Gretchen Smith Bolton is an American philanthropist and certified financial planner, best known as the wife of John Bolton, former U.S. National Security Advisor, diplomat, and Republican political figure. Born with the maiden name Gretchen Smith, she married John Bolton in 1986, becoming his second wife after his divorce from Christine Bolton in 1983. The couple has maintained a relatively private life, with Gretchen supporting her husband's high-profile career by accompanying him to significant events, including White House state dinners, international diplomatic functions, and fashion shows. They have no children together, and Gretchen has focused on her professional career in finance while engaging in philanthropic activities, though details of her charitable work remain limited in public records.

Professionally, Gretchen Bolton has built a career spanning over two decades in financial planning. She is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who has worked with major firms, initially at AXA Advisors in Washington, D.C., where she advised clients on investments, retirement planning, and estate strategies. More recently, she has been affiliated with Equitable Advisors, LLC in Bethesda, Maryland, with approximately 23 years of experience in the industry. Her role involves guiding individuals and possibly organizations on financial matters, and public records indicate no regulatory disclosures or professional controversies associated with her practice.

While not directly involved in politics, her life has intersected with influential networks through her marriage, placing her in proximity to global leaders and policymakers. She is recognized for her supportive role in her husband's endeavors and her own contributions to philanthropy, embodying a blend of personal dedication and professional acumen. She and John Bolton reside in the Washington, D.C. area, and she has been photographed at events alongside notable figures in politics and society. There are no known legal issues, health disclosures, or political activities directly attributed to her, positioning her primarily as a supportive spouse and independent professional in the financial sector.