Even though she's been happily married to Will Smith for over two decades, Jada Pinkett Smith admits she tied the knot a little too young. And you know what? She’s hoping her daughter, Willow, waits until she's much older before walking down the aisle. Life’s a journey, and Jada’s learned a thing or two along the way.

In a candid chat with Hoda Kotb on her SiriusXM show, The Hoda Show, Jada was asked what she’d say to Willow if her daughter wanted to get married at 25. Her response? A firm and friendly, “Don’t do that! Don’t do that!”

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Why Jada Thinks Marriage Shouldn’t Be Rushed

Let’s be real—life is a marathon, not a sprint. Jada went on to explain how she’d handle the situation if Willow fell in love early. “If she’s in love the way I was and thinking about marriage, I’d sit her down and say, ‘There’s no rush. There’s so much life to experience before settling down,’” shared the 45-year-old actress. Jada, who married Will, now 48, back in December 1997, confessed that she never planned to get married before meeting her now-husband. But hey, life has a way of surprising us, right?

Will, Jada, and their three kids. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Lessons from the Past

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Jada has expressed her concerns about young marriages. Back in 2015, during an interview with Howard Stern, she opened up about her own experience. “It worked out for me, but let me tell you—it wasn’t easy. Thank God I had a partner who could handle the ride. Going from 25 to my 40s wasn’t a walk in the park,” she admitted. “Marriage is a journey, and you’ve got to be strong, trust your partner, and work through the ups and downs. It’s not for the faint of heart.”

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“At the end of the day, I’m not here to micromanage anyone’s life. I’m not Will’s keeper. He’s a grown man, and we both have our own paths to follow,” Jada added. Marriage is about partnership, not control, and she’s clearly mastered that art.

A Decade-Long Love Story

Fast forward to today, and Jada and Will are still going strong. They recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary—a testament to their enduring love and commitment. “Here’s the thing about relationships—they go through stages. Right now, we’re entering a new chapter of understanding. As you grow older, everything changes. So, we’re constantly checking in with each other, redefining our roles, and making sure we stay connected,” Jada shared with Hoda on July 19.