True Love Conquers All
In a world where many marriages fall apart, there are still couples who stand the test of time. Delta Burke and Gerald McRaney are living proof that a good marriage can survive anything. For over three decades, they have weathered various trials and tribulations, emerging stronger than ever.
A Match Made in Heaven
When Gerald McRaney first laid eyes on the talented actress Delta Burke, he knew he had to take a chance. Despite the competition for her affection, he was determined not to let her slip away. He recalls with a smile, “I wasn’t going to let her get away. I already had competition, and I was going to make my move right away.”
Their connection was immediate, and McRaney knew she was the one. On their second date, he took a leap of faith and asked her to marry him. Although it took two more years for them to say their vows in 1989, McRaney was overjoyed to have finally won the heart of his dreams.
Defying the Doubters
While this was Burke’s first marriage, it was McRaney’s third attempt at finding lasting love. Despite some friends cautioning against their union, McRaney stood firm in his commitment. He would often respond, “Why not? They’re the only people who understand this insanity. And she gets it. If I’m on location and don’t call her until 2 o’clock in the morning, no big deal. She knows.”
Both being in the entertainment industry, they were able to support and understand each other’s challenges. They became each other’s pillars of strength, offering advice and assistance in times of need.
Partners in Success
Burke and McRaney are not just soulmates; they are also each other’s biggest cheerleaders. When McRaney won a Primetime Emmy award for his outstanding performance in “This Is Us,” Burke was right there in the audience, tears of pride in her eyes. Despite receiving feedback from many, McRaney values his wife’s opinion the most. He knows she always speaks the truth, whether a performance is exceptional or needs improvement.
Navigating the Storms
In 1998, the foundation of their marriage faced severe tests. Burke experienced the loss of her grandmother and received the devastating news of her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis. At the same time, she took a hiatus from acting due to a falling out with show producers on “Designing Women.”
Adding to her struggles, Burke battled with her weight. Her hypoglycemia combined with ineffective treatment and constant dieting eventually led to type 2 diabetes. Despite consulting numerous doctors, she faced difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis. Reflecting on that time, Burke said, “I was on the road a lot. I was tired. My body didn’t feel right. I knew something was wrong, but nobody could tell me what. They said I had Epstein-Barr. I knew it was something else. Then one doctor did the right tests and told me I had diabetes.”
Love in the Face of Adversity
During these challenging times, Burke’s focus shifted towards caring for her mother, neglecting her own well-being. While medication helped manage her condition, her doctor warned that an improved diet was necessary to avoid insulin therapy. Burke credits her husband for being there through it all, ensuring she took her medication and taking care of her. In 2004, McRaney successfully fought and overcame lung cancer.
Today, Burke uses insulin and acknowledges McRaney’s unwavering support, saying, “He loved me when I got as big as a house… He has loved me through my ups and downs. He still thinks my body looks great, and I can certifiably tell you it does not!”
United in Health and Happiness
The couple remains active and prioritizes their health together. After years of struggle, Burke is finally in a good place with her wellness. While she has no plans to return to acting, McRaney believes they may have an opportunity to work together again someday. They have bought a home in central Florida and are excitedly planning to move there soon. Though they don’t have children together, they have dedicated their lives to raising McRaney’s three kids from his previous marriage.
Inspiring the World
Delta Burke and Gerald McRaney have become great role models, illustrating what it means to honor your wedding vows. They have shown Hollywood and the world that true love can endure through thick and thin. Let’s shower them with love and well wishes as we share their story to inspire others about the beauty of a loving and solid marriage.
