Ann-Margret and her late husband, Roger Smith, had been married for 50 years and were devoted to one other entirely.

The couple married in 1967 and were married until Smith died on June 4, 2017, after a protracted struggle with myasthenia gravis.

Ann-Margret dated Elvis Presley, a singer and her co-star in “Viva Las Vegas,” before marrying Smith. Even after her divorce from Smith, she remained acquaintances with the singer until his death in 1977.

Ann-Margret valued their friendship so much that when she relaunched her career after her husband’s death, she removed Presley’s songs from her CD. She stated why she omitted some music.

«I made the choice not to. Everyone is aware of how I felt about him and our connection over the years. It was quite private.»

Ann-Margret and Smith were inseparable after they married. «I knew I was going to marry him on the third date,» she said.

They couldn’t take being on opposite sides of the nation on film shoots. Smith eventually became her manager in order to assure her that they would always be together. The vocalist of «The Swinger» stated:

«I’ve found all the men I need in Roger — a father, a friend, a lover, a manager, and a businessman.» It’s ideal for me. Without a strong guy, I couldn’t exist.»

Smith was a terrific manager for her, supporting her in moving beyond the stereotype of a cartoon figure held by critics. Ann-Margret landed tough roles in “Carnal Knowledge” and “Tommy” as a result of his efforts, gaining her critical acclaim and award-show recognition.

She went on to star in films such as “Grumpy Old Men.” She also starred as a guest on the Emmy-winning series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”

Smith previously mentioned in an interview that he planned to co-star with his wife in a Broadway play once she departed the movies. Unfortunately, the duo’s dream never came true.

Ann-Margret and her husband endured various obstacles, as do most marriages, but they remained married throughout.

They had a long life together and even celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary just before Smith died. Smith had always wanted to hit the milestone, and he was overjoyed when he did.

After years of Smith overseeing her wife’s job, Ann-Margret matched her husband’s support by being present in his personal life. Smith’s career was halted after she was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and Parkinson’s disease. She stated, ”

«I kept saying no, no, no to everything because I was taking care of him.» If you’re married, the other takes over if one of you breaks a wing.»

According to a close friend of Ann-Margret, the actress was a “amazing nurse” to her husband during his illness. The affection, however, did not end there. Even after her husband died, she reportedly still loved him. «She feels that a great love story does not end with death. «You take their spirit with you,» the friend replied.

Ann-Margret expressed her thankfulness for the years she spent with her husband after his death:

«When I look back on my life, my marriage is the thing I am most proud of… We were both hoping for the best. And it was effective. We spent every waking and sleeping hour together. We loved one other and were always there for one another.»

Despite her loss, she tried to move on by focusing on her hobbies and abilities. She also had fond memories of their time together.

Ann-Margret struggled to conceive for 13 years. She admitted to using a fertility pump and an experimental gadget that pumped a hormone into her stomach to help her ovulate.

[Ann-Margret] is attempting to move on with her life by focusing on her business, but she continues to reside in the Los Angeles home she purchased with Smith.

Smith desired biological children despite the fact that she already had three children. She stated, ”

«The point is, if I’m going to have a child, I’m going to have one.» Whatever my higher power believes is best for me, I will accept. I realize it is extremely simplistic, but I believe in the serenity prayer.»

For years, Ann-Margret prayed to God for the peace to accept what she couldn’t change, the courage to alter what she could, and the insight to distinguish between the two.

After years of trying and failing to conceive, the actress decided to forego the hormone-inducing situation and become Smith’s stepmother. This was her favorite part of all she’d ever done, she said.

The 82-year-old claimed she became a strict stepmother who taught her stepchildren to be courteous in the same way her parents had taught her:

«I met them when they were three, six, and seven, and now they aren’t.» Two of them are physicians. I’m not going to delve into it because it’s very, very private.»

Ann-Margret, now in her 80s, is a cheerful woman who resumed her work after her husband died. She’s been working hard and just finished recording a new album called «Born to Be Wild.»

She confessed that she hadn’t released an album in 50 years, but she had a great time making her last one.

The actress is attempting to move on with her life by focusing on her job, but she continues to reside in the Los Angeles home she purchased with Smith.

Despite her best efforts, Ann-Margret stated that her grief had caused her to lose interest in several of the activities she used to enjoy with her husband, such as skiing. She did, however, plan to return to the slopes shortly.

The actress has already returned to the big screen, appearing in films such as «Never Too Late» and «Queen Bees.» She mentioned:

«When you reach a certain age, you are not dead. You must continue to live and not sit at home alone, watching TV. You must participate.»

The singer of “Going in Style” has also had a close circle of acquaintances, many of whom she has collaborated with over the years. She revealed that she and her friends were part of an informal walking group.

«On Monday, there could be three of us.» On another day, there may be 15. Every weekend, we take a walk in a new location. «I’m really looking forward to going.»

Ann-Margret now spends her free time with her cat, Harley. The 18-year-old cat is always by her side and even sleeps with her every night.