Ann-Margret and Roger Smith’s love story is a testament to enduring commitment and mutual support. Married in 1967, they shared a deep bond that lasted over five decades.
Before their marriage, Ann-Margret had a high-profile relationship with Elvis Presley, her co-star in “Viva Las Vegas.” Despite their past, she and Smith remained close friends until Presley’s passing. Ann-Margret chose not to include songs made famous by Presley in her album, stating, “I decided not to. Everyone knows how I felt about him and the friendship that we had all these years. It was very, very private.”
After their wedding, Ann-Margret and Smith were inseparable. She once remarked, “Now, in Roger, I’ve found all the men I need rolled into one — a father, a friend, a lover, a manager, a businessman. It’s perfect for me. I couldn’t exist without a strong man.”
Smith managed Ann-Margret’s career, helping her secure challenging roles in films like “Carnal Knowledge” and “Tommy,” which earned her critical acclaim. He also produced her popular Las Vegas stage shows.
In 1980, Smith was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease. His health declined further with a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Ann-Margret paused her acting career to care for him, stating, “I kept saying no, no, no to everything because I was taking care of him. If you’re a spouse, if one of you has a broken wing, the other takes over.”
Smith passed away on June 4, 2017, after battling myasthenia gravis for many years. Ann-Margret reflected on their life together, saying, “When I look back at my life, I am most proud of my marriage…We both wanted it to work. And it did work. We were together night and day. We loved each other and were always in each other’s corner.”
Their enduring love story continues to inspire, highlighting the power of partnership and unwavering support through life’s challenges.
