Sheryl Lee Ralph, the talented actress from the hit sitcom Abbott Elementary, has a fascinating connection to Philadelphia. Not only does she portray a Philly-bred school teacher, but she’s also married to Pennsylvania Sen.
Vincent Hughes, who has been serving the state since 1994. Here, we’ll delve into the life of Vincent Hughes and explore his remarkable journey with Sheryl Lee Ralph.
He’s a State Senator
Vincent Hughes has represented the 7th Senatorial district in Pennsylvania since November 1994. He has also served as the Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee since 2011.
Throughout his career, Hughes has been a strong advocate for providing health insurance to the uninsured and increasing wages for low-income workers.
Additionally, he has raised over $1 million in scholarship money for underserved students to attend college.
He’s Passionate About Criminal Justice Reform
Hughes continues to work towards reforming the criminal justice system in Pennsylvania. In 2017, he established the First Chance Fund to help children with incarcerated parents.
He has also created the $60 million School and Community Anti-Violence Fund, which provides support to schools and communities to reduce violence.
He Met Ralph Through a Mutual Friend
When they were introduced, Ralph and Hughes were both divorced and each had two children. They shared a strong connection, believing in each other’s mission and work, and were both focused on their children and family.
Hughes told Essence in 2020, “I think that really is the foundation. I like what Sheryl’s about.” Ralph echoed Hughes’ sentiment, saying, “I have a great friend and a great partner; somebody that I absolutely trust.”
In an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, Ralph recalled a story from when the pair began dating in the early 2000s. Hughes gave her a gift in a blue box and inside was a Pennsylvania almanac.
On the inside of the box, he’d written, “So you will know more about all the things I truly love.” Ralph was moved by the gift, feeling that it showed Hughes’ love for his state and city.
He and Ralph Went to Couples Therapy
Ralph and Hughes are open about their commitment to therapy. They attended counseling sessions to work on their relationship and ensure a strong foundation for their blended family.
Hughes added, “If you’re honest in your session, you’re leaving everything wide open. It was a way to really reveal ourselves to one another with guidance. It was extremely helpful.”
He and Ralph Got Married in 2005
The couple tied the knot on July 30, 2005, at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. Ralph wore an off-the-shoulder champagne-colored silk charmeuse Tadashi gown, while Hughes wore a custom-tailored black tuxedo and a white tie.
The ceremony was a beautiful blend of their families, with Ralph’s son Etienne Maurice giving her away and Hughes’ daughter Ariell giving him away.
He and Ralph Split Their Time Between L.A. and Philadelphia
Due to their respective careers, Ralph and Hughes have a unique marital arrangement. They see each other every two weeks when Ralph travels from Los Angeles to Philadelphia.
Ralph clarified their living arrangement in an interview with ET, saying, “We’ve been married going on 19 years. We’ve been together 21 years.
Abbott is shot in Los Angeles. My husband, as a senator, is always in his capitol [Harrisburg, Penn.], so I don’t know what magic people think we’re gonna do.”
He and Ralph Call Their Marriage “a Blessing”
It’s clear how thankful the pair is for each other. Hughes told Essence, “We view our marriage as a blessing. Life could have been very, very different for the both of us. God led us to each other right at the absolute perfect time.
Sheryl is a blessing to me. This relationship and this love is a blessing, and I try to treat it that way.” Ralph added, “You’ve got to be able to laugh together and really, really communicate with each other. Bad communication will mess everything up.”
He and Ralph Have Walked Many Red Carpets Together
When he’s not in Philadelphia, Hughes is often Ralph’s plus-one to star-studded Hollywood events. In January 2024, the couple attended the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, with Ralph dazzling in a white mermaid-style gown and Hughes complementing her in a white tux.
FAQs:
Who is Sheryl Lee Ralph’s husband?
Sheryl Lee Ralph’s husband is Vincent Hughes, a Pennsylvania state senator.
How long have Sheryl Lee Ralph and Vincent Hughes been married?
Sheryl Lee Ralph and Vincent Hughes have been married since 2005.
What is Vincent Hughes’ profession?
Vincent Hughes is a state senator, representing the 7th Senatorial district in Pennsylvania.