DWTS Star & NFL Player Emmitt Smith and Wife Pat Are Separating after 20 Years –– What Happened?

Emmitt Smith and his wife, Pat, have decided to call it quits after being together for 20 years. Smith shared their joint statement on social media.

Former NFL star Emmitt Smith and Pat, his partner of 20 years, are getting a divorce per a statement he released on his Instagram page.

Smith's post outlined that the couple made a joint decision after proper consideration as they asked fans and the public for much-needed privacy.

SMITH'S DIVORCE ANNOUNCEMENT

The fragment shared on Instagram showed that both parties signed the statement. The joint write up made it known that Emmitt and Pat plan to continue being amicable to each other and work out a suitable co-parenting plan. The statement read,

"...We will work together in the best interest of our children, family, community, and businesses…"

On her Instagram page, Pat, who was crowned Miss Virginia in 1993, also shared the same post, leaving fans wondering what went wrong.

THEIR RECENT ANNIVERSARY

Fans might have been left wondering as this brings to mind their recently celebrated 20th anniversary. On Instagram, Pat shared a smiling selfie of her and Emmitt while she penned a lengthy tribute to their love life.

It is to say that Emmitt is a multi-hyphenate star who first gained fame as an NFL player.

Pat wrote about the part of marriage that was not publicized as she showed gratitude for growth. She shared:

"...While continuing to grow together and as individuals, I can see that we are definitely not the two people we married 20 years ago!!..."

THE COUPLE'S TIMELINE

Before marrying the "DWTS'" star, Pat was married to comic icon Martin Lawrence between 1995 and 1997. She tied the knot with Emmitt in 2000.

Emmitt and Pat have three children, Emmitt Jr, Skylar, and Elijah. While Pat has a daughter, Jasmine, from her previous marriage, Emmitt also has a daughter, Rheagan, from an older relationship.

It is to say that Emmitt is a multi-hyphenate star who first gained fame as an NFL player. After retirement, he went into full-time show business.

Emmitt, a dance pro on "DWTS," has appeared in several movies, including "How I met Your Mother," "Little Giants," and "CSI: Cyber."