Four Tops Days Member Duke Fakir is Survived by His Wife, Piper Gibson, and Six Children!
Duke Fakir, the last original member of the Four Tops, passed away from heart failure on July 22, 2024. His wife
Abdul ‘Duke’ Fakir had a compelling love story as two women were behind the man during his best years.
His career spanned over six decades, with timeless hits like I Can’t Help Myself and Reach Out I’ll Be There.
Beyond music, the late artist’s love life was filled with colors, marked by two crucial marriages.
While the first one only lasted for a short period, the second wedding lasted almost half a century.
The Women And Marriages Behind the Legend of Duke Fakir
Four Tops Days lasting member Duke’s life was as dynamic as his professional career, with two marriages that left a lasting impact on him.
Duke Fakir was briefly engaged with Mary Wilson, a member of The Supremes, in the mid-1960s.
Later, the veteran singer married Piper Gibson, the mother of his six children.
Duke’s relationship with the later partner lasted up to 50 years. Duke’s first partner was the first to bid farewell.
Mary Wilson, an American singer, passed away from hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease on February 8, 2021.
In the 2021 Billboard interview, Duke mourned Mary’s unexpected passing, which showed how connected they were.
The sudden late-night text about his ex-fiance and long-time friend’s demise broke his heart. Further, Duke, on their separation, stated:
The engagement, however, didn’t work out. We were more engaged to our careers than anything else, so we just decided to be friends, and that’s what happened.
Even though their relationship ended, they shared a good relationship since then until Wilson’s demise at the age of 76.
The former couple called and talked on the phone just a few days before the unfortunate incident.
Four Tops band legend Duke’s tie-up with Piper lasted for more than five decades until his passing in 2024.
This beautiful couple was an example of how beautiful things take time to happen and would last forever.
Piper and Duke raised a family together, with him being a father to seven children, six of whom survive him.
The lady of his life conveyed information about his passing through the media.
His family life speaks his story of existence, which the couple carved over the years through love and affection.
Meanwhile, we offer our heartfelt condolence to Duke’s wife, Mary, 6 children, 13 grandchildren, and extended family.
Additional Information:
- Duke Fakir comes from a Bangladeshi and African American heritage.
- He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
- Duke Fakir met his fellow band member, Levi Stubbs, through community football games.