Kirk Franklin, the renowned gospel superstar, was honored with the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards on Monday, June 9, alongside Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, and Snoop Dogg.

Franklin, who has won the BET Awards' Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award eight times, including in 2025, was introduced by T.I., who praised the gospel musician for changing the game by combining gospel and hip-hop.

During his acceptance speech, Franklin thanked his wife, Tammy Franklin, for being his rock, saying, "You sit here with me while your father, one of my heroes, is fighting for his life. Thank you. I will never be able to repay you for giving me a legacy. You gave me Caziah, my young leader. Carrington, my best friend. Kennedy, twin. And you partnered with the mother of my oldest, Kerrion, whom I love with all my soul."

Franklin also thanked Rodney Hill for saving "my life and my career." "Thank you, my soul family, for covering me," he continued.

The 20-time Grammy winner and Reigning King of Urban Gospel emerged in the 1990s and is best known for "Imagine Me," "Lean on Me," and "Wanna Be Happy?" He released his debut album, Kirk Franklin and the Family, in 1993 and began to change gospel music with his vision.

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The BET Awards are airing live on Monday, June 9, from Los Angeles' Peacock Theater on BET.

Franklin was honored alongside Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, and Snoop Dogg, who were also recognized for their decades of groundbreaking contributions to music, entertainment, advocacy, and community impact.

Previous recipients of the BET Ultimate Icon Award include Janet Jackson in 2015, Deborah L. Lee in 2018, and Tyler Perry in 2019.

Franklin holds the record for most wins in the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award category, having won the award eight times throughout his career.

The gospel superstar has been making waves in the music industry, and his acceptance speech was a testament to his humility and gratitude for those who have supported him throughout his journey.