Let me tell you a story about love, commitment, and a connection that’s lasted decades. Over 30 years ago, Delta Burke met Gerald McRaney, and it was love at first sight—for both of them. By the second date, Gerald knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. He popped the question, and as Delta once said, "So we were pretty committed!" That’s the kind of certainty you don’t see every day.
How Delta Burke and Gerald McRaney Found Each Other
Here’s how it all began: Delta, fresh off the success of the first season of Designing Women, made a guest appearance on an episode of Gerald’s hit detective series, Simon & Simon, back in 1987. That was the moment their paths crossed, and the rest, as they say, is history. They quickly became a couple, and before long, they were walking the red carpet together at the Emmys. It was love in action, and they didn’t waste any time making it official.
Gerald wasn’t about to let Delta slip away. He was upfront about his intentions, telling Country Living, “I wasn’t going to let her get away. I already had competition. There were people asking her out on dates, and I was going to move in right away.” That’s the kind of confidence and determination you need when you find the one. And Gerald knew Delta was the one.
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Fast forward to 1989, and Delta and Gerald tied the knot. For Delta, it was her first marriage, but for Gerald, it was his third. His previous marriages to Pat Moran and Beverly Root had ended, but this time felt different. Friends were advising him against getting married again, but Gerald wasn’t listening. He quipped, “Why not? They’re the only people who understand this insanity. And she does. If I’m on location, and I don’t call her until 2 o’clock in the morning, no big deal. She knows.”
Flash forward to today, and their love is as strong as ever. They’ve weathered storms, supported each other through thick and thin, and remain each other’s biggest cheerleaders. Gerald told Closer in May 2024, “I think the secret to a successful marriage in my case is to marry Delta Burke. I’ve been married twice before, so obviously I’m no good at it, but I think the key is who I have married.”
Nowadays, Delta and Gerald live a peaceful life in their primary home in Florida, where they enjoy simple pleasures like fishing, shelling, and spending time on the beach. It’s a life filled with love and laughter.
“We’ll go fishing, shelling, go to the beach and things like that,” Gerald said, highlighting the joys of their everyday life together.
Delta Burke: A Step-Mom With Heart
Although Delta and Gerald never had children together, she stepped into her role as a stepmom with grace and love. Gerald is the proud father of three children—Kate McRaney, Jessica McRaney, and Angus McRaney—from his previous marriages. Delta has embraced her role with open arms, becoming an integral part of their family.
But life hasn’t always been easy. In 2008, Delta opened up about her personal struggles with diabetes, weight fluctuations, and depression in an interview with Diabetic Living. She credited Gerald for helping her through some of the toughest times. “It didn’t matter to him how fat I got,” Delta admitted. “He reminds me what I should be doing or shouldn’t be eating. He likes to give me my [insulin] shots and says it makes him feel like he’s taking care of me.”
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Gerald wasn’t the only one needing support. When he underwent surgery for lung cancer in 2004, Delta was there every step of the way, standing by her man and helping him recover. That’s what love looks like—supporting each other through life’s ups and downs.
Delta and Gerald were right all along when they knew they were meant for each other. As Gerald told Closer, “I think as opposed to a lot of married people, we do better when we’re together 24/7. I love when I get the chance to work with her. As I have said about her in the past, I would walk a mile in tight shoes to work with that lady. She’s so good.”
