Kirk Franklin, honoured at BET Awards, praises wife for supporting him despite her dad ‘fighting for his life’
Kirk Franklin was awarded the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards for his impact on gospel music.
Gospel legend Kirk Franklin was honoured with the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards, celebrating his transformative impact on music and culture. Held on 9 June at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, the ceremony recognised Franklin alongside fellow honorees Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, and Snoop Dogg for their contributions to entertainment. (Also read: Jamie Foxx shares haunting realisation in tear-jerking BET Awards acceptance speech, in near-death experience aftermath)
Kirk Franklin thanks wife in acceptance speech
Introduced by rapper T.I., who praised Franklin for bridging the gap between gospel and hip-hop, Franklin took the stage to deliver a deeply personal acceptance speech. According to People.com, he began by acknowledging Gertrude, a mother who adopted him at the age of four, providing him with the love and stability he had longed for. Reflecting on his challenging childhood, Franklin shared how music became his sanctuary and a means of expressing his faith.
A significant portion of Franklin's speech was dedicated to his wife, Tammy Franklin, and their children. "You sit here with me while your father, one of my heroes, is fighting for his life. Thank you. I will never be able to repay you for giving me a legacy. You gave me Caziah, my young leader. Carrington, my best friend. Kennedy, twin. And you partnered with the mother of my oldest, Kerrion, whom I love with all my soul," Franklin said in his speech.
He also mentioned that despite receiving the award, he is not a perfect person. "I am not perfect. I fail. I sin. I am not a perfect Christian. I'm not a perfect husband. And we all know I'm not a perfect father, not even a perfect artist, because I can't even sing, which makes this award even more amazing."
About Kirk Franklin
Franklin, a 20-time Grammy winner, emerged as the King of Urban Gospel in the 1990s. He is best known for the songs Imagine Me, I Smile, Lean on Me, and Wanna Be Happy? He released his debut album, Kirk Franklin and the Family, in 1993 and is credited with changing gospel music with his innovations.
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