At 59, Cheryl “Salt” James Confirms What We All Thought

Cheryl “Salt” James, one-half of the legendary hip-hop duo Salt-N-Pepa, has finally opened up about the end of her 28-year marriage to Gavin Wray, revealing a truth that had long been rumored:

Gavin came out as gay after their divorce. For years, Salt remained silent about her personal struggles, but now she’s sharing her story, shedding light on the emotional toll of their relationship and its eventual collapse.

Salt’s marriage to Gavin began in the early 1990s during the height of her career. As part of Salt-N-Pepa, she revolutionized female rap with timeless hits like *Push It*, *Let’s Talk About Sex*, and *Shoop*.

Her commanding stage presence and groundbreaking artistry made her a cultural force, while Gavin appeared to be the supportive partner standing by her side. Together, they seemed to embody stability and longevity in an industry notorious for failed relationships.

For nearly three decades, Salt and Gavin presented a united front, raising children and navigating the challenges of fame. However, behind closed doors, their relationship was far from perfect.

Salt now admits that she often compromised herself to make the marriage work, losing sight of her own needs and desires in the process. The emotional strain became overwhelming, and when Gavin revealed his s3xuality after their divorce, it marked a breaking point in Salt’s life.

The revelation came in 2019, a year after their divorce was finalized. Gavin’s admission that he was gay rewrote the narrative of their marriage, forcing Salt to confront the reality that the foundation of their relationship had been built on unspoken truths.

While Salt suspected there were underlying issues in their marriage during its later years, the confirmation of Gavin’s sexuality was devastating. She described the aftermath as one of the darkest times in her life, a period marked by grief, self-doubt, and emotional turmoil.

Salt’s journey to healing was not easy. She turned to therapy and leaned heavily on her faith to navigate the pain of betrayal and the loss of her marriage. Friends, including her Salt-N-Pepa partner Sandra “Pepa” Denton, provided support during her darkest moments.

Salt credits these relationships, along with her spiritual grounding, for helping her rebuild her sense of self and move forward.

Today, Cheryl “Salt” James is focused on rediscovering her identity outside of her marriage. She has embraced her role as a co-parent to her two children, maintaining a respectful relationship with Gavin despite the challenges of their shared past.

Salt has also become more open about her personal struggles, using her platform to discuss the pressures of fame, body image issues, and the unique challenges women face in the entertainment industry.

Salt’s willingness to share her story has resonated with fans and sparked important conversations about authenticity, healing, and resilience. At 59, she stands as a testament to the power of self-discovery and the courage it takes to rebuild after profound betrayal. Her journey reminds us that even in the face of heartbreak, it’s possible to find strength, purpose, and a renewed sense of identity.