What happened to Teri DeBarge: Here is everything you need to know

What happened to Teri DeBarge: Here is everything you need to know

Despite being the wife of the late Bobby DeBarge, Teri DeBarge has one of the most grounded and private lives. Bobby was the lead vocalist of the Motown R&B group Switch, and he was well known for his falsetto singing. Unfortunately, the singer died of AIDS six years after their wedding, leaving behind two sons.

Teri DeBarge and Bobby DeBarge Jr. attend the premiere of TV One's 'Bobby DeBarge Story'
Teri DeBarge and Bobby DeBarge Jr. attend the premiere of TV One's 'Bobby DeBarge Story' at Harmony Gold Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tibrina Hobson
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Teri is an American producer.
  • She rose to prominence in the 1990s for being married to Bobby DeBarge.
  • She is the mother of Bobby DeBarge Jr. and Christian DeBarge.

Teri DeBarge's profile summary

Full name

Teri DeBarge

Nickname

Teri

Place of birth

USA

Nationality

American

Ethnicity

White

Religion

Christianity

Height in inches

5'8"

Height in centimeters

172

Weight in pounds

132

Weight in kilograms

60

Eye colour

Black

Hair colour

Blonde

Sexuality

Straight

Marital status

Widow

Late spouse

Bobby DeBarge

Children

Christian and Bobby DeBarge Jr.

Grandchildren

Lily Rose, Zoe Paige, and Noah DeBarge

Famous for

Being the wife of lead singer Bobby DeBarge

Profession

Producer, filmmaking

Movies

Unsung, Bobby DeBarge Story

Current residence

Los Angeles

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What happened to Teri DeBarge?

Teri DeBarge is still alive, and nothing tragic has happened to her in recent years. She was previously married to Bobby DeBarge, who struggled with drug addiction and legal issues before he died in 1995 from AIDS-related complications.

After losing her husband, Teri focused on raising their children and living a private life, which is why many people wonder what happened to her. Bobby DeBarge's wife is now a famous and talented producer.

She has produced several TV programs and movies about her deceased husband. In 2008, she produced the TV program, Unsung, which was about influential R&B and Soul Gospel singers.

In the same year, she also produced the film Overlooked. Teri produced the Bobby DeBarge Story in 2009, which talked about the life story of Bobby DeBarge.

When is Teri DeBarge's birthday?

Teri was born in the United States of America; however, her exact date of birth and zodiac sign are yet to be disclosed to the public. Her exact age remains unknown but she is reportedly in her 50s as of 2026. The producer holds American nationality with White ethnicity.

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Teri DeBarge and Bobby DeBarge's marriage

Fast facts about Teri DeBarge.
Fast facts about Teri DeBarge. Photo: Tibrina Hobson (modified by author)
Source: Original

Teri and Bob met when she was fifteen years old, and he was in his early 30s. On December 10, 1990, they officially got married. The couple had a good life and enjoyed each other's company. Sadly, their marriage only lasted six years because on August 16, 1995, Bobby died of HIV. He was buried in Garfield Park Cemetery in Grand Rapids.

Before his death, he had been sentenced to five years' imprisonment for drug trafficking charges. While in prison, Bob revealed having contracted HIV.

Who did Bobby DeBarge date?

Before marrying Teri, Bob was in a relationship with Michael Jackson's sister, La Toya Jackson. It is believed that she influenced the famous song I Call Your Name.

Bobby's brother, James, also married Michael Jackson's younger sister, Janet Jackson, in 1984. Their father, Robert Louis DeBarge Sr., wrote;

Bobby was close to Michael when he was dating 'Toya, and James was close to Michael when he lived at the big house with the family," she said. "James really loved Ms. Jackson (Katherine) and is still loyal to her, Michael and Janet."

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It is also rumored that Bobby was not straight, but he never publicly labeled himself as bisexual.

Who are DebBarge's children?

With Teri, Bob had two sons, Christian and Bobby DeBarge Jr. Currently, Christian is married to an Asian woman, and they have children together. He creates cartoons with anime, and the family music is a passion for their younger son, Bobby Jr.

Like his father, he sings with a falsetto. He makes music with his cousins Andrew, Kristinia, and Eldra. Through them, Bobby's musical legacy remains 27 years after his death.

All about the DeBarge family

Music group DeBarge
Music group DeBarge: James DeBarge, El DeBarge, Bunny DeBarge, DeBarge, and Mark DeBarge attend the 50th Anniversary Party at the Apollo Theatre on 4th May 1985. Photo: Vinnie Zuffante
Source: Getty Images

The DeBarge family is a renowned musical family rooted in rhythm and blues, originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan. The family was led by Robert Louis DeBarge Sr., a U.S. Armed Forces veteran from Illinois, and Etterlene Abney.

The couple met in Detroit in the early 1950s and married in 1953, building their lives in a predominantly Black neighborhood where they raised ten children who would later shape the group’s musical legacy.

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Together, they had ten children: Bobby DeBarge, Tommy DeBarge, Mark DeBarge, Randy DeBarge, Bunny DeBarge, Chico DeBarge, James DeBarge, El DeBarge, Carol DeBarge, and Marty DeBarge. Many of them went on to become influential figures in R&B music, contributing to the family’s lasting impact on the industry.

FAQs

  1. What nationality is the DeBarge family? The DeBarge family is American by nationality, with roots in Detroit and Grand Rapids.
  2. Who is the oldest DeBarge sibling? The oldest DeBarge sibling is Etterlene "Bunny" DeBarge, born March 10, 1955.
  3. How many children does Mark DeBarge have? He has six children. His children are reported to be Lakeysha, Mark Jr., Devyn, Piper, Michael, and Giovanni DeBarge.
  4. Does Bunny DeBarge have kids? Yes, Bunny DeBarge has four children and is a grandmother of fifteen.
  5. Who played Teri DeBarge? Laila Odom played her role in the movie.

Despite the controversy surrounding her marriage to Bobby, Teri DeBarge has created a name for herself in the Hollywood film industry. Her natural talent and zeal make her a figure to watch out for.

Briefly.co.za published mind-gobbling details about Violet Chang. She has remained recognisable in Lennox Lewis' life as his wife. Exchanging wedding vows meant more than living together, but being part of each other's lives, in fame.

Besides being the star's wife, she has a history of being crowned the first runner-up in the Miss Jamaica pageant.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Ruth Gitonga avatar

Ruth Gitonga (Lifestyle writer) Ruth Gitonga has a background experience in Mass Communication for over six years. She graduated from the University of Nairobi with a degree in Mass Communication in December 2014. In 2023, Ruth finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She has worked for Briefly.co.za for seven years now. She specializes in topics like lifestyle, entertainment, travel, technology, and sports. Email: gitongaruth14@gmail.com.

John Ouma avatar

John Ouma (Lifestyle writer) John Ouma is a journalist with six years of experience. He has published sharply argued think pieces that live at the intersection of power, politics, and society. He was awarded the FirstGen scholarship by Biola University and a merit-based scholarship by AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts in January 2021. He has worked for The Standard and Nation Africa as an opinion columnist between 2018 and 2022. He is currently working on his first novel—a literary fiction that traces the life of a contemporary Kenyan artist. Email: gervasjohn97@gmail.com