Legendary Patti LaBelle is 78, single, and ready to get back on the market!
On Wednesday’s (Feb 8) episode of the Jennifer Hudson Show, the Godmother of Soul revealed that she was ready to date again at 78.
“Well, sorta kinda,” LaBelle said when Jhud asked if she was open to dating. “How old am I? 78.”
The R&B icon continued, touching on her previous marriage to Armstead Edwards. LaBelle married the former high school vice principal in 1969 and finalized their divorce (amicably) in 2003.
“I was married for 32 years to a wonderful man, and we’re still friends, good friends,” she said.
“And so, I think in life I need to find happiness for myself, other than what I had back in the day with him, which was wonderful. But I’m too good to be solo.”
So, will the singer/songwriter-turned-cookbook author be swiping left or right anytime soon? Hudson inquired.
“What’s that? What are dating apps?” LaBelle replied while Ms. Jhud and the audience laughed.
“Oh, that stuff,” she said after the talk show host explained the concept. “I’ve seen that commercial!”
The If Only You Knew songstress doesn’t need an app to find a man. She already has a potential love interest in mind.
“I do have a nice person in mind,” LaBelle admitted. “I really do.” However, she’s chosen to remain tight-lipped about their identity. “That’s my personal business,” she quipped, with Hudson quickly agreeing. “Yes, ma’am! Moving on!”
LaBelle’s stance on dating life has shifted considerably in just two years. In 2021, when celebrating the 20th-anniversary reissue of her first cookbook, the On My Own singer told People she was content being single.
“I’m just living my life like it’s platinum,” she said. “Thank God I have a lot of people who care for me. I live alone with my dog, Mr. Cuddles, and I’m looking for love from everybody. I am.”
Later, LaBelle talked about her forthcoming biopic, and despite tossing around some names, the music artist isn’t really sure who’d be best suited to portray her. “You already did, Aretha, so you can’t do me,” she joked to the EGOT winner.
“I mean, I love Fantasia. I love Ledisi, and I love ‘em all, but I have no clue who’d play Patti LaBelle. They sure can sing,” she added.
LaBelle also teased how she told Fantasia she kicks off her shoes too soon into her performances, but Jennifer Hudson feels she’s best suited to play the role.
Check out the video below: