Ree Drummond, better known as The Pioneer Woman, has built an empire by sharing her charming life on a ranch in Oklahoma. With her popular Food Network show, cookbooks, and a thriving blog, she’s become a beloved figure to millions. However, recent whispers of a divorce scandal have left fans stunned. Is Ree’s marriage to her cowboy husband, Ladd Drummond, in jeopardy? Let’s dig into the truth behind the rumors, uncover the real story about her parents’ scandalous past, and set the record straight.
The Real Story: Ree Drummond’s Marriage Is Still Solid
Before we unravel the shocking details of her family’s past, let’s clear the air: Ree Drummond, now 56, is not getting a divorce. Despite the rumors that have been swirling, Ree and Ladd Drummond, who recently celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary in September 2023, seem stronger than ever.
In fact, Ree’s anniversary Instagram post was a testament to their enduring love. Alongside a photo of the two on a dinner date, she playfully recounted a story about their meal choices that ended with them splitting fries and onion rings—a small but sweet example of compromise and connection. “And that’s why we’ve been married 27 years,” she quipped, proving that sometimes, the secret to a lasting marriage really is all about the little things.
Together, the Drummonds manage a sprawling cattle ranch in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, raising their five children—Alex, Paige, Bryce, Todd, and Jamar—and running a booming business empire. With an estimated net worth of $50 million, the couple’s partnership extends beyond their personal life into a wildly successful professional collaboration.
The Scandal That Sparked the Rumors
So, where did all these divorce rumors come from? Well, it’s not about Ree’s marriage at all—it’s her parents’ past that’s causing a stir. According to a recent report by Radar Online, Ree’s parents, Gerre and William Smith, divorced in 1997 after 33 years of marriage due to a scandalous affair.
The shocking part? The alleged affair was between Ree’s mother, Gerre, and the family’s church rector, Doug Schwert. The two reportedly met at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where the affair quickly became the talk of the town. At the time, Ree was 28 years old and newly married to Ladd.
The divorce documents uncovered by Radar Online revealed that William Smith, a respected surgeon, was blindsided by the affair and desperately wanted to save the marriage. “The defendant desires to continue to live in a loving and supportive marriage with the plaintiff,” read his response in the court papers. Unfortunately, the split was finalized in March 1997, and Gerre moved out of state to marry Schwert. The couple is still married today, residing in Signal Mountain, Tennessee.
How Fans Reacted to the Scandal
As you can imagine, fans were quick to speculate about what this revelation might mean for Ree and Ladd’s marriage. Social media lit up with questions and concerns about the Drummond family’s stability. For someone who has built her brand on authenticity and sharing family moments, such a scandal—no matter how distant—was bound to spark controversy.
However, Ree seems unfazed by the gossip. Those who follow her blog and social media know that she rarely shies away from sharing personal stories, whether it’s about her kids, her husband, or her life on the ranch. Yet, she has remained notably silent on this particular family drama, perhaps proving that sometimes, silence speaks volumes.
Why the Rumors Don’t Hold Up
There are a few reasons why the idea of Ree and Ladd divorcing doesn’t quite add up. First, their bond appears stronger than ever, with both frequently sharing loving posts about each other and their family life. Second, their successful business empire, which includes the Pioneer Woman Mercantile, a restaurant, bakery, and store in Pawhuska, depends heavily on the image of their strong family unit.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that rumors of divorce in the Drummond household are nothing new. Whenever Ladd is missing from a few episodes of Ree’s show or absent from her Instagram feed for too long, fans start to worry. But time and again, Ree has put those fears to rest with candid posts and updates about their life together.
Moving Forward: Ree Drummond’s Ever-Growing Empire
Despite the drama, Ree’s career shows no signs of slowing down. With multiple bestselling cookbooks, a magazine, a line of kitchen products at Walmart, and her continued presence on the Food Network, she’s built a lifestyle brand that fans can’t get enough of. The Drummond family’s estimated net worth of $50 million is a testament to their savvy business sense and the loyalty of their fanbase.
For Ree, the recipe for success seems to be equal parts authenticity, relatability, and a dash of humor—whether she’s sharing recipes or family moments. As for the divorce rumors? It looks like they’re just another batch of half-baked gossip that won’t rise.
