Gospel Icon Marvin Sapp Announces Engagement to Dr. La’Boris Cole 16 Years After Wife’s Death
Feb. 23, 2026 — Fort Worth, Texas — Renowned gospel singer and pastor Marvin Sapp announced his engagement to longtime friend Dr. La’Boris Cole on Sunday, in a surprise proposal orchestrated by his adult children 16 years after the death of his first wife, Dr. MaLinda Prince Sapp.
The proposal occurred during an event disguised as Cole’s birthday party. Upon arrival, Sapp got down on one knee, presented Cole with a diamond engagement ring and asked her to marry him, surrounded by family members from both sides, TV One reported.
The Surprise Proposal
Sapp’s now-adult children, including his two eldest who are married with children, planned the celebration to unite the families, according to BET and Rolling Out. The couple had been close friends for more than a decade before entering a private courtship.
No wedding date has been announced.
“In 2026, God has given Marvin Sapp the desire of his heart!” BET stated.
About Dr. La’Boris Cole
Dr. La’Boris Cole, a Mississippi native, is the founder and executive director of the Born 2 Danz Worship Arts Conference and CEO of Cole Associates & Counselors of Texas, a multi-site behavioral health practice. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s from Mississippi College and a doctorate in clinical counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University. Her work focuses on ministry, therapy and the arts to help individuals heal and pursue their purpose, Essence detailed.
Context After Loss
Sapp’s first wife, Dr. MaLinda Prince Sapp, died in 2010 after battling colon cancer, despite being declared cancer-free earlier that year, Soul Tracks noted. Sapp raised their children as a widower while balancing his ministry and music career.
In October 2025, Grand Rapids, Michigan, City Council named a portion of Madison Avenue “Dr. MaLinda P. Sapp Way” to honor her legacy in service, education and faith. Sapp attended the ceremony, stating:
“It was an exhilarating weekend as we celebrated the remarkable legacy of my late wife, Dr. MaLinda P. Sapp… My children witnessed their mother’s legacy being honored in such a profound way. My two grandchildren were present as well,” The Christian Beat reported.
Sapp’s Ministry and Music
Sapp serves as senior pastor of The Chosen Vessel Church in Fort Worth and has a three-decade music career, including the hit “Never Would Have Made It,” 16 albums and over 1 billion Pandora streams. He was inducted into the Black Music Entertainment Walk of Fame in 2023, TV One added.
The announcement drew quick social media buzz, including a TV One X post with 212 likes sharing the news.
