The Truth About Gerald Levert’s Love Life: Kandi Burruss, Miki Howard & More

Gerald Levert, the son of legendary singer Eddie Levert, carved his own path to international stardom as a member of LeVert and LSG. While he’s celebrated for his soulful, romantic music, Gerald’s love life was just as captivating and complex as his career.

From a young age, Gerald was known as a ladies’ man. Before his untimely passing at 40, he was romantically linked to several notable women, though only a few relationships became public knowledge.

In his memoir co-written with his father, Gerald described his ideal partner as someone who took care of herself, was nurturing, and had a caring spirit. He especially loved a woman’s lips and valued genuine concern for his well-being.

One of Gerald’s earliest and most significant relationships was with actress and comedian Kim Whitley. The two grew up together in Shaker Heights, Ohio, and eventually dated.

Kim described Gerald as her first true love and even inspired his 1988 hit “Addicted to You.” However, Gerald wanted a traditional partner who would be a homemaker, which clashed with Kim’s aspirations in Hollywood. Their relationship was on-and-off, but they remained close friends, making a pact to marry if neither was wed by age 50—a promise fate would not allow them to keep.

In the late 1980s, Gerald began a relationship with R&B singer Miki Howard. They bonded over their shared Jehovah’s Witness faith and collaborated musically, most notably on the 1987 duet “That’s What Love Is.”

Despite their chemistry, outside influences and Gerald’s reluctance to embrace a ready-made family with Miki, who was already a mother, caused their romance to fizzle. Still, they maintained a lifelong connection, even recording another duet years later.

Gerald’s personal life was further complicated by multiple relationships and children. In 1990, he fathered two children just days apart with different women, leading to what he called “baby mama drama.”

Despite this, he tried to remain supportive and involved, even as he struggled to maintain stable relationships.

In the early 2000s, Gerald’s most public relationship was with singer and songwriter Kandi Burruss of Xscape. They met in 2003, quickly becoming close and even co-writing a song together.

Their romance lasted about two years but ultimately ended due to conflicting priorities—Gerald wanted a traditional home life, while Kandi was focused on her career. Despite the breakup, Kandi remained close to Gerald’s children and family, demonstrating the deep bonds he formed with his partners.

Throughout his life, Gerald was loved by many, earning the nickname “Teddy Bear” for his affectionate nature. Yet, he admitted later in life that he regretted not waiting for marriage and wished his children weren’t spread across different families.

He recognized the importance of being present for loved ones, a realization that came as he sought deeper connections in his final years.

Gerald Levert passed away in 2006 from an accidental overdose, leaving behind a legacy of music and love. Though he never found the lasting marital relationship he desired, he touched the lives of many women—and left a lasting impact on those who knew and loved him.