A strong marriage can endure anything.
In a time where many seem to take their marriage vows for granted and easily abandon them, Delta Burke and Gerald McRaney stand as a testament to over three decades of commitment.
Gerald McRaney met the actress Delta Burke with a determination to ask her out. Despite knowing he had competition for her affections, he pursued her ardently, refusing to let her slip away. He fondly recollects that there were numerous men vying for her attention, but he was determined to be the one to win her over.
Their connection was immediate, and McRaney was certain she was the woman for him. So much so that on their second date, he asked her to marry him. It wasn’t until two years later, in 1989, that they officially tied the knot on May 28.
While the journey to marriage may not have been as swift as McRaney would have preferred, he was elated to have won the love of his life. Interestingly, while this was Burke’s first marriage, it marked McRaney’s third. However, this time, he was resolute in making it last.
Despite doubts from some, particularly McRaney’s friends who cautioned him against it, he remained steadfast. He firmly believed that they were the only ones who truly understood the unique demands of their shared industry. When he was away on location and couldn’t call until the early hours of the morning, there was no cause for concern, as she understood the nature of their work.
Both working in the entertainment industry, they could offer each other valuable advice and support in dealing with the challenges they faced. They became each other’s most significant cheerleaders, celebrating each other’s achievements wholeheartedly. When McRaney won a Primetime Emmy award for his role in “This Is Us,” Burke stood in the audience with tears of pride in her eyes, passionately supporting her beloved husband.
McRaney confessed that while he had received plenty of feedback over the years as an actor, Burke’s opinion was the one he held in the highest regard. Her honest evaluations of his performances were invaluable to him.
In 1998, their marriage faced a significant test. Burke lost her grandmother, and shortly after, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. During this time, she was also on a hiatus from her acting career due to conflicts with the producers of “Designing Women.”
Fans began to notice that she was gaining weight during her appearance on the show. It was later revealed that she was struggling with hypoglycemia, which contributed to her weight gain. She battled weight-related issues and the ineffective treatment of hypoglycemia eventually led to her being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The path to a proper diagnosis was a challenging one, as she went from doctor to doctor seeking answers. Burke recalled, “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.” Doctors initially suggested Epstein-Barr, but she was convinced it was something else. Finally, one doctor conducted the necessary tests and confirmed she had diabetes.
During this trying period, she was also taking care of her ailing mother, often neglecting her own needs. While she was prescribed medication for her condition, her doctor cautioned her to improve her diet or she would require insulin therapy.
After a lengthy battle, her mother eventually recovered. Burke credited her husband for unwaveringly standing by her side, ensuring she took her medication and caring for her. In 2004, McRaney faced and triumphed over lung cancer.
Today, Burke relies on insulin and appreciates McRaney’s support in administering her insulin shots. She expressed gratitude for his love, emphasizing that he embraced her through both her highs and lows. Even when she felt her body was far from ideal, he continued to see her beauty.
The couple prioritizes their health and well-being, staying active and looking after each other. Burke now finds herself in a much better place concerning her health.
Although Delta Burke currently has no plans to return to acting, her husband, McRaney, believes she may never return to the screen. Nevertheless, he holds out hope for the opportunity to work alongside her once again.
Despite McRaney’s lack of retirement plans, the couple has purchased a home in central Florida and is planning to move there soon. Although they have no children together, they dedicated their lives to raising McRaney’s three children from a previous marriage.
Delta Burke and Gerald McRaney are a shining example of what it means to honor and uphold their wedding vows. Their enduring love story serves as a source of inspiration, demonstrating the world what a loving and steadfast marriage looks like.
Share their story with others to show the beauty of a lasting and solid marriage.