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It was Elizabeth Smart’s father, Ed Smart’s belief that nothing bad would happen to his daughter. That mentality proved helpful after he was reunited with her nine months after her kidnapping, captivity, and physical abuse. He is now a happy grandfather of two, and on August 16, 2019, he announced that he is gay and divorcing his wife. Learn more about his life before and after his daughter’s abduction, right here in our Ed Smart wiki.
Ed Smart, age 62, was born on May 18, 1955, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ed Smart’s wife is Lois Smart, to whom he got married in 1986; however, they recently decided to divorce after Ed’s announcement.
Since his daughter’s abduction, he has lobbied to Congress, as well as the Senate, in order to ensure that no one else is abducted and that the state has robust mechanisms to track down and rescue missing children. Ed and Lois Smart were the forerunners of this campaign.
Occupation and Advocacy
Not much is known about Ed Smart’s occupation except that he is the owner of a real estate and mortgage company. He is based in Salt Lake City and is an alumnus of the George Washington University with a BBA in finance.
He also has an MBA with a specialization in urban planning. Apart from speaking for child safety and creating awareness for child protection, he authored books like Bringing Elizabeth Home: A Journey of Faith and Hope, and Young Times. Nothing is known about Ed Smart’s net worth, but it is believed that he is doing well with his business, public speaking, and book sales.
Elizabeth Smart’s parents were very concerned about her well-being when she was taken from her bedroom in 2002. Her father, in particular, was emotionally strung when Elizabeth appeared in the courtroom to testify with her side of the story.
In the video below, Ed Smart speaks about the emotional testimonial that his daughter gave in court. It’s something no parent should ever have to go through and though the ordeal is now just a horrid memory for the smart family, Ed Smart continues to raise awareness as much as he can.
He founded the Elizabeth Smart foundation, making his daughter a founding member, while he operates as the executive director. The foundation advocates against child abuse and provides support and empowerment for survivors.
He Publicly Announced His Sexual Orientation in 2019
Smart told CNN in August that he has been attracted to men since he was a preteen. “I tried to suppress it; it’s not me, not who I am. I tried to put that out,” he said. He and his wife also decided to end their marriage, which began in 1986.
Despite this decision, he claims to still love Lois: “Lois has been a loyal wife, and extraordinary mother, who has had to endure an impossible part of this journey. I deeply regret the excruciating pain this has caused her… Hurting her was never my intent. While our marriage will end, my love for Lois and everyone in my family is eternal.”
His daughter, now 31, also released a statement in regard to her parents’ decision to divorce. “While I am deeply saddened by their separation, nothing could change my love and admiration for them both. Their decisions are very personal. As such, I will not pass judgment and rather am focusing on loving and supporting them and the other members of my family.”
Also Read: News Anchor Elizabeth Klinge Leaves KOVR-TV CBS Sacramento
He Is Leaving the Mormon Church
In an interview, Smart expressed that he cannot remain a member of the Mormon Church even though he still has faith. He explained that he feels uncomfortable attending a place where he can no longer “find solace.” So far, it seems that Smart has been receiving support and encouragement from his loved ones and friends.
