Tammy Collins: All You Need to Know About Kirk Franklin Wife

Tammy Collins Franklin has built a life that defies simple labels. Born December 2, 1969, in Fort Worth, Texas, she’s evolved from makeup artist to media personality, entrepreneur, and influential voice in contemporary gospel culture. While many recognize her as the wife of 20-time Grammy Award winner Kirk Franklin, Tammy has carved out her own significant presence in faith-based media and women’s empowerment.

At 55 years old, Tammy represents a generation of women who’ve balanced supporting a spouse’s high-profile career while cultivating their own professional identity. Her journey includes sacrificing her own singing aspirations, navigating a blended family, openly advocating for marriage therapy in Christian circles, and eventually launching her own media platforms decades into marriage. 

Quick Fast Facts About Tammy Collins

Bio/Wiki	Details
Full Name	Tammy Collins Franklin
Date of Birth	December 2, 1969
Age	55 years old (as of 2025)
Birthplace	Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Height	5 feet 5 inches
Nationality	American
Profession	Media Personality, Radio Host, TV Host, Entrepreneur
Known For	Co-hosting “The One” (TV One), “In Real Life” radio show (SiriusXM)
Spouse	Kirk Franklin (m. January 20, 1996)
Children	4 (Kerrion, Carrington, Kennedy, Caziah)
Grandchildren	2 (Shiloh, Levi)
Instagram	@iamtammyfranklin (~300K followers)
Previous Career	Makeup Artist, Aspiring Singer
Years Active	1996–present

Tammy Collins Early Life

Tammy Collins Franklin was born on December 2, 1969, in Fort Worth, Texas, making her 55 years old as of 2025. She grew up in what she describes as a strict religious household that shaped her early years. Her grandmother led the household with firm discipline, and as Tammy shared in interviews, she “was very strict but sprinkled Jesus on everything.”

The religious environment wasn’t entirely positive for young Tammy. She revealed to interviewers that she “was only taught about God’s wrath — not his love,” which made God’s presence feel scary rather than comforting. This fear-based faith would transform dramatically in her adult years.

Growing up in Fort Worth alongside Kirk Franklin—who was born just weeks after her on January 26, 1970—the two shared Texas roots that would later connect them. At 5 feet 5 inches tall, Tammy stands about the same height as Kirk. Famous Birthdays notes she shares her Texas birthplace with celebrities like Johnny Manziel and Beyoncé.

Career Before Marriage

Tammy worked as a professional makeup artist before entering the public eye. This career showcased her artistic eye and attention to detail—skills that would later translate into her media presence. She left the beauty industry in 1996 after marrying Kirk to focus on family and ministry.

What many don’t realize is that Tammy had her own music dreams before becoming known as Kirk’s wife. According to interviews cited in her biography, she was part of a girl group and moved to Minneapolis specifically to pursue singing. This wasn’t just a casual hobby—it was a serious career move that required leaving Texas.

Tammy sacrificed her own music career for family, which adds depth to her story beyond “gospel singer’s wife.” She understands the entertainment industry from the inside, having lived the demands and pressure herself. This shared experience as artists created a unique foundation for their marriage that went beyond typical support roles.

Tammy Collins Meeting Kirk Franklin: The Complete Timeline

Kirk and Tammy first crossed paths at a Texas water park when both were just 18 years old. Tammy later recalled on the Tamron Hall Show that “He was cute, he had on Cross Colours, he was 18 years old. He had a vision, he had a plan and he was honest.” Cross Colours, a popular urban fashion brand of that era, shows Kirk was already expressing himself through style.

Their story didn’t follow a straight line from that first meeting. Four years passed before they reconnected when Tammy’s cousin invited her to a Kirk Franklin demo taping. They dated briefly before Tammy’s move to Minneapolis for her girl group career.

The turning point came in March 1995 after Kirk stopped returning Tammy’s calls. She left what she intended as a final message: “You haven’t been returning my phone calls. I just wanted to say hi and see how you were doing. But I’m not going to call anymore.” That message prompted Kirk to recommit, and both were finally ready for a serious relationship.

