Delta Burke’s Devoted Husband of 34 Years Unconditionally Loves Her Despite Weight Gain & Sickness | “He’s Been Great”

“He still thinks my body looks great, and I can certifiably tell you it does not,” Delta Burke said.

Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Neilson Barnard

By Suchitra B

June 12, 2023

Posted June 12, 2023

When Gerald McRaney, known for his role in Major Dad, crossed paths with actress Delta Burke, it was evident that love was in the air. Right from the beginning, McRaney was smitten with her, believing they were a perfect match. Surprisingly, he proposed to her on their second date, showcasing his deep affection.

Two years later, in 1989, the couple formalized their relationship and have since enjoyed a beautiful marriage. McRaney shared his secret for a happy marriage in a Closer Weekly interview. He said, “In my case, it’s marrying Delta Burke! I had done it twice before, so obviously I am no good at it. The key is who I married.”

Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Neilson Barnard

However, in 1998, a series of unfortunate events took a massive toll on Burke's life. First, her grandmother passed away, and then her mother received a breast cancer diagnosis. On top of all this, Burke faced significant weight fluctuations, largely due to her struggles with weight gain resulting from hypoglycemia. Over time, she managed to regain control of her weight, but the journey was far from easy.

Burke, who had been caring for her cancer-stricken mother, gradually regained her own health, and her mother also triumphed over breast cancer. In 2004, McRaney himself battled lung cancer, per Country Living.

Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Frazer Harrison

Throughout these challenging times, Burke acknowledged her husband's unwavering support. He consistently reminded her about her medication and assisted her in managing her diet. As years passed, Burke learned to effectively manage her illness. Her devoted husband continues to assist her with insulin shots and offers care and support in every possible way. Despite her reliance on insulin for her condition, Burke finds solace in her husband McRaney's loving presence and remains in a positive state of mind. “Mac loves me no matter what,” Burke said in a statement from the Hallmark Channel and reported by PEOPLE.

Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Kevin Winter

“He loved me when I got as big as a house,” she said. “He loved me when I was a blonde. He didn’t tell me he hated it until I went back to Brunette. He has loved me through my up times and my down times. He still thinks my body looks great, and I can certifiably tell you it does not!” She also mentioned as per ABC News, "He's been great. It didn't matter to him how fat I got."

McRaney is a rock for her. He even bought their house with something he thought would make Burke happy. “My wife and I have bought a home in Central Florida, which we will move into sometime this spring. That’s where she grew up, and we’re going to go back there and just try to enjoy the remainder of our lives together as best we can. We’ll go fishing, shelling, go to the beach, and things like that,” McRaney said last year.