The Life And Challenges Of Jordan Peterson And His Wife Tammy

Outspoken clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson is well known for his controversial comments on everything from transgender rights to Disney's live-action Snow White remake. However, his wife Tammy Peterson keeps a much lower profile. The couple has experienced both triumphs and trials throughout their 34-year marriage, illustrating a remarkable story of resilience and support. In this article, we will explore their journey together, the challenges they faced, and the lessons learned along the way.

Peterson, 61, and the former massage therapist, 58, have two children—Mikhalia Fuller, 31, and Julian Peterson, 28. Their life together has not been without its struggles, including a cancer scare and a stint in rehab. This journey has not only tested their bond but also shaped their views on relationships and personal growth.

Through their trials, the Petersons have emerged with a deeper understanding of the importance of communication and intimacy in a marriage. They have used their experiences to help others navigate their relationships, sharing insights and advice through various platforms, including social media and podcasts.

How Did Jordan Peterson Meet His Wife Tammy Peterson?

The couple first bonded as children and began dating in high school, marrying in 1989. In a post to Instagram in February 2019, Jordan Peterson recounted his first meeting with his future wife—then Tammy Roberts—who lived across the street from his childhood home in Fairview, Alberta. He fondly remembered, “I was about seven at the time (that’s 48 years ago). You can imagine what an awful lot of memories we share.”

Tammy Peterson ran her own massage therapy business for three decades before leaving her career behind to support her husband with his research, acting as an advisor. She also has her own podcast, The Tammy Peterson Podcast, where she analyzes ancient scripture in relation to modern life. This transition highlights her dedication to their partnership and her willingness to adapt in support of Jordan's career.

Tammy Peterson Recently Battled Terminal Cancer

In July 2019, Jordan Peterson shared that his wife was battling a rare form of kidney cancer. “My wife is very ill,” he told a publication. “She’s had two surgeries in the last two months and is suffering from severe complications from the last one.” This revelation brought to light the couple’s struggles, showcasing their resilience during difficult times.

Tammy Peterson was diagnosed with a Bellini tumor, a type of renal cancer with an extremely high mortality rate. Doctors initially believed she had a less aggressive form of cancer, but surgery to remove part of her kidney revealed the severity of the condition. The cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, but the second surgery successfully removed the tumor, offering a glimmer of hope in a dire situation.

The Stress Led Jordan Peterson to Check Into Rehab

Later that year, Mikhalia Peterson confirmed that her father had checked into a rehab facility in New York. Posting a video to YouTube, the influencer explained that the author, then 57, was suffering from "horrific" discontinuation symptoms from the medication Clonazepam. Jordan Peterson has previously discussed his battle with depression and was prescribed the benzodiazepine after his wife’s cancer diagnosis in April 2019.

After Tammy’s condition appeared to improve, he decided to wean himself off Clonazepam. However, the process did not go as planned. Mikhalia described her father as “like a lost puppy,” illustrating the emotional toll the situation took on their family. “I’ve never seen my dad like this,” she said in the video. “He’s having a miserable time of it. It breaks my heart.”

Jordan Peterson Was Placed In a Medically-Induced Coma

In February 2020, the academic admitted himself into an “emergency” detox center in Moscow after difficulty weaning himself off Clonazepam. Mikhalia reported that her father suffered from a “severe case of pneumonia” during his time at the facility and was placed into a medically-induced coma for eight days to help him recover.

“He’s had to spend four weeks in the ICU in terrible shape, but with the help of some extremely competent and courageous doctors, he survived,” she shared in an online clip. “The uncertainty around his recovery has been one of the most difficult and scary experiences we’ve ever had.” This experience further underscored the couple’s strength and commitment to each other as they navigated these challenging times.

Jordan Peterson Claims He’s Being Canceled

After his health scare, Peterson took a brief hiatus from the public eye. He has since returned to his career, continuing to cause controversy. In August, he lashed out at Disney CEO Bob Iger on X, the social network formerly known as Twitter, after photos taken at Disney World Resort, Florida, appeared to show men dressed as female characters. This incident marked a notable moment in his ongoing public discourse.

On September 4, Peterson was mocked by critics after supposedly referencing a scene from Sky Fall (2012). He appeared to quote the “Rat King” speech from the James Bond movie. Peterson also recently called for a boycott of Skittles candy due to its “woke” LGBTQ+ packaging and published an essay in The New York Post titled “I’m being professionally canceled for my moral stance on trans butchery,” explaining that he is likely to lose his license for his comments on trans issues. This ongoing drama highlights the complexities of balancing public opinion with personal beliefs.