Godmother Of Soul Patti LaBelle Set To Bless Her Octogenarian Era With A New Album

Singer and songwriter Patti LaBelle is proving that age is just a number.

As she steps into her octogenarian era, LaBelle is set to release a new body of work, showcasing that her legendary voice and spirit remain as vibrant as ever.

Reflecting on the significant milestone at a special celebration in New York City, LaBelle shared her joy and plans for the future.

The star noted feeling more vibrant than ever, stating, "I'm still talking, I can still hear, I can see, I can walk, so what a blessing! I'm still standing, you know?" 

In addition to celebrating her birthday, LaBelle showcased her enduring vitality by announcing a new album titled "8065," which she pointed out symbolized her life and longevity in the entertainment business.

"It should be out at the end of this year and it's called 8065. I'm 80 years young and 65 years in show business. So that's what the project will be called, and that's what my tour is called. 8065!" the actress stated emphatically. 

While speaking with ET at her 80th birthday party, LaBelle also shared her sense of accomplishment and survival. "Just that I made it," she said, expressing relief and joy.

The "You Are My Friend" artist noted the personal significance of reaching 80, especially since all her sisters passed away before turning 50. 

"So I was praying to turn 50, really. And then after that 60, 70 and now 80. I'm blessed. I'm truly blessed," LaBelle shared. 

Her brother, Thomas, died in 2013, while her sisters, Vivian, Barbara, and Jackie, died in 1975, 1982, and 1989, respectively.

LaBelle's birthday was marked by a star-studded celebration with close friends and celebrities, including Whoopi Goldberg, Lee Daniels, Gladys Knight, and Debbie Allen.

Despite LaBelle's determination to keep her music career rolling as she ages, it has not been without its hiccups. Last year, the TV personality's tribute to Tina Turner at an award ceremony became a memorable moment, per The Blast.

The legendary singer, dressed in a sparkling fringe minidress that paid homage to Turner's iconic style, encountered a teleprompter issue during her performance.

LaBelle, known for her powerhouse vocals, apparently had difficulty seeing the lyrics on the teleprompter. Acknowledging the issue, LaBelle addressed the crowd, saying, "I can't see the words, and I don't know. I'm tryin', you all!"

However, the "On My Own" singer continued to deliver an impressive rendition, with the audience quickly rallying to support her.

With over three decades in the music industry, it is not surprising that there would be curiosity about LaBelle's personal life. Currently unmarried, the star has had her fair share of romantic relationships, with one particularly notable engagement.

The Blast reported that LaBelle's first engagement was with Otis Williams from "The Temptations, which ended a year later. Next up was Armstead Edwards, a former school teacher who later became her manager.

LaBelle revealed that she was the one who ultimately proposed to Edwards after turning down his proposals three times before. She finally decided to take the plunge and asked him to marry her.

Recalling the event, she shared, "He asked me to marry him three times, and I said no. The fourth time, I asked him. He said, 'Let me give it a few days.' So he gave it a few days, and he said yes."

After her relationship with Edwards ended, LaBelle did not let this deter her from seeking love again.

In 2016, the soul legend made headlines when it was confirmed that she had started dating drummer Eric Seats, who is 30 years her junior.

Their relationship, which lasted for two years, began when LaBelle hired Seats to be her drummer. The musician relocated from Los Angeles to LaBelle's Philadelphia home, where the couple spent a significant amount of time together.

A source close to LaBelle revealed, "She tried to keep it quiet, but everyone around her has figured things out now. She's completely smitten with him, and they spend so much time together."