Who Is Caroline Smedvig? The Full Story of James Taylor’s Wife

When we hear the name James Taylor, we often think of beautiful songs like “Carolina in My Mind” or “Fire and Rain.” But did you know that some of his most touching love songs were inspired by a special woman in his life — Caroline Smedvig, also known as James Taylor’s wife?

Caroline is not just the wife of a famous musician. She has her own amazing story. From working as a reporter to becoming a part of one of the most respected music organizations in the U.S., Caroline’s journey is full of interesting moments. She is strong, talented, and deeply loved by her family.

In this article, we’ll explore everything about Caroline Smedvig — her early life, her career, how she met James Taylor, and how she became a big part of his life and music. Let’s get to know her better!

Caroline Smedvig Quick Bio

Who Is Caroline Smedvig?

Caroline Smedvig is best known today as the wife of James Taylor, but her full name is Caroline Elisabeth Hessberg. She’s also called Kim Smedvig or Kim Taylor by friends and close ones.

She became well-known to the public after marrying James Taylor in 2001. But even before that, she had a successful life and career. She worked in journalism, then moved into public relations for a big orchestra in Boston.

Caroline lives a quiet life but has played a big part in supporting James Taylor’s music and family life. She may not seek the spotlight, but her story is full of love, hard work, and kindness.

Caroline Smedvig’s Early Life and Family

Caroline was born on May 31, 1957, in Albany, New York, in the United States. As of 2025, she is 68 years old. She grew up in a respected and well-educated family.

Her father, Albert Hessberg II, was a successful lawyer who had graduated from Yale University. He was also a partner at a big law firm and helped lead many groups in Albany. Her mother, Elisabeth Goold, was kind and caring, but sadly passed away in 1991. Caroline’s father died a few years later in 1995 after a battle with cancer.

Caroline was the only daughter in her family. She had two brothers — Albert Hessberg III and Philip Hessberg III. Sadly, one of her brothers, Albert, got into legal trouble. He was once a lawyer, like their father, but he was disbarred after stealing over $2 million from clients. Caroline and her husband helped repay $1.7 million to the victims, showing just how kind and responsible she is.

Even with hard moments in her family, Caroline stayed strong and kept moving forward.

Where Caroline Smedvig Studied

Caroline was always smart and hardworking. She studied at the Albany Academy for Girls, one of the best schools for young women in her city. She graduated in 1971, when she was just 14 years old.

After high school, she went to Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. Smith College is known for helping women become strong leaders. Caroline graduated in 1975 with a degree that helped her start her career in writing and reporting.

Her education gave her the tools she needed to follow her dreams and succeed in the real world.

Caroline Smedvig’s Career Before Fame

Before she became known as James Taylor’s wife, Caroline built a great career of her own. She started as a newspaper reporter. One of her first jobs was at the Knickerbocker News in her hometown of Albany. She also worked for other papers like the Springfield Daily News.

Caroline enjoyed telling real stories and helping people understand the world around them. She worked hard as a writer and reporter during her early years after college.

This strong start in journalism helped Caroline grow her confidence. It also helped her later take on bigger roles in the world of music and public relations.

Her Time at the Boston Symphony Orchestra

In 1980, Caroline joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) — one of the most famous music groups in the U.S. She didn’t join as a musician but as a staff member. She worked in public relations and marketing, which means she helped manage how the orchestra shared news and connected with the public.

Over time, she worked her way up and became the Director of Public Relations and Marketing at BSO. She stayed in that job until 2004, and even after retiring, she stayed involved as a trustee.

While working there, she met many artists, including James Taylor, who would later become her husband. Her time at BSO wasn’t just about work — it also changed her personal life in a big way.

How Caroline Smedvig Met James Taylor

So how did Caroline Smedvig meet the famous singer James Taylor?

It all began in 1993 during a concert at Symphony Hall in Boston, where the Boston Pops were performing. Caroline was working at the BSO as the PR Director, and James Taylor was one of the guest performers that night. The show was being led by John Williams, a famous composer.

Even though they met in 1993, they didn’t start dating right away. James was still married at the time. Caroline and James both respected that, so they waited until the right time.

Finally, on July 3, 1995, they went on their first real date. That special night even inspired the beautiful song “On the 4th of July.” How romantic is that?

Becoming James Taylor’s Wife

After a few years of dating, Caroline Smedvig and James Taylor decided to get married. They tied the knot on February 18, 2001, in a small and beautiful wedding at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Boston.

