CeCe Winans, 59, is grateful for many things in her life, including her longtime husband, Alvin Love II, 72. The 15-time Grammy Award winner has been married to the pastor since 1984, and they’ve built a beautiful life together. CeCe, who is performing during CBS’ 25th annual A Home for the Holidays special on December 22, has opened up about the success of her marriage over the years.
“Alvin and I help each other a lot,” CeCe told Today’s Christian Woman in 2008. “It’s amazing how when I’m upset or mad, he can be so calm and practical. Then the next day, he’ll be upset, and I’ll be able to say, ‘Ba’y, it’s OK.’ We praise God that we can help each other.”
Keep reading to learn more abut CeCe’s husband and their marriage.
How Did CeCe Meet Alvin?
CeCe was 17 years old visiting Detroit, Michigan when she met Alvin, who was friends with one of CeCe’s brothers from church. The future husband and wife came face-to-face for the first time at a bowling alley.
“I met Alvin while bowling,” CeCe told Today’s Christian Woman. “But we didn’t even talk that night. He was cute, but my mind was on singing, not dating.”
Alvin said that he and CeCe connected at church the next day. A few months later, he went to Charlotte, North Carolina and really bonded with the gospel singer.
“That weekend we all did things together,” CeCe recalled. “Alvin joked around like he was one of my brothers, not like someone I didn’t know from Adam. For instance, we all split up to get ready for the evening. Then, when we met up, Alvin said, ‘I thought you were going to get dressed up. If I knew you were going to wear that, I wouldn’t have bothered to put this on.’ He cracked me up. He was just himself—and I could be myself.”
When Did CeCe & Alvin Get Married?
CeCe and Alvin tied the knot on June 23, 1984. After the wedding, CeCe continued to pursue music, while Alvin supported her by managing her career. The couple co-founded Nashville Life Church in Nashville, Tennessee where they still serve as senior pastors.
Do CeCe & Alvin Have Children?
CeCe and Alvin have two children: son Alvin Love III, born in 1985, and daughter Ashley Rose, born in 1987. Alvin III got married to his wife, Jasmine, in November 2022. Jasmine gave birth to the couple’s first child in September 2023. Ashley is married and has two children.
In the interview with Today’s Christian Woman, CeCe admitted that she struggled to balance her music career and motherhood. “There were times when I thought, ‘I’m quitting! This is too hard,’ ” she said. “But the Lord reminded me of my calling, and he took care of my kids. Alvin was supportive, and my mom and my mother-in-law were nearby to help.”
What Has CeCe Said About Alvin?
CeCe has gushed over her husband throughout their marriage both in interviews and on social media. For the couple’s 38th wedding anniversary in June 2022, CeCe posted an Instagram tribute to Alvin with a heartfelt message about “the love of my life.”
“Happy Anniversary to the love of my life, my best friend and just an all around good guy! Alvin, thank you for living up to your name,” she wrote. “You have loved me well for 38 years! We have experience good and bad times but our good times have outweighed our bad by far!! I Love you a whole bunch, Happy Anniversary Bae.”