Congratulations are in order for Christian/Gospel music great Kirk Franklin and his wife, Tammy, who are celebrating 20 years of marriage today.

"We were young, I was dumb," recalled Franklin from when they tied the knot in 1996. "She came from a good family, I had no family."

Franklin credits his wife with having the strength of character that fundamentally revolutionized the kind of man he would become.

"She was... a prime example of how a good woman can change a man without breaking him down," he said. "My past was sketchy; she knew that. She didn't compromise her standard, but helped me reach it. Every song you've heard over the last 20 years--she wrote it. She was every lyric; every key change spelled her name."

More than a decade ago, the Franklins' marriage was tested by Kirk's revelation of a pornography addiction--and it was a struggle that turned into a victory, and a massive part of the couple's testimony. Check out their interview with The 700 Club back in 2004: 
 

Looking back at it all, Franklin concluded, "I'm not perfect, but I'm still in love... with Tammy."

Way to go, Kirk and Tammy! Happy anniversary, and may many more songs be written out of your love for one another!

 

 

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