In a candid and deeply emotional revelation, American gospel singer Kirk Franklin, 54, shared a story that has remained untold until now. Speaking on the ‘Funky Friday’ podcast, Franklin opened up about the difficult decision to cut ties with his biological mother at the age of 32. The decision, he revealed, stemmed from a painful incident during an intervention for his sister, who had just been released from prison.
“For the first time ever, I’m going to tell this story,” Franklin began, setting the stage for a narrative that reflects the complexities of family, faith, and personal boundaries. He explained that at 32, he found himself the primary person trying to help his sister, who was still battling drug addiction. “It was more than a 32-year-old can handle,” he admitted, underscoring the weight of the responsibility he bore during that challenging time.
Franklin recalled organizing a family intervention in hopes of rehabilitating his sister, only to have his mother show up with her new husband. The intervention seemed to be going well until the end when the family shared an emotional moment, hugging and expressing hope for the future. But then, the mood shifted dramatically.
After Franklin pointed out that the gathering was meant to focus on his sister’s recovery, his mother’s new husband interjected, “What you need to do, is call your mama sometimes.” This comment sparked a heated exchange, during which Franklin’s mother chose to side with her husband rather than her son.
“The argument got heated, and my mother did something that crushed my heart. She grabbed his hand and said, ‘Come on, baby, let’s go,’” Franklin recalled, his voice heavy with emotion. “And she walked out of the house with her two kids. And I yelled at my mama, ‘That’s right, go ahead and walk out like you always do.’”
This moment, Franklin explained, was a turning point for him. He vowed never to allow himself to be treated in such a manner again. “For the fact that she didn’t take that man’s hand and say, ‘Baby, stay away. This is between me and my kids. Kids I did not raise, kids I did not nurture, kids I did not provide for, kids I did not protect.’ She took that man’s hand and walked out with him,” Franklin shared.
In closing, Franklin reflected on the profound impact of that day, noting that while he couldn’t protect himself as a little boy, as a grown man, he resolved to never be put in such a position again. His story is a powerful reminder of the complexities of family relationships and the strength required to set boundaries, even with those closest to us.
Conclusion:
Kirk Franklin’s emotional recounting of his decision to distance himself from his mother reveals the deep wounds that can arise within families. As a figure known for his unwavering faith and dedication to his craft, this story offers a glimpse into the personal struggles that have shaped the man behind the music.
