry Taylor. The twin boys were born in April 2001. The two boys have followed in their father's footsteps. Sometimes, they serve as backup vocalists for their father, particularly Henry.

10. Caroline Smedvig is a wealthy person

The celebrity spouse came from a wealthy family as she was the daughter of famous American lawyer Al Hessberg. However, Caroline Kim Smedvig's net worth remains unconfirmed in the public domain. Her husband is worth around $80 million.

came from a wealthy family as she was the daughter of famous American lawyer Al Hessberg. However, Caroline Kim Smedvig's net worth remains unconfirmed in the public domain. Her husband is worth around $80 million.

Kim Taylor, Steven Tyler and singer James Taylor attend the MusiCares Person Of The Year honouring Carole King at the Los Angeles Convention Centre
Kim Taylor (L), Steven Tyler (C), and James Taylor (R) attend the MusiCares Person Of The Year honouring Carole King at the Los Angeles Convention Centre. Photo: Jeffrey Mayer
Source: Getty Images

11. James Taylor's wife has blonde hair

Caroline is recognised for her beautiful blonde hair and brown eyes. She is 5 ft 6 in or 170 cm tall and weighs about 147 lb or 66 kg.

FAQs

  • How old is Caroline Smedvig? She is 68 years old as of 2025. She was born on 31 May 1957 and is a Gemini.
  • Who was James Taylor's first wife? Singer and songwriter Carly Simon was the musician's first spouse. The former couple got married in 1972 and divorced in 1983.
  • How many biological children does James Taylor have? The famous American musician has four biological kids named Sally, Ben, Henry, and Rufus. He welcomed Sally and Ben with his first wife, singer Carly Simon, whom he married in November 1972. Caroline "Kim" Smedvig is the mother of twins Henry and Rufus.
  • How did James Taylor meet his third wife? The couple met when Caroline was working as the director of public relations and marketing for BSO. She was one of the performers at Symphony Hall for the Boston Pops Show by John Williams.
  • Who is James Taylor's wife, Caroline? She is a writer, reporter, musician, a former director, and a trustee for the BSO.

Caroline Smedvig’s story is about a smart woman who has had a successful solo career and now works with her spouse, James Taylor. She is sometimes seen with him on red carpets, shows, and on social media.

Yen.com.gh recently published all the known details about Sheena Melwani's husband. Melwani is a Canadian-American pianist, singer-songwriter, and YouTuber from Montreal, Canada.

She is well-known among her admirers for her enthralling YouTube videos and TikTok lip-syncs. Most of Sheena Melwani's fans know her husband as TRID (The Real Indian Dad), as she fondly calls him in her YouTube videos.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Favour Adeaga avatar

Favour Adeaga (Lifestyle writer) Favour is an author, speaker, and coach. He graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria, in 2011. He had his internship programme at The Nation Newspaper and taught diploma students in Newspaper and Magazine course at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi. He curates the facts and life hacks category since 2018. Favour is the author of two books available on Amazon. He currently lives in Nigeria. [email protected]

Cyprine Apindi avatar

Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the 2023 Writer of the Year Award. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: [email protected]

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