Kirk Franklin praises his wife while accepting the ultimate icon’s honor

Kirk Franklin Am grateful to those who lift him up.

The gospel superstar, along with Mariah CareyThe Jamie Foxx and Snoop Dogghonored with the Ultimate Icon Award at 2025 Bet Awards On Monday, June 9th.

The prize celebrates “decades of groundbreaking contributions to music, entertainment, advocates and social effects.” Franklin, 55, and his colleagues Honoree’s talents extend over the entire entertainment industry from music and companies to film and television.

Former recipient of the Bet Ultimate Icon Award includes Janet Jackson 2015, Deborah L. Lee 2018 and Tyler Perry 2019.

Franklin was introduced by TiWho said: “There was a time when the gospel and hip hop were miles apart,” but the Musicians of the Gospel changed the game. “Kirk’s excellence and innovation were shown when he chose to open out prices in 2022 with his song” We win “with Lil Baby.”

“It’s my honor to be here tonight to introduce the man whose musical genius combined the hood with hymnals,” he said.

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Franklin began his speech by thanking Gertrude, a “64-year-old woman who chose to adopt a 4-year-old boy that no one wanted.” “I never felt the love of a mother or father. The only time I felt love was when I sat behind piano and wrote songs to Jesus.”

“People loved my songs and the more I wrote, the more you would listen. Thanks to you all who are still listening.” Franklin thanked “every group, singer, musician”, who listened to his music, along with his wife, Tammy Franklin.

“You sit here with me while your father, one of my heroes, fights for his life. Thank you. I will never be able to repay you for giving me an inheritance. You gave me Caziah, my young leader. Carrington, my best friend. Kennedy, Twin. And you collaborated with the mother of my oldest, Kerrion, who I love with all my souls.”

Franklin also thanked Rodney Hill for saving “my life and my career.” “Thanks my soul family for covering me,” he continued.

He also mentioned that even though he received the award, he is not a perfect person. “I’m not perfect. I’m failing. I’m sinning. I’m 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 price even more amazing.”

The 20 o’clock Grammy winner and reigning king of urban gospel appeared in the 1990s. He is best known for songs “Imagine me”, “I smile”, “Lean on me” and “Do you want to be happy?” He released his debut album in 1993, Kirk Franklin and family And began to change gospel music with its vision.

He won the best gospel artist, who was baptized to Dr. Bobby Jones’s best gospel/inspirational award 2017, eight times throughout his career. He has the record for most victories in this category.

Franklin, who comes from Fort Worth, Texas, got Dr. Bobby Jones’s best gospel/inspirational award for the eighth time in 2025 to collaborate on “Rain down on me” with Glorilla and Maverick City Music.

Last At 2024 Bet -AwardHe, Chandler Moore and Sunday Service Choir agreed to Will Smith on stage to debut his new song “You can make it.”

The bet award will be broadcast live on Monday June 9 from the Los Angeles PeaCock Theater at Bet.