Sam Donaldson & Wife Split After His DUI Arrest
Just a short month after being arrested for a DUI, Sam’s wife Jan Smith Donaldson announces that the couple of 29 years have been separated for several months. Read on for all the details.
Many were surprised by recent news that veteran newscaster Sam Donaldson, 78, had been arrested for a DUI in early December, wondering what could have led the respected ABC News journalist to such a lapse in judgement. With a new announcement that Sam and his wife of 29 years, journalist Jan Smith Donaldson, 57, quietly separated months ago, perhaps we have our answer.
Jan’s lawyer, Sandy Ain, confirmed the split to The Washington Post on Jan. 2. “They remain on good terms with each other and are hopeful they’ll be able to resolve their economic issues,” Sandy says. The reason for the split hasn’t been given, and the couple still has yet to file for divorce. “It’s unclear where this is ultimately headed,” Sandy adds.
Sam & Jan Donaldson’s Marital History
Sam and Jan were married in 1983, marking his third marriage. The two met while both were working at ABC News. At the time of their engagement, he told colleagues that this relationship “is forever, until I expire.” After their wedding, Jan said that her older husband “really swept me off my feet in terms of energy and excitement.”
The couple have no children together, though Sam has four grown children from his previous marriages.
Sam Donaldson’s Other Headaches
News of the split comes shortly after Sam was arrested in Delaware on Dec. 1. Cops pulled the newsman over after he had driven onto the shoulder of the road. During the stop, he failed the field sobriety test and was immediately arrested. As he was reportedly incredibly cooperative during the arrest, he was released rather quickly. Sam’s case for his DUI arrest is still pending.
Do you think Sam’s split from his wife Jan led to his DUI, HollywoodLifers?
— Billy Nilles
More Celebrity Divorces:
- Tina & Joe Simpson Divorce — Jessica Simpson’s Parents Split
- Jaime Pressly & Husband Split Just Weeks After DUI Arrest
- Dennis Quaid Divorce — Actor Files For Split From Wife, Kimberly Buffington-Quaid