Elizabeth Smart’s Journey: An Update on Her Parents 23 Years After Her Kidnapping
Elizabeth Smart, who was kidnapped at just 14 years old, credits her parents, Ed and Lois Smart, for helping her stay strong during that harrowing experience in 2002. In a past interview, Elizabeth shared how her parents taught her the importance of judging people by their actions. This guidance helped her endure the abuse she faced during her captivity.
On June 5, 2002, Elizabeth was taken from her home in Salt Lake City by Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee. She remained missing for nine months until her rescue on March 12, 2003. Elizabeth later revealed that she was subjected to daily abuse by Mitchell, who claimed to be a preacher. Both he and Barzee faced legal consequences for their crimes, with Mitchell receiving a life sentence and Barzee serving 15 years in prison.
Since her recovery, Elizabeth has become an advocate for children’s rights and has worked to raise awareness about child abduction and abuse. Her family continues to share their story through various media and a book titled Bringing Elizabeth Home: A Journey of Faith and Hope, which Ed and Lois co-authored.
So, what are Ed and Lois Smart up to now? After their daughter’s ordeal, they have taken part in numerous discussions and advocacy efforts regarding child safety and awareness, driven by their painful experiences.
The couple welcomed Elizabeth as their second child on November 3, 1987, and they have a total of six children. Ed, who worked in real estate, and Lois, now a public speaker, have remained vocal about the issues surrounding child abduction. However, in 2019, the couple went through significant personal changes: Ed publicly came out as gay, and Lois filed for divorce after 34 years of marriage.
Following the separation, Ed expressed that his relationship with his children had been affected but emphasized that they continue to show him love and support. Elizabeth shared her feelings on her parents’ separation, stating that she admires them both and respects their personal decisions.
Now, Ed is focusing on his happiness and fulfillment. "I plan on being happy, and I want each one of my children to be happy," he said in a recent interview. Meanwhile, Elizabeth enjoys being a mother to her three children: daughters Chloé and Olivia, and son James.
As they navigate their lives, both Ed and Lois continue to encourage awareness about child safety, hoping to prevent tragedies like their daughter’s from happening to other families.
