‘She Stood By the Side of This N—a’: Kirk Franklin Explains How a Near-Fight with His Mother’s Husband Led to Decades-Long Estrangement

Gospel singer Kirk Franklin has long been known for his transparent relationship with his fans and his ability to channel life’s challenges into music that uplifts. In 2023, with the release of his “Father’s Day” album, Franklin offered an even more personal glimpse into his life, revealing what it was like to meet his biological father, Rick Hubbard, for the first time in his 50s. In the accompanying behind-the-scenes video, Franklin not only met his father but also reconnected with his estranged son, Kerrion. Kirk Franklin confesses what led to estrangement with his biological mother, Debra, a year after finding his biological father. (Photo by Unique Nicole/Getty Images) This reunion also brought another figure back into the spotlight—his biological mother, Debra, with whom he had cut ties over 23 years ago. Debra’s appearance in the video, marked the first time in decades that she and Franklin had been in communication. But the gospel superstar has never spoken publicly about why he stopped speaking to her in the first place. Franklin finally opened up about his mother the heartbreaking story in an interview on Cam Newton’s “Funky Friday” podcast, sharing how his efforts to help his sister, Swana, led to a...