Why Will And Jada Pinkett Smith Don't Say They're Married Anymore

Will Smith Bright Jada Pinkett Smith Gotham

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith have been married for a long time. Since late 1997, in fact. And while they have weathered their fair share of marital difficulties and strains in their relationships, they're still together and stronger than ever. But if you happen to spend any time with the Smith family, you might notice that they're not calling each other "husband" and "wife" right now, nor are they saying they're "married." That's because they believe they're something else right now -- something stronger. Don't be alarmed. According to Will Smith, they refer to themselves as "life partners." Here's how the actor and musician explained his relationship at the moment with his main squeeze, Jada Pinkett Smith, on a recent podcast appearance.

We don't even say we're married anymore. We refer to ourselves as life partners, where you get into that space where you realize you are literally with somebody for the rest of your life. [There are] no deal breakers. There's nothing she could do -- ever -- nothing that would break our relationship. She has my support till death and it feels so good to get to that space.

The quote came from Will Smith's recent appearance on the Rap Radar podcast, available on Tidal (via Page Six). The couple has fought against tabloid rumors about their separation and reports about difficulties in their marriage, which the acting couple has continuously denied over the years. These rumors were also thrown around when Will Smith released a brand new song on St. Patrick's Day jokingly related to infidelity. Though they are willing to admit that some days have been better than others, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith have continually asserted their love for one another. With this recent claim of being "life partners" beyond "husband" and "wife," Will Smith believes they're sticking it out for the long haul. No matter what other people might think, Smith attests to their commitment, believing that -- for better or for worse -- they're going to stick it out and stay together.

Additionally, Will Smith also recently discussed being married to Jada Pinkett Smith for a whole two decades. On social media a little over six months ago, Smith said the following statement about the love of his life and the woman whom he believes he will be married to for the remainder of his life.

Love is Like Gardening ... I have learned to focus on HELPING you to BLOSSOM into what YOU want to be (into what you were born to be)... Rather than Demanding that you become what my Fragile Ego needs you to be. I've learned to take pleasure in Nourishing YOUR dreams... Rather than wrestling with you to Fulfill my Selfish Needs & Satiate My Insecurities. I have learned that Love is Listening. Love is Giving. Love is Freedom. Happy Anniversary, My Queen! I am forever Devoted to Nurturing your Deepest Truth.

We're glad to hear Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are staying strong and devoided to one another as the actor couple continues living together as not simply husband and wife, but life partners.

Will Ashton

Will is an entertainment writer based in Pittsburgh, PA. His writing can also be found in The Playlist, Cut Print Film, We Got This Covered, The Young Folks, Slate and other outlets. He also co-hosts the weekly film/TV podcast Cinemaholics with Jon Negroni and he likes to think he's a professional Garfield enthusiast.