Kirk Franklin: Fatherhood's Flaws and Love

Gospel music star Kirk Franklin is opening up about his journey through fatherhood with his four children: Kerrion, Carrington, Kennedy, and Caziah.

Franklin adopted his stepdaughter, Carrington, now 36, and considers her his "baby." He is also father to Kennedy, 29, and Caziah, 25, and welcomed his eldest son, Kerrion, in his late teens. Franklin's own experience of being adopted and raised by his grandmother, Gertrude, influenced his parenting style.

He admitted to "over-parenting" his sons out of a desire to shield them from pain. Franklin homeschooled his children, including Kerrion, Carrington, and Kennedy, so they could travel with him during his extensive music career. This nomadic upbringing included periods in Africa and Europe.

Despite facing some public difficulties with his eldest son, Kerrion, Franklin expresses pride in his son's growth and hopes for his healing. Kerrion, now an artist and reality star in Los Angeles, is working on their relationship. Carrington hosts a radio show with her mother and lives in Dallas with her husband and two children, making Franklin a grandfather.

Kennedy, who graduated from Baylor University and earned a master's from SCAD, works in marketing and lives in Atlanta. Caziah, the youngest, recently married Alena Pitts in August 2024. Franklin expressed immense pride as Caziah, whom he calls his "young king," embarked on married life, honoring his late grandmother Gertrude in the ceremony.