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Marriage & Wedding

Kirk and Tammy married on January 20, 1996, in a ceremony that was unconventional from the start. Kirk proposed not just to Tammy but also to her 6-year-old daughter Carrington, presenting rings to both. Tammy told Equipped by Faith in 2020: “I knew he was the one I wanted to be with. I knew God would continue to equip me for the ministry and our calling together.”

The timing of their wedding was significant—1996 was the same year Kirk won his first Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album for “Whatcha Lookin’ 4,” according to Grammy records. Tammy entered marriage knowing Kirk’s career was exploding. She came from what Kirk described as “a good family” while he had “NO family,” having been raised by his aunt—a contrast that shaped their early years.

Just eleven months after their wedding, their vows were tested dramatically. In November 1996, Kirk fell from a stage into an orchestra pit during a Memphis concert, suffering a brain contusion and falling into a coma. Kirk later reflected: “When I fell, it really showed me the other side of Tammy. When you say your vows, ‘Till death do us part,’ and you’re really faced with it … you know somebody’s there for better or for worse.”

Tammy Collins Family Life & Children

Tammy is mother to four children in a blended family that began the day she married Kirk (reports People). She brought her daughter Carrington (born May 13, 1989), while Kirk brought his son Kerrion (born 1988). Kirk legally adopted Carrington as his own, stating “I don’t even know what a ‘bonus child’ even means.”

They had two biological children: Kennedy, born May 4, 1997, and Caziah, born September 2000. This blending of biological and adoptive relationships demonstrates how families can flourish when approached with genuine love rather than labels.

Carrington Franklin-Nakwaasah graduated from Baylor University and Dallas Baptist University with a master’s degree. She now co-hosts the SiriusXM radio show “In Real Life” with Tammy on Kirk Franklin’s Praise channel. Carrington married Maxx Nakwaasah in October 2016 and has two children—son Shiloh (born April 2020) and daughter Levi—making Tammy a grandmother.

Kennedy Franklin graduated from Baylor University in 2019 and earned her master’s from Savannah College of Art and Design. Kirk often calls her his “twin” due to their similar personalities. She now works in Atlanta helping clients execute creative campaigns.

Caziah Rashad Franklin married Alena Pitts in August 2024 and describes himself as a “vagabond” and “storyteller.” He documents his travel and camping experiences with his wife on social media. In his Father’s Day 2024 message, Caziah wrote: “You’ve lived the majority of your life without a blueprint or model, and despite that, you still managed to become a blueprint and model for me.”

Kerrion Franklin has had a complex relationship with the family that became public in 2021 when he released a private recording of an argument with Kirk. The family reconciled in 2023 as documented in “Father’s Day: A Kirk Franklin Story,” according to CBN. In February 2025, Kerrion posted: “The more I fall in love with myself, the more I love my father.”

Kirk and Tammy made the unconventional choice to homeschool all four children so the family could travel together during tours. As Kirk explained in interviews, “We homeschooled so [the kids] could be with me. They did homeschooling in Africa, Amsterdam, Norway.” This decision kept the family united and exposed the children to diverse cultures—with Carrington and Kennedy both earning master’s degrees.

Tammy Marriage Challenges & Growth

When asked about the secret to their 27+ year marriage, Tammy’s answer surprises many: “Therapy. Being proactive as best you can as opposed to being reactive.” She revealed to interviewers that they committed to four years of marriage counseling. Kirk would fly home from tour on his days off specifically for sessions.

This openness about therapy broke stigma in Christian and gospel circles where mental health services were often viewed with suspicion. Their transparency about counseling creates space for other couples to seek help without shame.

Their early marriage wasn’t easy, and Kirk has been remarkably transparent about his struggles. Just months after their January 1996 wedding, they had what Kirk calls “the worst fight” at an airport. Kirk bought Tammy a plane ticket and told her to go home while he went to his concert—a move he now recognizes as immature.

