Shirley Kyles is best remembered as the woman who lived through a stormy marriage with the legendary soul singer Al Green. Their love story was marked by highs and lows, moments of joy, and painful battles that led to not one but two divorce filings. For many fans searching terms like al green wife photo, who is al green’s wife now, or who are al green’s wives, the story of Shirley and Al provides the clearest window into his most dramatic personal chapter.
Quick Bio of Shirley Kyles
Fact | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Shirley Kyles (later Shirley Green) |
Known For | Ex-wife of Al Green |
Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois |
Nationality | American |
Marriage Date | June 15, 1977 |
Marriage Place | Memphis, Tennessee |
Spouse | Al Green (1977–1983) |
Children | Alva, Rubi, Kora |
First Divorce Filing | 1978 |
Second Divorce Filing | 1981 |
Final Divorce | February 1983 |
Settlement | $432,800 (alimony and child support) |
Public Role | Spoke out in 1990s about abuse |
Early Life of Shirley Kyles
Shirley Kyles came from Chicago and was deeply connected to music and faith before meeting Al Green. She was involved with singing and helping in church work, which gave her opportunities to meet people in the music industry. Her quiet background soon changed when her path crossed with the rising soul star.

Meeting Al Green
The story of Shirley Kyles al green wife journey began when she joined Green’s team as a singer and helper in his ministry. Their bond grew quickly, and romance followed. Al Green was already famous with songs like Let’s Stay Together and Love and Happiness. For Shirley, being near him meant stepping into the spotlight, which was not always easy.
Marriage and Wedding Details
On June 15, 1977, Shirley and Al Green tied the knot in Memphis, Tennessee. It was a celebrated union that made headlines across the soul and gospel community. The marriage was seen as a blessing to fans who admired Green’s career and church work. People often remember this moment when searching al green and shirley kyles marriage.
Children and Family Life
Together, Shirley Kyles and Al Green became parents to three daughters: Alva Lei Green, Rubi Renee Green, and Kora Kishé Green. Shirley focused on raising her children while also supporting her husband’s growing career. The family appeared in public events, and fans often searched for al green and wife images to get a glimpse of their life together.
The First Divorce Filing in 1978
Trouble came early. In 1978, just one year after their marriage, Shirley Kyles filed for divorce for the first time. She cited “cruelty” and irreconcilable differences. Although she later withdrew the filing and tried to work things out with Al Green, the cracks in their relationship were already deep.
Marriage Troubles and Allegations
Over the years, Shirley Kyles revealed that her marriage involved abuse and pain. Court records show that Al Green admitted under oath in 1982 that he struck her. Shirley’s story became a central part of his personal history, appearing in newspapers and later interviews. This is why many articles link the terms shirley kyles al green wife and who is al green’s wife now when discussing his past.
Second Divorce Filing in 1981
By 1981, Shirley could not stay in the marriage any longer. She filed for divorce again, this time with stronger claims. She detailed domestic violence and explained how difficult her life had become. The case gained attention because of Al Green’s fame and his image as a preacher and soul singer.
Final Divorce in 1983
In February 1983, the divorce was made final. Shirley Kyles received a settlement of $432,800 for alimony and child support. The court case showed the painful reality behind the glamorous image of a music star’s life. For Shirley, it meant freedom from years of suffering, though her name remained tied to Al Green forever.
Life After the Divorce
After the marriage ended, Shirley Kyles focused on raising her children. In the mid-1990s, she spoke publicly about her story to support other women facing abuse. While Al Green continued with music and ministry, Shirley took a quieter path, away from fame but still remembered for her courage.
Connection to Al Green’s Career
Fans searching who is al green’s current wife or who are al green’s wives often come across Shirley’s name first. That is because her story is not only about marriage but also about how personal struggles shaped Green’s image. While songs like Tired of Being Alone and Take Me to the River defined his career, his private life with Shirley told another story.

Important Clarification
It is also important to note that the famous 1974 incident with Al Green’s girlfriend Mary Woodson, who scalded him and later died by suicide, did not involve Shirley. That tragedy happened before Shirley and Al married. Still, many confuse the events, so Shirley often gets linked to that story incorrectly.
Was Al Green Married Again?
One of the most searched questions is is al green married. After his divorce from Shirley Kyles, reports suggest that he remarried in the 1990s, but his later wife’s details remain private. Reliable sources confirm only that he had another marriage, but her name and their life together have never been publicly shared.
Why Shirley’s Story Still Matters
The story of Shirley Kyles and Al Green is not just about celebrity marriage. It is also about resilience, survival, and honesty. By speaking out about her pain, Shirley gave courage to many women facing similar problems. Even today, her name appears whenever people ask who is al green’s wife now or look for al green wife photo.
Legacy and Impact
Shirley Kyles is remembered for her strength as a woman who stood up for herself. Her story is still relevant because it connects with larger conversations about domestic violence, women’s rights, and the private struggles behind public figures. Her children with Al Green also continue the family’s legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who was Shirley Kyles married to?
Shirley Kyles was married to soul singer Al Green from 1977 until their divorce in 1983.
Q2: How many children did Shirley Kyles and Al Green have?
They had three daughters together: Alva Lei Green, Rubi Renee Green, and Kora Kishé Green.
Q3: Why did Shirley Kyles file for divorce twice?
She cited cruelty and abuse in the marriage, filing first in 1978 and again in 1981 before the final divorce in 1983.
Q4: Did Al Green admit to the allegations made by Shirley Kyles?
Yes, in a 1982 court deposition, Al Green admitted striking Shirley Kyles during their marriage.
Q5: Is Al Green married today?
Reports suggest Al Green remarried in the 1990s, but details of his current wife remain private.
Conclusion
The marriage of Shirley Kyles and Al Green was one of passion, faith, and conflict. It ended in two divorce filings, with the final one in 1983. Shirley’s courage to speak out and move forward made her more than just al green’s wife. Today, she is remembered as a woman who turned pain into strength, and her story still answers many of the questions fans ask about al green and wife or who are al green’s wives.
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