Jean Smart Says Being A Single Mom Is The 'Hardest Thing' She Has Ever Done

Jean Smart spoke about being a single mother after the death of her husband Richard Gilliland, who passed away in March 2021 at age 71.

Smart and Gilliland had two children, 13-year-old Forrest and 31-year-old Connor.

The 70-year-old actress got candid about adjusting to motherhood without her husband by her side while talking to reporters at the 2022 Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday, reported People.

"Well, certainly losing my husband was very unexpected, not something that I thought would happen for at least another 20 years. And having a young child, it's been unimaginable. Being a single mother is the hardest thing I've ever done. But we were both actors and, you know, the work has brought me great satisfaction and a great distraction certainly from my grief," she said.

However, she is forever grateful to all the people who have helped her get through some difficult times. "I work with the most loving, wonderful people who have just supported me and loved me and helped me through all of this, and so this is ... I just feel so fortunate, you know, to be where I am right now. It's just hard to put any meaning to this year, it's just been such incredible highs and incredible lows. I try not to overanalyze it too much," Smart told the outlet.

Smart attended the SAG awards with her teen son. During the ceremony, she gave both of her children a shout-out while accepting her award for outstanding female actor in a comedy series.

"This has been such a joy, this late in the game it's such a treat," Smart said. "To my two children, Forest and Connor, you are my life, and please everybody, let's pray for peace thank you."

Gilliland, who was married to Smart for nearly 34 years, suffered from a "brief illness" before he died in Los Angeles, according to a press release shared with People at the time.

Prior to his death, Gilliland and Smart were slated to work together again this summer in a film directed by Tate Taylor.