Kirk later posted about that incident: “I sat in that airport and cried like baby, delaying the concert. Thank God she did [forgive me]. Never did that again.” Twenty years later in 2016, he posted a photo of them embracing at the same airport. The key distinction he made: Tammy was “patient; not stupid”—she gave chances for growth but wouldn’t tolerate repeated patterns of disrespect.

Kirk has openly discussed bringing “old habits” into their marriage, including past addictions and promiscuity. He admitted to Today’s Christian Woman that he had “a carnal approach to putting the past behind me.” Tammy’s shoulders “were not built for my unhealthy past,” Kirk acknowledged, noting he “almost crushed her in the beginning of our marriage.”

On their 20th anniversary in 2016, Kirk posted on Facebook: “Every song you’ve heard over the last 20 years, she wrote it. She was every lyric, every key change spelled her name.” This wasn’t just romantic hyperbole—Kirk credits Tammy’s influence as the emotional foundation for his music. He added: “To cheat on Tammy is to cheat on the kingdom, my children, and even you.”

Tammy has also credited their friendship as the foundation that sustains them. “Kirk and I are really, really good friends, and because we’re really good friends, we have the others’ best interest at heart,” she shared. This friendship—built during their years of reconnecting before marriage—means they genuinely care about each other’s wellbeing beyond romantic feelings.

Media Career & Professional Identity

Starting in 2023, Tammy co-hosts “The One” on TV One alongside Kirk, a dating show that helps people find love. She explained to Essence magazine: “When people have come to us about reality TV, I’ve always thought if I ever did anything, it would be to help somebody.” This values-driven approach sets the show apart from typical reality TV drama.

Tammy co-hosts the SiriusXM radio show “In Real Life” with daughter Carrington on Kirk Franklin’s Praise channel. The mother-daughter show discusses faith, family, relationships, and contemporary issues facing Christian women. This platform allows Tammy to connect with audiences independently of Kirk’s music career.

On Instagram, Tammy maintains an active presence with nearly 300K followers as of 2025, where she has shared over 1,500 posts. Her content focuses on faith, fitness, fashion, and family. She features dedicated highlights sections for both fashion and fitness, showing her diverse interests beyond being a pastor’s wife.

What stands out is that Tammy built her media career decades into marriage rather than immediately. She spent her children’s early years focused on motherhood before stepping into the spotlight herself. This timing reflects that building your own platform is possible at any stage—not just in your twenties.

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Faith Journey & Spiritual Transformation

Tammy’s childhood religious environment created what she calls a “very scary” relationship with God’s presence. She grew up in a “very, very driven household in a denomination that was very religious.”

Her transformation came as an adult when she pursued her own relationship with Christianity separate from her upbringing. “As I began my own journey of just coming into relationship with God I began to understand who he really was,” Tammy shared. This shift from fear-based religion to love-based faith became central to her identity.

Kirk has emphasized how faith forms the foundation of their marriage, telling Today’s Christian Woman: “God wants us to be, in our married lives, blueprints for people, especially young people.” The “blueprint” concept means showing real struggles alongside success. Tammy’s willingness to discuss therapy, family challenges, and personal growth reflects this commitment to authenticity over perfection.

Her faith journey resonates particularly with others raised in strict religious environments who struggled to find personal faith beyond rules. By sharing her transformation, Tammy offers hope that it’s possible to honor your upbringing while building a healthier spiritual foundation. She integrates faith into all aspects of her life—from social media content to parenting philosophy—without the rigid judgment of her childhood.

Tammy Collins Social Media Presence & Influence

With nearly 300,000 Instagram followers at @iamtammyfranklin as of 2025, Tammy has built a significant platform independent of Kirk’s fame. Her 1,500+ posts mix personal family moments, inspirational messages, scripture, workout videos, and fashion content. She frequently posts about her role as grandmother to Shiloh and Levi, celebrating this new chapter openly.