Caroline became James Taylor’s third wife, but she has become his forever partner. Their relationship has stayed strong for more than two decades.

Many fans say that Caroline brought peace and happiness into James’s life. Some of his best love songs were written after he met her, including “Caroline I See You.” Their bond is not only romantic, but also creative and full of love.

Caroline Smedvig and James Taylor’s Children

After they got married, Caroline Smedvig and James Taylor wanted to start a family. But it wasn’t easy. Caroline found out she couldn’t have children naturally. That didn’t stop them, though. Instead, they chose to grow their family through surrogacy.

In April 2001, the couple welcomed twin sons, named Rufus and Henry. The surrogate was a close friend of James. This was a very happy moment for them. They had waited a long time for this dream to come true.

The boys are now young adults and sometimes even perform with their father. Henry Taylor has joined James on stage as a backup singer, following in the musical footsteps of his parents.

Caroline Smedvig’s Life Today

Today, Caroline Smedvig lives a calm and happy life with her husband in Lenox, Massachusetts. They enjoy spending time with their family, walking in nature, and giving back to the community.

Even though she is married to a famous person, Caroline likes to stay out of the spotlight. She is not active on social media, but you can often spot her in James Taylor’s posts. Whether they’re celebrating holidays or going to events, you can feel the love and joy in their pictures.

She also attends important red-carpet events, concerts, and fundraisers with James. Even after all these years, they still seem like best friends.

Is Caroline Smedvig Also a Musician?

Yes, she is! While Caroline is not as famous as her husband, she has musical talent too. She sometimes sings backup vocals during James Taylor’s live shows.

It’s clear that music is a big part of her life. Being around James and their talented children keeps her close to the world of music.

Even though Caroline Smedvig started her career as a writer and reporter, she has become a quiet star in the music world. Her love for music shows in her support, her voice, and the way she helps her family shine.

James Taylor’s Wife and Her Charity Work

Caroline Smedvig is not just a wife and mother — she also cares deeply about others. Together with James Taylor, she has supported many causes.

In 2020, Caroline and James donated $1 million to the Massachusetts General Hospital Emergency Preparedness Fund. This helped frontline health workers during tough times.

She is also active with Mass General Hospital for Children and other groups that help families and kids. In 2016, she and James helped raise $2.6 million at a special event for cancer research.

Caroline may not talk much about her charity work, but her actions speak loudly.

Interesting Facts About Caroline Smedvig

• Caroline inspired James Taylor’s love songs, like “Caroline I See You” and “On the 4th of July.”

• She doesn’t use Instagram or Twitter — she likes her privacy.

• Caroline grew up in a wealthy family, with strong values and tradition.

• Her blonde hair and graceful style make her stand out, even in quiet moments.

• She and James Taylor have now been married for over 24 years — a rare thing in the world of fame.

Caroline Smedvig shows us that being kind, calm, and supportive can make a big impact — even without being in the spotlight all the time.

Final Thoughts

So, who is Caroline Smedvig? She is more than just James Taylor’s wife.

She is a smart and talented woman who worked hard as a reporter, helped lead one of America’s top orchestras, and built a strong and loving family with one of music’s greatest stars. From writing news stories to raising twin boys and singing softly beside her husband, Caroline has done it all with grace.

In a world full of noise, Caroline Smedvig is a peaceful melody — steady, strong, and full of heart.

Wouldn’t we all love to have someone like her by our side?

(FAQs)

How old is Caroline Smedvig in 2025?

Caroline Smedvig is 68 years old in 2025. She was born on May 31, 1957, in Albany, New York.

Did Caroline Smedvig really have twins at 43?

Yes! Caroline became a mom at 43 through surrogacy. She and James Taylor had twin sons, Rufus and Henry, born in April 2001.

What is Caroline Smedvig’s net worth in 2025?

While her exact net worth is not public, she comes from a wealthy legal family and is married to James Taylor, who is worth around $80 million.

How did Caroline Smedvig meet James Taylor?

They met at a Boston Pops concert in 1993, but didn’t date until 1995 out of respect — because James was still married at the time.

What is James Taylor doing now in 2025?

At 77 years old, James Taylor still performs, often with his son Henry and his wife Caroline joining him on stage. He lives in Lenox, Massachusetts, and enjoys family life and charity work.