Singer Peabo Bryson was hospitalized after suffering a heart attack at his home in Cobb County, near Atlanta. The Grammy-winning singer fell ill at his Marietta home on Saturday morning, according to a spokesperson.
The 68-year-old has been hospitalized since Saturday at WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta. He is awake and responsive, but not taking phone calls from fans.
“Both his medical team and family are optimistic for a speedy recovery,” said a rep in a statement obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The family requests privacy at this time, although “thoughts and prayers of friends and fans are welcomed and appreciated.”
Peabo is best known for his soulful duets “What You Won’t Do for Love” (with Natalie Cole), “Let the Feeling Flow”, “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” (with Roberta Flack), and solo single “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again”.
Peabo earned 2 Grammy awards – in 1993 and 1994 for his duets with Celine Dion (“Beauty and the Beast”) and Regina Bell (“A Whole New World”).
He also maintained a long relationship with the world’s greatest female singer Aretha Franklin, who passed away last summer.
“To be asked to be in her presence was like a command performance from the queen. You were awestruck,” he said.
Peabo is married to Tanya Boniface. They share a 16-month-old son. He was engaged several times to boxer Sugar Ray Leonard’s ex-wife Juanita Leonard. He was also engaged to former Miss Virginia Angela Thigpen.
Peabo Bryson If Ever You’re In My Arms Again
Photos by Dave Hogan/Getty Images, WENN