What makes Tammy’s social media presence effective is its authenticity rather than curated perfection. She shares both celebrations and struggles, making her relatable to women navigating faith, marriage, motherhood, and career. Her dedicated highlights for fashion and fitness show she’s comfortable expressing diverse interests.

Tammy’s approach differs from many influencers in Christian circles who present flawless lives that can feel unattainable. By discussing marriage counseling, blended family challenges, and personal growth, she connects with real experiences her audience faces. In an era where social media often feels performative, Tammy’s willingness to be vulnerable builds genuine community rather than just followers.

Cultural Impact & Legacy

Tammy represents a modern model of partnership in ministry and entertainment that breaks traditional molds. She didn’t remain in Kirk’s shadow despite his 20 Grammy Awards and massive platform. Instead, she built her own voice through radio, television, and social media.

As an African-American Christian couple, Kirk and Tammy model longevity in marriage (approaching 30 years) that’s rare in entertainment. They normalize therapy in the Black church community where mental health services have historically been stigmatized. Their transparency about counseling and conflict resolution breaks down barriers that prevent others from seeking help.

Their blended family success demonstrates that adoptive and biological relationships can flourish equally when approached with intention. Kirk’s statement that he doesn’t understand what a “bonus child” means shows how fully he embraced Tammy’s daughter. This creates a model for other blended families navigating complex dynamics.

Tammy’s advocacy for proactive mental health care shifts the conversation in Christian circles. Rather than waiting for crisis, she encourages couples to invest in their relationships through counseling before problems become overwhelming. This preventive approach could reshape how faith communities view therapy.

Conclusion

Tammy Collins Franklin’s story reaches far beyond the “gospel singer’s wife” narrative that could easily define her. She transformed a childhood fear of God into genuine faith. She sacrificed her own singing career for family, then later built an independent media presence that impacts hundreds of thousands.

What makes Tammy’s legacy particularly powerful is timing—she built her platform in her 40s and 50s after dedicating decades to motherhood. This challenges narratives that suggest women must choose between family and professional identity. At 55, she continues expanding her influence while embracing her role as grandmother.

Her partnership with Kirk offers honest wisdom about sustaining relationships through fame and ministry pressures. By being “patient; not stupid,” as Kirk describes, Tammy showed that grace and boundaries can coexist. Their nearly 30-year marriage serves not as a perfect model but as a real one—complete with therapy, forgiveness, growth, and genuine friendship.

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FAQ’s About Tammy Collins

How old is Tammy Collins Franklin? 

Tammy was born December 2, 1969, making her 55 years old as of 2025.

How did Tammy meet Kirk Franklin? 

They first met at a Texas water park when both were 18, reconnected four years later, separated when she moved to Minneapolis for her singing career, then reconnected in March 1995 before marrying in January 1996.

How many children do Kirk and Tammy Franklin have? 

They have four children: Kerrion (Kirk’s son), Carrington (Tammy’s daughter), Kennedy, and Caziah (their biological children together).

What does Tammy Franklin do for work? 

She co-hosts “The One” on TV One with Kirk, co-hosts “In Real Life” radio show with daughter Carrington on SiriusXM, and maintains an active social media presence as a Christian lifestyle influencer.

What is Tammy Franklin’s height? 

Tammy stands 5 feet 5 inches tall, about the same height as Kirk.

How long have Kirk and Tammy Franklin been married? 

They married January 20, 1996, making their marriage 29 years old as of 2025.

Is Tammy Franklin a grandmother? 

Yes, through daughter Carrington she has two grandchildren: Shiloh (born April 2020) and Levi.

What was Tammy’s career before marriage?

She worked as a makeup artist and was part of a girl group pursuing a singing career in Minneapolis before leaving to marry Kirk.

Did Kirk Franklin adopt Tammy’s daughter? 

Yes, Kirk legally adopted Carrington and considers her fully his daughter, stating he doesn’t understand what a “bonus child” means.

Do Kirk and Tammy Franklin go to therapy? 

Yes, they’ve been open about completing four years of marriage counseling, with Kirk flying home from tour for sessions, and credit therapy as key to their lasting marriage.