When you think about Eddie Levert, your mind probably goes straight to that gritty, soul-drenched baritone that defined The O’Jays. You think of "Love Train" or the heartbreakingly smooth "For the Love of Money." But behind the flashing lights of the R&B stage, Eddie’s personal life has been a rollercoaster of massive highs and devastating lows. While most people remember the tragic loss of his sons, Gerald and Sean, there is a quieter, more stabilizing force that has kept him standing for nearly two decades. That force is his wife, Raquel Capelton.
Honestly, the story of Eddie Levert and wife Raquel isn't just a "celebrity marriage" headline. It is a survival story.
Who Exactly is Raquel Capelton?
Let’s get the basics out of the way first. Raquel Capelton isn't a singer or a Hollywood actress looking for a spotlight. She is an entrepreneur and, by all accounts, the woman who "tamed" a man who once admitted he never planned on being a one-woman guy.
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Eddie was previously married to Martha Byrd for about 19 years. That was the era of the O’Jays' peak, the era that gave us Gerald and Sean. But after that marriage ended, Eddie was living the bachelor life in Las Vegas, enjoying the "Strip" and the perks of being a soul legend. Then came Raquel.
They tied the knot in 2005. At the time, Eddie was 63 and Raquel was 36. That’s a 27-year age gap, which usually makes people whisper, but they’ve been together for over 20 years now. It wasn't just a fling.
The "Henpecked" Truth
Eddie is surprisingly candid about their dynamic. He’s gone on record saying that before he met Raquel, he had no intention of getting married again. He’s even joked that he’s "henpecked" now, but in a way that he clearly values. For a man who lived through the chaotic 70s and 80s music scene, having someone to finally "play it straight" with was a massive shift in his character.
He once said in an interview with Cleveland Magazine that he finally decided to be everything he could be in a relationship. He stopped playing games. That's a huge admission for a rock star of his caliber.
The Tragedy No Parent Should Face
You can't talk about Eddie Levert and wife Raquel without talking about the grief that bonded them. Just one year after they got married, in 2006, Eddie’s son Gerald Levert died from an accidental overdose of prescription and over-the-counter meds.
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Then, two years after that, his other son Sean died in a Cleveland jail under horrific circumstances involving medical neglect.
Imagine being a newlywed and having your world ripped apart twice in 24 months. Raquel wasn't the mother of Gerald and Sean—that was Martha—but she was the one standing next to Eddie while he buried his legacy. She became the emotional anchor for a man who was publicly grieving while trying to keep The O'Jays on the road.
The Loss of Ryan Levert
Most fans know about the boys. But many don’t realize that Eddie and Raquel had a daughter together, Ryan Levert.
In a cruel twist of fate that feels almost too heavy to be real, Ryan passed away in late 2024 at the young age of 22. It is a level of loss that would break most marriages. Most couples who lose a child end up in divorce court because the grief is too heavy to share. Yet, Eddie and Raquel have remained a unit. They live a relatively quiet life in the suburbs of Las Vegas, far away from the chaotic energy of the Strip that Eddie used to crave.
Why Their Relationship Works (According to Eddie)
So, how do they do it? Basically, it comes down to a shift in priorities. Eddie has talked a lot about "blinging yourself out" and then realizing it doesn’t mean anything.
- Camaraderie over Cars: Eddie once mentioned he had five cars and nobody to drive them but him and Raquel. They’d just sit there until the tires went bad. He realized having "things" was a distraction from having "company."
- Health as a Priority: Raquel is known for being supportive of Eddie’s health. At 83 years old, Eddie is still performing. He credits the high-energy O’Jays shows for keeping his heart rate up and his cholesterol down, but having a stable home life is what keeps the stress from killing him.
- The Vegas Buffer: They don't hang out on the Las Vegas Strip. Eddie has said that if you keep going to the Strip, you’ll end up broke. They live in the suburbs, keeping a circle of real friends who aren't there for the "Eddie Levert" persona.
Misconceptions About the Levert Family
People often get confused about Eddie’s kids. He has a big family, and the branches are a bit complicated if you aren't paying attention.
- Gerald, Sean, and Kandice: These are Eddie’s children with his first wife, Martha Byrd.
- Eddie Levert Jr.: Also from his earlier years, Eddie Jr. has been very vocal recently about his own struggles with the "Levert" name and his journey through foster care and addiction.
- Ryan: His daughter with Raquel.
When people search for Eddie Levert and wife, they’re often looking for drama. But honestly? The "drama" is all external. Inside the house, it seems they’ve found a way to navigate a very dark series of events with a lot of grace.
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What We Can Learn from Eddie and Raquel
It’s easy to look at a celebrity marriage and think it’s all red carpets and Dr. J’s Black Tie Balls (which they do attend, looking sharp as ever). But the real takeaway here is about resilience.
Eddie Levert could have retired and faded away after his sons died. He could have let the grief destroy his second marriage. Instead, he chose to "play it straight." He chose a woman who was willing to hold him up when the music wasn't enough.
If you’re following Eddie’s journey in 2026, you’ll see he’s still performing, still recording, and still crediting his family for his survival.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Listen to the Lyrics: Go back and listen to "I Got Your Back," the album Eddie did with Gerald. It hits differently when you realize the family support system he has now with Raquel.
- Check the Tour Dates: The O'Jays have been on a "final" tour for a while, but Eddie's solo energy is still peaking. If you see him live, look for Raquel in the wings—she’s usually not far.
- Support the Legacy: Look into the various foundations and causes the Levert family supports, specifically those focused on healthcare and Lupus (a cause they've been seen supporting at Beverly Hills events).
Eddie Levert is a legend not just because he can sing, but because he’s still here. And Raquel is a big reason why.