Elizabeth Smart was only 14 years old when her life was violently upended. On June 5, 2002, she was abducted at knifepoint from her family’s home in Salt Lake City—an event that would later become one of the most widely known kidnapping cases in the U.S.
More than 20 years later, Smart continues to share her story, not to relive the trauma, but to help others heal. In Netflix’s documentary Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart, which premiered on Jan. 21, she opens up about the nine months she spent in captivity and the lasting emotional impact it had on her life.
Speaking to PEOPLE in January 2026, Smart explained that she felt compelled to speak out after hearing from countless survivors who told her they felt isolated and unseen.
“I want people to understand the realities of sexual violence, kidnapping, and assault,” Smart said. “So many survivors carry shame that doesn’t belong to them. I want them to know it’s not their fault—and that they’re not alone.”
Finding Joy After Trauma
Despite the unimaginable hardships she endured as a teenager, Elizabeth Smart has built a life rooted in love, purpose, and family. In 2012, she married Matthew Gilmour, whom she met while both were doing Mormon mission work in Paris. The couple exchanged vows in a private destination wedding in Hawaii, attended only by close family members.
Motherhood soon became one of Smart’s greatest dreams. She once described becoming a mom as her “greatest aspiration,” crediting her own mother as her lifelong inspiration.
“I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my mom,” she told PEOPLE in 2014. “She’s my hero, and I want to have that same influence on my children.”
Meet Elizabeth Smart’s Kids: Chloe, James, and Olivia—What to Know
Elizabeth Smart and Matthew Gilmour are parents to three children, each of whom has brought new meaning and happiness into their lives.
Chloé: The Firstborn
The couple welcomed their first child, Chloé, on Feb. 7, 2015. Becoming a mother marked a powerful new chapter for Smart—one filled with joy, healing, and hope.
“My children have brought so much happiness and joy,” she previously shared. “To me, they’re the very definition of love.”
James: A Growing Family
In 2017, Smart announced she was expecting again, revealing the news through a sweet Halloween family photo. Her son, James, was born in April of that year. The family shared his arrival with an Easter snapshot showing Chloé cuddling her new baby brother.
At the time, Smart’s father, Edward, described his daughter as “extremely happy” to be expanding her family.
Olivia: The Youngest
The family of four became a family of five in November 2018 with the birth of their youngest child, Olivia. Since then, Smart has often spoken about how motherhood continues to be a source of strength and purpose in her life.
How Elizabeth Smart Talks to Her Children About Her Past
As her children have grown older, Smart has chosen to be honest—yet thoughtful—about her past. Her eldest daughter, Chloé, began asking questions when she was around five years old, prompting Smart to introduce the topic in an age-appropriate way.
“I never want to hide what happened,” Smart explained in a 2021 interview. “Every one of us has a past, and every one of us faces hardships.”
By 2024, Smart shared that all three of her children were aware of her kidnapping, though not in graphic or overwhelming detail.
“They know the big picture, but not the specifics,” she told PEOPLE. “I’ve told them that if they ever want to talk about it more, we can—and for now, they seem comfortable where they are.”
A Mother’s Instinct to Protect
Given her history, Smart admits that protecting her children is a constant concern. While she doesn’t want them to grow up afraid, she does want them to be informed and aware of the world around them.
“I don’t want them to put politeness over safety,” she said. “Their safety matters more than worrying about offending someone.”
Smart has also shared a touching reflection on how motherhood changed her emotionally.
“When they were born, it felt like my heart moved into my throat,” she said. “I know I can be a little paranoid, but it comes from love. I just want them safe—and they understand that.”
A Story of Strength, Healing, and Hope
Today, Elizabeth Smart is not only a survivor but also a powerful advocate, a devoted wife, and a loving mother. Through her work, her voice, and her family, she continues to turn pain into purpose—showing that healing is possible, even after the darkest experiences.
