Steve Harvey got emotional as he thanked his wife during his speech at the Grio Awards.
The Family feud host, 66, was honored with The Television Icon Award at a ceremony on Saturday, dedicating most of his acceptance speech – as well as the award itself – to his wife of 16 years, Marjorie Harvey.
During his speech, the camera focused on Marjorie as Steve said, “that woman over there was down with me like four flat tires,” a clip of the awards ceremony shared by theGrio on X (formerly Twitter) shows.
Steve Harvey defends his wife and denies that she broke up his previous marriage: ‘You’re not going to break us up’
The TV icon went on to say that his wife was “faithful” and “devoted to me,” pointing to Marjorie and adding, “85% of what you all here [are] talk to me about what happened after I married that girl,”
Steve also appeared to address recent rumors that Marjorie had been cheating on him, which the couple denied.
“We’ve been going strong for 18 years,” he said. “I don’t know what you were trying to do, but we’ve got you covered.”
The seven-time Emmy winner went on to reference several Bible verses – Isaiah 54:17, Isaiah 43:1-2 and Psalm 91 – before handing his award to event staff to present to his wife.
“I love you Marjorie Harvey,” he finished. “I appreciate you riding with me.”
At the 2023 awards ceremony β created by businessman Byron Allen “to celebrate and amplify African-American excellence and the incredible champions from other communities who truly support us,” according to a press release β other honorees included Mariah Carey, Don Cheadle, Misty Copeland, Kevin Hart, Dwayne βThe Rockβ Johnson, Denzel Washington and Eddie Murphy.
Steve Harvey opens up about settling down with the love of his life: ‘When you have a happy home, you can achieve anything’
Steve Harvey paid tribute to his wife, Marjorie Harvey, during his speech at the Grio Awards.
Stefanie Keenan/Getty; Phillip Faraone/Getty
Both Steve and Marjorie shared statements in August after speculation of infidelity in their marriage surfaced on Xu and began circulating online.
Steve addressed the rumors at Invest Fest 2023 in Atlanta, kicking off his set by saying, βBefore I start, just let me say I’m fine. Marriage is fine,β a TikTok shared by one participant shows.
After the cheers died down, the star added: “I don’t know what you’re doing, but find something else to do because we’re fine, Lord, have mercy.”
Later that day, Marjorie also commented on the rumors with a post on Instagram, sharing the headline of an article that read “How to deal with lies,” which included a Bible verse about “insults.”
Lori Harvey celebrates a sweet moment between her parents Steve and sharp-looking Marjorie
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Steve and Marjorie Harvey denied rumors that Marjorie was cheating on them in August 2023.
Gregg DeGuire/WireImage
“My husband and I usually don’t stop to address all the nonsense and lies that have been spread about us,” she wrote in the caption. “However, to whom much is given, much is required. I realize that with my platform comes a kind of responsibility to those who may not be as strong as we are.”
“Please read and share this with your loved ones who may not know how to cope properly,” she added. “God bless you all ππΎπ.”
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Although their paths first crossed in the 90s, Steve and Marjorie said “I do” in 2007 – and just celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary in July.
After they married, the couple combined their families, which now include their seven children β Brandi, Karli, Broderick, Wynton, Morgan, Jason and Lori β as well as seven grandchildren.
Five years after the couple married, Steve told PEOPLE that Marjorie “changed the way I existed.”
“I’ve never been in a healthy adult relationship,” he said at the time. “I was never loyal, I was never fully respected.”
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Source: HIS Education