Patti LaBelle, a name synonymous with powerful vocals and unforgettable performances, has long captivated audiences around the world.

But behind the glittering façade lies a shocking truth: Patti harbored secret romances with six women, all artists in their own right.
For nearly six decades, this living legend kept her love life hidden, fearing the repercussions of public scrutiny.
In a recent revelation, Patti confessed, “I loved six people. They were all women. Not one had the courage to go public.”
This stunning admission opens the door to a world of intrigue, drama, and heartbreak.
Let’s delve into the identities of these six women and the emotional turmoil that marked Patti’s hidden relationships.
**1. Sarah Dash: The First Love and Heartbreak**
The first name on Patti’s list is Sarah Dash, a fellow performer who shared a deep bond with Patti during their time together in the Blue Belles.
Their relationship spanned three years, filled with shared hotel rooms and whispered secrets.

In January 1965, when the group signed with Atlantic Records, Patti was still Patricia Hol, unaware of how this love would change her life.
Witnesses recall a locked dressing room in Detroit, where Patti and Sarah were found clutching each other, soaked in sweat and tears.
Rumors swirled, especially after a male dancer claimed to see scratch marks on Patti’s shoulder.
When Sarah abruptly left the group in 1971, Patti fell into a deep depression, canceling tours and refusing to sing.
For years, Sarah’s name was forbidden backstage, and Patti burned letters from her, trying to erase the memory of their love.
**2. Tina Turner: The Cinnamon Scent of Forbidden Love**
Another name that sends shockwaves through the music world is Tina Turner.
Their connection simmered beneath the surface, marked by a night at the Fairmont Hotel that would change everything.

After a fundraiser performance, Patti was spotted leaving Tina’s room at 4 a.m., disheveled and holding her heels.
The scent of cinnamon, Tina’s signature fragrance, lingered in the air, igniting rumors of a passionate encounter.
Ike Turner’s jealousy erupted when he learned of their closeness, leading to a violent confrontation.
While Tina eventually left Ike, many believe that night marked the beginning of her struggles with love and identity.
Patti, on the other hand, avoided cinnamon scents for years, a reminder of a love that could never be openly acknowledged.
**3. Gladys Knight: A Connection That Couldn’t Survive the Spotlight**
In the spring of 1982, Patti and Gladys Knight found solace in each other during a grueling tour.

Their bond blossomed in secret, with late-night meetings and shared prayers.
However, an anonymous photograph of them together threatened to expose their relationship.
Patti’s label insisted she cut ties with Gladys, leading to a heartbreaking silence that lasted two decades.
Despite the love they shared, both women were forced to navigate their careers without acknowledging the connection they once had.
**4. Phyllis Hyman: The Unspoken Love and Tragic End**
Phyllis Hyman entered Patti’s life in the mid-1980s, both women battling the pressures of the industry.

They shared quiet moments and intimate conversations, but Phyllis’s struggles with mental health cast a shadow over their relationship.
When Phyllis tragically took her own life in 1995, Patti was left devastated, haunted by the loss of a love that had never been fully realized.
Phyllis’s final wish was for her purple notebook to remain unopened, a testament to the secrets and memories they shared.
**5. Millie Jackson: A Dangerous Attraction**
Patty’s relationship with Millie Jackson was marked by emotional volatility and raw honesty.

Their connection ignited during a performance in 1977, where Millie’s boldness captivated Patti.
However, a scandal involving Millie led to the cancellation of their joint tour, forcing Patti to erase Millie’s name from her life.
Despite the intensity of their bond, neither woman ever publicly acknowledged their relationship, leaving a void that remained unfilled.
**6. Whitney Houston: A Love That Was Never Meant to Be**
The final name on Patti’s list is none other than Whitney Houston.
Their connection deepened during the 1993 Soul Train Awards, where a fleeting moment backstage revealed the depth of their feelings.
However, Whitney’s struggles with addiction overshadowed their relationship, and Patti was left to watch from the sidelines as Whitney’s life unraveled.

In the aftermath of Whitney’s tragic death in 2012, whispers of their bond resurfaced, leaving Patti with a heavy heart and unspoken regrets.
Patti LaBelle’s hidden romances reveal a complex tapestry of love, heartbreak, and silence.
These six women, who touched her heart, vanished into the shadows of her past, leaving behind scars that never fully healed.
Patti’s powerful voice may have inspired millions, but the real screams were the ones she never allowed herself to release.
As we reflect on these hidden loves, we’re left with one lingering question: Could the deepest truths of Patti LaBelle’s life lie in the relationships she was never able to share with the world?
In the end, the legacy of these loves serves as a reminder that even the most iconic figures can carry profound secrets and unfulfilled desires.