Jaclyn Smith gets candid about her years-long marriage with Brad Allen

Jaclyn Smith revealed the secret behind her successful long-distance marriage.

Jaclyn was married to Brad Allen in 1997; however, she had two children from her previous partner, Tony Richmond.

As Jaclyn and Brad lived in two different states for almost 17 years, the actress revealed in an interview with People Magazine how she and her husband made their long-distance marriage work. Stating, “When you have only a weekend, you really make it count.”

“I could go there; he could come here. He did most of the commuting because I had two kids, and I couldn’t move them from their dad. We made it work,” she added.

After nearly 17 years of having her husband by her side, the Hollywood icon said, “Now that we’re together it’s just like bliss, because we did [long distance] for so long.”

“God, I can’t imagine not having him here now. I can’t. It just makes life easier and better. For a girl who just believed in marriage and kids, I finally got that,” she further added.

Reflecting on her previous marriage with Tony, the veteran actress revealed that despite the good times, her former husband’s struggles with alcohol and drugs eventually destroyed the marriage.

“That period in my life was a very beautiful period,” Jaclyn said.

She went on to say, “I never thought I’d have children, and he gave me these beautiful kids. He was devoted to me, and we worked well together.”

Noting, “I think it would’ve worked, but I couldn’t cope with the alcohol and drugs.”

“The messiness of alcohol and when people abused it turned me off,” Jaclyn further noted.

But now she is proud to see him overcoming his struggles, “My hat’s off to him.”

“He’s doing great. I still respect him. Thank goodness he saw the light. It can really destroy,” she further praised her ex-husband.