The legendary TV personality, Jerry Springer, had a life filled with more than just the drama of his iconic talk show. He shared nearly five decades of his life with his beloved wife, Micki Velton, until his passing at the age of 79 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Despite reports suggesting they divorced in 1994, the truth is that they reconciled and remained together for an incredible 49 years. As confirmed by his representative to Closer, Micki was by his side until the very end. Let's dive deeper into the life Jerry shared with his family. Scroll down for more on his marriage and family legacy.

Who Was Jerry Springer's Wife, Micki Velton?

Long before Jerry Springer became a household name through his groundbreaking talk show, he was a rising star in the world of politics. Micki Velton entered his life, and they tied the knot in 1973, just a few years after Jerry's election to the Cincinnati City Council. Though their relationship faced scrutiny from the media over the years, one thing remains crystal clear: Micki was the anchor in Jerry's life, and her presence will be deeply missed by fans, friends, and family alike.

"Jerry’s knack for connecting with people was the cornerstone of his success in everything he pursued, whether it was in politics, broadcasting, or simply chatting with fans on the street who wanted a moment with him," said Jene Galvin, a lifelong friend and family spokesman, in a statement to Closer on April 27. "He was one of a kind, and his absence leaves a gaping hole. However, the memories of his brilliance, compassion, and humor will endure forever."

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On Jerry’s 67th birthday in 2011, the couple was spotted outside The Ritz hotel in New York City. Amid the bustling city streets, Micki stepped away from the cameras while Jerry, ever the entertainer, shared details about his birthday plans. He mentioned celebrating with friends and was already preparing for another busy day of filming his show, which often took him between Florida, where he lived with Micki, and Connecticut, where the show was produced.

Did Jerry Springer Have Children?

Jerry and Micki’s love story extended beyond their marriage, as they welcomed a daughter, Katie Springer, into their lives. Katie found love and married Adam Yenkin in 2006. Together, they brought joy into Jerry's life by welcoming a grandson, Richard. Although Jerry was known for keeping his personal life under wraps, he couldn’t help but share his excitement about becoming a grandfather.

In an August 2011 interview with the New York Post, Jerry couldn’t stop gushing about his grandson. "He’ll be 3 years old next month and he still doesn’t have a job," Jerry joked, adding, "He’s wonderful, gorgeous, and a tall, handsome kid. That’s a good-looking kid if I’ve ever seen one."

As Jerry entered his late 70s, he decided it was time to step back from the spotlight and focus on what truly mattered—his family. In March 2022, the beloved grandpa announced his retirement from daytime TV, sharing his plans to spend more time with his loved ones.

"I’m 78 and have been in front of the camera for 40 years, plus another 10 in politics. It’s time for me to slow down," Jerry said in a heartfelt statement.

When asked how he planned to fill his newfound free time, Jerry, ever the humorist, quipped, "I’ve got to learn how to cook, to give Micki a day or two off. Otherwise, we’ll starve!"