Marriages these days often falter and crumble under the pressures of modern life. But there are still shining examples of couples who have defied the odds and remained devoted to each other. One such couple is Delta Burke and Gerald McRaney, who have not only kept their vows intact but have also weathered numerous trials and tribulations over the past three decades.
Love at First Sight
When Gerald McRaney first laid eyes on the talented actress Delta Burke, he knew he had to make a move. He was well aware of the competition he faced, as many men were vying for her attention. Determined not to let her slip away, he mustered up the courage to ask her out.
“I wasn’t going to let her get away. I already had competition. There were people asking her out on dates, and I was going to move in right away,” McRaney recalls.
Their connection was immediate, and it wasn’t long before McRaney realized that Delta Burke was the woman he wanted to spend his life with. On their second date, he asked her to marry him. Though it took two years for them to make it official, they finally tied the knot on May 28, 1989.
For McRaney, it was a dream come true to have won the heart of the woman he had fallen so deeply in love with, despite the fact that this was his third marriage.
Love Against all Odds
Although Delta Burke and Gerald McRaney were head over heels in love, there were skeptics. Some of McRaney’s friends even warned him against getting married again. But he dismissed their concerns, firmly believing that they were the only ones who truly understood the intricacies of their relationship.
“Why not?” he would say. “They’re the only people who understand this insanity. And she does. If I’m on location, and I don’t call her until 2 o’clock in the morning, no big deal. She knows.”
Working in the same industry brought them closer together. They could empathize with and support each other through the challenges they faced in their careers. They became each other’s confidants, offering advice and solace whenever it was needed.
A Rock-Solid Support System
Throughout their journey, Delta Burke and Gerald McRaney have always been each other’s biggest supporters. When McRaney won a Primetime Emmy award for his performance in “This Is Us,” Burke was there, standing in the audience with tears in her eyes, cheering him on.
McRaney values Burke’s opinions above all others when it comes to his work as an actor. He knows she will always be honest with him, whether to praise his performance or offer constructive feedback.
Overcoming Challenges Together
In 1998, Delta Burke faced a series of challenges that tested the foundation of their marriage. She lost her grandmother, and not long after, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. On top of that, she was on a professional hiatus due to a fallout with the producers of “Designing Women.”
During this difficult time, Burke also struggled with her own health. She battled with hypoglycemia, which caused weight gain. Despite seeking medical help, it took a while to receive a correct diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
Burke’s health journey was made even more challenging as she cared for her ailing mother. However, McRaney stood by her side through it all, ensuring she took her medication and offering unwavering support. In 2004, McRaney himself successfully fought lung cancer.
Love in Sickness and in Health
Today, Burke credits McRaney for helping her navigate her health struggles. She is now managing her diabetes with insulin and acknowledges her husband’s unwavering care and support.
“He loved me when I got as big as a house… He has loved me through my up times and my down times. He still thinks my body looks great, and I can certifiably tell you it does not!” Burke affectionately shares.
The couple takes an active role in maintaining their health and well-being together. Burke reveals she is finally in a good place with her health, and she cherishes the love and support she receives from McRaney.
A Bright Future Together
While Delta Burke has no plans to return to acting and McRaney has no intention of retiring just yet, they have purchased a home in central Florida and plan to move there soon. Although they do not have children together, they have embraced the experience of raising McRaney’s three kids from his previous marriage.
Delta Burke and Gerald McRaney have shown the world that a marriage can withstand anything life throws its way. They are a true testament to the power of love, commitment, and honoring wedding vows.
Let’s celebrate this extraordinary couple and share their story with others. May their love and resilience inspire those around them to strive for a loving and solid marriage.
