Connie Smith and Marty Stuart’s love story is unique and strong. They first met because of country music when Stuart was just 12 years old. His mother took him to see Smith perform in their hometown of Philadelphia, Mississippi.
Even though Smith was 17 years older than Stuart, he was immediately taken by her. Stuart remembers, “She was my mother’s favorite singer. We had her record at home called Miss Smith Goes to Nashville, with a beautiful picture of her on the cover. I thought she was the prettiest girl in the world, so I had my mom buy me a yellow shirt, hoping Connie would notice me that night.”
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At the concert, Stuart felt a special connection. “After the show, my sister and I took a picture with her, and she signed an autograph for me,” he said. “On the way home, I told my mom I was going to marry her. It took 25 years, but it finally happened!”
Years later, their shared love for music brought them back together. By then, Stuart had started his own music career, and Smith began to notice him. “We met and talked about music,” Smith told CountryThangDaily. “I was really impressed with what he knew. So, when I saw him at the Opry later, I asked if he’d like to work with me.” Stuart was excited to work with Smith, and they soon began writing songs together. “We probably wrote 40 or 50 songs,” Smith said.
As they worked together, Stuart’s feelings for Smith grew. He talked about his feelings with his mother, who encouraged him to go for it. One day, Stuart saw Smith at a grocery store and took the chance to kiss her.
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Despite their age difference and Smith’s previous marriages, they dated for three years before getting married on this day in 1997. They’ve learned a lot about love and commitment over the years. Smith said, “Make the Lord the center … and commit.” Stuart agreed, saying, “You have to get up every day and work at it.”
Their marriage is a testament to their dedication. They have one son, Jesse Scott Stuart, and five other children from Smith’s previous marriages. Stuart has embraced being a stepfather and loves each child as his own. Stuart reflects, “With Connie, I’ve learned about balancing love and music.
She focuses more on family life than I did, and she’s helped me find balance.” Connie Smith and Marty Stuart have shown that true love can overcome challenges. As Grand Ole Opry members, they have always kept their priorities straight, and their love has remained strong.
