Tammi Terrell Was Happily Engaged To Music Artist David Ruffin When She Found Out He Was Already Married With Kids

In 1966, Motown's rising star Tammi Terrell entered a whirlwind relationship with David Ruffin, the charismatic lead singer of The Temptations. Their romance was fiery and passionate—an explosive connection that seemed destined for the spotlight. That same year, Ruffin surprised Terrell with a proposal, a moment that felt like a fairytale. Tammi, filled with joy, proudly announced their engagement during a live performance, unaware of the heartbreaking truth waiting in the wings.

What should have been the beginning of a beautiful love story quickly unraveled into sorrow.

Tammi would soon discover that Ruffin was already married, with three children and a mistress back home in Detroit. The news shattered her. The man she believed was her future had been living a double life, and her public declaration of love became a source of deep humiliation and pain.

Their relationship, already intense, spiraled further into emotional turmoil. Friends and colleagues would later recount how the betrayal impacted Tammi's spirit, adding to the pressures of her demanding career. Despite her talent and radiant presence on stage—especially alongside Marvin Gaye in legendary duets like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”—Tammi's personal life was filled with silent struggles.

This chapter in Motown history highlights not only the glitz and glamour of the era but also the private heartbreak endured by one of its brightest stars. Tammi Terrell’s story is one of strength and resilience in the face of betrayal, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and fans alike.