Caroline Smedvig built a respected career of her own long before she became known to the public as the wife of singer-songwriter James Taylor. Born Caroline Elisabeth Hessberg, she spent decades working in journalism and arts administration, eventually becoming a key figure behind one of America’s most prominent orchestras. Her marriage to the Grammy-winning musician has kept her name in the spotlight, yet her own achievements in media and music management tell a story worth knowing on its own terms. This article looks at her background, career, marriage to James Taylor, and the family life she has built away from the public eye.
Caroline Smedvig: Quick Bio Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Caroline Elisabeth Hessberg Smedvig |
| Date of Birth | May 31, 1957 |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Occupation | Former journalist; former Director of Public Relations and Marketing, Boston Symphony Orchestra; author; musician |
| Spouse | James Taylor (m. 2001) |
| Previous Marriage | Rolf Thorstein Smedvig (m. 1980, divorced) |
| Children | Rufus Taylor and Henry Taylor (twins) |
| Stepchildren | Sally Taylor and Ben Taylor |
| Parents | Elisabeth Goold and Albert Hessberg II |
| Siblings | Albert Hessberg III, Philip Hessberg |
| Notable Work | Co-author, “Seiji: An Intimate Portrait of Seiji Ozawa” (1998) |
Early Life and Education
Caroline Smedvig was born on May 31, 1957, in the United States. She was the only daughter of Elisabeth Goold and Albert Hessberg II, and she grew up alongside her two brothers, Albert Hessberg III and Philip Hessberg. Her father worked as an attorney, and her upbringing placed a strong emphasis on education and public service.
She pursued a career in journalism early on, working for outlets such as the Knickerbocker News, The New York Times, and The Associated Press. This background in reporting gave her the communication skills that would later define her professional path in the arts.
Career in Music and Public Relations
After her years in journalism, Caroline Smedvig moved into arts administration, joining the Boston Symphony Orchestra as a publicist in 1980. Over time, she rose to become the organization’s Director of Public Relations and Marketing, a role she held for roughly 25 years before leaving the company in 2004. In that position, she helped shape the public image of one of the country’s most respected orchestras during a competitive period for classical music institutions.
Beyond her administrative work, Smedvig is also a trained musician. She sang with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus and later performed as a backup vocalist for her husband’s band. In 1998, she co-authored the book “Seiji: An Intimate Portrait of Seiji Ozawa” alongside photographer Lincoln Russell, a project that reflected her deep ties to the Boston classical music scene.
First Marriage
Before meeting James Taylor, Caroline Smedvig was married to Rolf Thorstein Smedvig, a classical trumpeter and founding member of the brass ensemble Empire Brass. The two wed in December 1980 in Albany, New York, while Caroline was still building her career at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Their marriage ended in divorce after a few years, and Rolf later remarried before his death in 2011.
Caroline kept the Smedvig surname after the divorce, and it remains the name most associated with her public identity today.
Meeting James Taylor
Caroline Smedvig and James Taylor first crossed paths in 1993 at a Boston Symphony Orchestra concert, where Taylor was performing with conductor John Williams and the Boston Pops Orchestra. At the time, Taylor was still married to his second wife, actress Kathryn Walker, and the two did not pursue a relationship right away.
It was not until 1995, after Taylor’s marriage to Walker ended, that he and Smedvig began dating. Their first date took place on July 3, 1995, an occasion Taylor later referenced in his song “On the 4th of July.” The couple dated for about six years before deciding to marry.
Marriage to James Taylor
James Taylor and Caroline Smedvig married on February 18, 2001, at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Boston, surrounded by close family and friends. The wedding marked Taylor’s third marriage, following his earlier unions with musician Carly Simon and actress Kathryn Walker, and Smedvig’s second marriage overall.
Their relationship has lasted more than two decades, making it the longest of Taylor’s three marriages. Smedvig is widely credited as a steadying presence in Taylor’s life, and she has inspired several of his songs, including “Caroline I See You.”
Children and Family Life
Caroline Smedvig and James Taylor are the parents of twin sons, Rufus and Henry Taylor, who were conceived through in vitro fertilization and carried by a surrogate. The couple welcomed their sons in 2001, the same year they married, when Caroline was in her mid-forties.
Taylor also has two older children, Sally and Ben Taylor, from his first marriage to Carly Simon. Both of Taylor’s older children have pursued careers in music, following in their father’s footsteps. Smedvig has largely kept her role as a stepmother and mother private, preferring to stay out of the media spotlight even as her husband’s career has continued to draw public attention.
Where Is Caroline Smedvig Today?
Caroline Smedvig has stepped back from her full-time role at the Boston Symphony Orchestra but has remained connected to the organization in other capacities over the years. She continues to support her husband’s musical career, occasionally appearing alongside him at public events and performances.
Now in her late sixties, Smedvig maintains a low public profile, focusing on her family and her lifelong passion for music rather than seeking personal fame.
Conclusion
Caroline Smedvig’s story extends well beyond her marriage to James Taylor. From her early years in journalism to her decades-long career shaping the public image of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, she built a professional identity of her own before stepping into the public eye as Taylor’s wife. Today, she remains a private but steady presence in her husband’s life, balancing family and a lifelong connection to music.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Caroline Smedvig?
Caroline Smedvig is an American former journalist and arts administrator best known as the wife of singer-songwriter James Taylor. She spent 25 years as the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Director of Public Relations and Marketing.
When did Caroline Smedvig marry James Taylor?
She married James Taylor on February 18, 2001, at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Boston, after dating for about six years.
Does Caroline Smedvig have children?
Yes, she and James Taylor have twin sons, Rufus and Henry Taylor, born in 2001. She is also the stepmother of Taylor’s children from his first marriage, Sally and Ben Taylor.
Was Caroline Smedvig married before James Taylor?
Yes, she was previously married to classical trumpeter Rolf Thorstein Smedvig from 1980 until their divorce.
What did Caroline Smedvig do before marrying James Taylor?
She worked as a journalist for outlets including The New York Times and The Associated Press before becoming the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s public relations director.
