Aretha Franklin Married: The Queen Of Soul's Love Story You Didn't Know

Author Mary J. Goldsberry 14 Apr 2025

Aretha Franklin married life has always been a topic of fascination for fans around the world. The Queen of Soul, with her powerful voice and timeless music, had a personal life that was just as captivating as her career. Her journey in love, from her first marriage to her final days, is a story worth exploring. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dive into the untold chapters of Aretha Franklin’s romantic life.

When you think about Aretha Franklin, the first thing that comes to mind is her incredible music. But beyond the stage, she was also a woman who experienced the highs and lows of love. Her marriages were not just personal milestones but also part of her growth as an artist and a human being. So, why not take a closer look at the love life of this legendary figure?

This article will uncover everything you need to know about Aretha Franklin married life, from her early relationships to her later years. We’ll explore her two marriages, the challenges she faced, and how love played a role in shaping her iconic career. Let’s get started, shall we?

Biography: A Quick Glimpse into Aretha Franklin's Life

Before we dive into Aretha Franklin married life, let’s take a moment to appreciate the woman behind the music. Born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, Aretha grew up in a household filled with music and spirituality. Her father, C.L. Franklin, was a preacher, and her mother, Barbara Siggers Franklin, was a talented pianist and vocalist. This environment laid the foundation for her future as a legendary singer.

Aretha’s career began at a young age when she started performing gospel music in church. By the time she was a teenager, she had already made a name for herself in the gospel circuit. Her transition to secular music in the 1960s marked the beginning of her rise to fame. Hits like “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” cemented her status as the Queen of Soul.

But Aretha’s life wasn’t all about music. She faced personal challenges, including her marriages, which we’ll explore in detail. Her journey through love and loss shaped her into the iconic figure we know today.

Aretha Franklin: A Look at Her Personal Data

Here’s a quick glance at some key details about Aretha Franklin:

Full Name	Aretha Louise Franklin
Birthdate	March 25, 1942
Birthplace	Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Occupation	Singer, songwriter, pianist
Marital Status	Twice married
Children	Four sons

Aretha Franklin Married Life: Her First Marriage

Aretha Franklin’s first marriage took place when she was just 18 years old. In 1961, she tied the knot with Ted White, a man who would play a significant role in her early career. At the time, Aretha was signed to Columbia Records, and Ted became her manager. Their marriage was filled with both excitement and challenges.

While Ted helped Aretha navigate the music industry, their relationship was not without its difficulties. Reports suggest that the marriage was tumultuous, marked by arguments and disagreements. Despite this, Aretha credited Ted with helping her transition from gospel to secular music, a move that eventually led to her success.

The couple had two sons together, Ted White Jr. and Edward Franklin. However, the marriage ultimately ended in divorce in 1969. Aretha later spoke about the experience, acknowledging the lessons she learned from it.

Why Did Aretha Franklin’s First Marriage Fail?

Several factors contributed to the failure of Aretha Franklin’s first marriage. The pressures of her growing career, coupled with the challenges of a young marriage, took their toll. Here are some key points:

Professional stress: Ted’s role as Aretha’s manager created tension in their relationship.
Communication issues: Like many young couples, they struggled with communication and understanding each other’s needs.
Personal growth: Aretha was evolving as an artist and a person, which sometimes clashed with the dynamics of her marriage.

Despite the challenges, Aretha’s first marriage laid the groundwork for her future relationships and personal growth.

Aretha Franklin’s Second Marriage

After her divorce from Ted White, Aretha Franklin remained single for several years. However, love found her again in the early 1970s when she met Glynn Turman, an actor and filmmaker. The couple tied the knot in 1978, marking a new chapter in Aretha’s life.

Glynn Turman was a supportive partner who stood by Aretha through thick and thin. Unlike her first marriage, this relationship was characterized by mutual respect and understanding. Glynn even played a role in Aretha’s career, co-producing her 1980 concert film “Lady Soul.”

Aretha and Glynn had two sons together, making a total of four children for Aretha. Their marriage lasted until Aretha’s passing in 2018, showcasing the strength and resilience of their bond.

What Made Aretha Franklin’s Second Marriage Successful?

Aretha Franklin’s second marriage was a testament to the power of love and partnership. Here’s what made it work:

Mature relationship: Both Aretha and Glynn approached their marriage with a mature mindset, having learned from past experiences.
Shared values: They shared similar values and goals, which strengthened their connection.
Support system: Glynn was a source of support for Aretha, both personally and professionally.

Aretha often spoke fondly of Glynn, crediting him with being a stabilizing force in her life.

Aretha Franklin Married Life: Challenges and Triumphs

Like any relationship, Aretha Franklin married life was not without its challenges. From the early days of her first marriage to the later years of her second, she faced obstacles that tested her strength and resilience. But through it all, Aretha emerged as a woman who understood the true meaning of love and commitment.

One of the biggest challenges Aretha faced was balancing her career with her personal life. As a global superstar, she often had to juggle touring, recording, and raising a family. This required a lot of sacrifice and dedication from both her and her partners.

Despite these challenges, Aretha’s marriages also brought her immense joy and fulfillment. Her children became a source of pride, and her relationships provided her with the emotional support she needed to thrive as an artist.

How Did Aretha Franklin’s Marriages Influence Her Music?

Aretha Franklin’s personal life had a profound impact on her music. Many of her songs reflected the emotions and experiences she went through in her relationships. For example:

“Respect”: While not directly about her marriages, this anthem became a symbol of empowerment and self-worth, themes that resonated with her personal journey.
“Ain’t No Way”: This song, written by Aretha herself, expressed the pain and longing of unrequited love, drawing inspiration from her own experiences.
“Bridge Over Troubled Water”: Aretha’s cover of this Simon & Garfunkel classic became a tribute to the support systems in her life, including her husband Glynn Turman.

Her music became a reflection of her inner world, making it all the more relatable to her fans.

Aretha Franklin Married Life: Lessons Learned

Aretha Franklin’s journey through love and marriage offers valuable lessons for all of us. Here are a few takeaways:

Love is a journey: Aretha’s experiences show that love is not always easy, but it’s worth the effort.
Communication is key: Both of her marriages taught her the importance of open and honest communication in relationships.
Balance is essential: Balancing career and personal life is challenging, but it’s possible with the right support system.

Aretha’s story reminds us that love, like music, is a journey filled with highs and lows. It’s about learning, growing, and cherishing the moments that matter most.

Aretha Franklin’s Legacy of Love

Even after her passing in 2018, Aretha Franklin’s legacy of love continues to inspire. Her music remains a timeless reminder of the power of love and the strength of the human spirit. Through her marriages and personal relationships, Aretha showed us what it means to love deeply and live fully.

Aretha Franklin Married Life: A Celebration of Love

As we wrap up this exploration of Aretha Franklin married life, it’s clear that her personal journey was just as remarkable as her musical one. From her early days as a young bride to her later years as a devoted wife and mother, Aretha’s story is one of love, resilience, and triumph.

Her marriages, though not without challenges, taught her valuable lessons about life and relationships. These experiences shaped her into the iconic figure we know today, influencing her music and inspiring generations of fans.

Final Thoughts: Love and Legacy

Aretha Franklin’s legacy extends far beyond her music. It’s about the love she shared, the challenges she overcame, and the lessons she left behind. Her story is a reminder that love, in all its forms, is a powerful force that can shape our lives in profound ways.

So, the next time you listen to Aretha’s music, take a moment to reflect on the love and passion that fueled her incredible career. And if you’re inspired by her story, why not leave a comment or share this article with a friend? Let’s keep the Queen of Soul’s legacy alive, one story at a time.