Danny Gokey is competing in American Idol season 8. His wife Sophie Gorkey died a month before his audition. See photos, video and a biography of the 28-year old singer, his wife and his heartrending and inspirational story here.
Daniel Gorkey is from Milwaukee where he is a music teacher and choir leader for Faith Builders International Ministries. His wife, Sophie, had encouraged him to audition for American Idol. How did Danny Gokey’s wife die? Tragically, at age 27 Sophie Gokey died duriing surgery in July 2008. She had a congenital heart condition.
Four weeks later, Danny Gorkey auditioned for American Idol.
“What I want to portray to people is to look inside themselves and to find strength. My wife had a heart condition her whole entire life, endured two surgeries when she was younger. She went through this third surgery that she didn’t live through,” he said.
“But my wife, she didn’t live life like she had a condition. She didn’t let any limitations be put on her life. That’s what I think about when I sing. I have such a passion to tell people, ‘Get up, get out of your situation that has brought a lot of heartache to you and move on, move forward.’ ”
Both his musical talent and his moving life story have made Danny Gokey an American Idol favorite. He delivered an emotionally powerful rendition of Mariah Carey’s signature hit “Heroâ€? in the February 17, 2009 semi-finalists telecast.
As a biography, Sophia Linnette Gokey was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Aug. 16, 1980 and lived in there throughout her life. Her birth name was Sophia Linnette Martinez and she was the daughter of Juan and Ana Martinez. Her surviving siblings are Lissette (Cory) Quantance, Damaris Martinez and Margarita (Ivan) Santiago.
Sophia L. Gokey died on July 9, 2008 in surgery. Her husband, Danny Gokey has set up a foundation in her memory; Sophia’s Heart Foundation (SHF) The foundation’s mission is to make a positive impact on students’ lives through a Music and Arts Program, which will donate musical instruments to children and youth who are unable to afford them and the Sophia L. Gokey Scholarship Fund which will donate $1,000 scholarships to high school students who face challenges in pursuing their dreams. The foundation has a Web site: sophiasheart.org
Here are photos of Danny Gokey and his wife. More photos and video below.
February 18th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
[...] Sophia Gokey was the wife of the American Idol favorite. How did Danny Gokey’s wife die? But more importantly, find out how she inspired him to live out his dreams. Right Celebrity [...]
April 30th, 2009 at 6:05 am
All my good wishes for you Danny. your wife was beautiful and thru her you will win the title of American Idol and you should name your first album for her, The minute I heard you sing I said you will win, so good luck and she is watching you too…
May 6th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
hey Danny, my name’s olivia…my mom and I find your story to be very inspirational. you didn’t let it hold you back, and you continue to be positive. that. shows that you have the lord living in you. good luck, and we’re praying and rooting for you! take care (:
May 7th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
W.O.W. Never forget you are loved with an everlasting love in Christ. My Christ continue to heal, strengthen and honor you. As you lift him up first. You perticulairly touched my heart when you sang Endless Love and Looked up to the heavens…”Your still romamcing your sweetheart’. What an honorable man. Never forget this one thing Danny, Daniel, ALL of Heaven is Becking You UP. You are being raised up for such a time as this. Blessings
Your sister-in-Christ alone. Anne-Marie
May 8th, 2009 at 3:02 am
[...] Maybe I’ve been living under a rock, but this is the first I heard that this young kid had a wife that died a month before the audition… “Daniel Gorkey is from Milwaukee where he is a music teacher and choir leader for Faith Builders International Ministries. His wife, Sophie, had encouraged him to audition for American Idol. How did Danny Gokey’s wife die? Tragically, at age 27 Sophie Gokey died duriing surgery in July 2008. She had a congenital heart condition. ” Source: Danny Gokey Wife: Sophie Gokey » Right Celebrity [...]
May 11th, 2009 at 10:30 am
I think what you have done to respect the wishes of your wife by participating in Idols is fantastic! You’re a Christian and this fact is motivation for many people around the world!!!
In South Africa we’re a little behind but peak at Idols to watch your progress.
Good luck and you have a moerse future!
Marlene.
May 12th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Danny your wife would be so proud of you. I’m 11 but best of luck. you’re my american idol.
May 13th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
In all the years I’ve been watching American Idol, I have never ONCE cried over an elimination; that is, until tonight when Danny Gokey lost out to Kris Allen and Adam Lambert in the Final 3 competition. What a heart-breaker!
And when Danny sang his farewell song…no kidding…I sobbed. That guy has SUCH a powerful voice. He was (and remains) the most well-rounded, versatile, melodic, and deserving guy of them all.
I know that I WILL buy Danny Gokey’s albums; however, I ALSO know that I WON’T buy Kris Allen’s albums or Adam Lambert’s albums, because Kris Allen, with his good looks, will go on to star in movies and TV shows; and Adam Lambert, with his (over-done) theatrical style, will make his future on Broadway.
But Danny Gokey will go on to win one Grammy after another for his TRULY, TRULY UNCONTESTABLE talent as a singer!
God bless you, Danny! You are sincerely loved and appreciated for the wonderful person and gifted talent that you are. Never give up!
May 13th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
BJ Latas. I agree 100% We love you Danny! I know you will move on from American Idol and become a huge star to me you already are!
May 13th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Win or loose you are an American Idol. God bless you.