Exploring The Life And Legacy Of Reverend Run: From Music To Family

Reverend Run, whose real name is Joseph Simmons, is not just a legendary figure in hip hop; he represents a vibrant tapestry of talent, love, and resilience. At 59 years old, he remains a significant influence in the music industry and beyond. He is widely recognized as one of the founding members of the iconic hip hop group Run-DMC, known for their groundbreaking contributions to the genre. Recently, the group has been highlighted in a new documentary series titled Kings from Queens: The RUN DMC Story, which premiered on Peacock on February 1. This documentary showcases their incredible journey and pivotal role in shaping hip-hop culture.

Beyond his musical accomplishments, Rev. Run has also captured audiences' hearts through his family-oriented reality show, Run’s House, which aired from 2005 to 2009. The show provided a candid look into his life with his wife, Justine Simmons, and their children, offering fans a glimpse of the love and dynamics within their family. Justine, his second wife, has played a crucial role in his life, and their bond is a testament to enduring love.

As we delve deeper into the life of Reverend Run, we learn about the remarkable journey he has taken—from his beginnings as a rapper to becoming a loving husband and father. His story is one of talent, devotion, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and family. In this article, we will explore his biography, his marriage, and the lessons he has imparted through his experiences.

Table of Contents

• Biography of Reverend Run
• About Justine Simmons
• Rev. Run and Justine’s Marriage
• Rev. Run and Justine’s Children
• Rev Run’s First Wife, Valerie Vaughn

Biography of Reverend Run

About Justine Simmons

Justine Simmons, aged 58, is not only Reverend Run's wife but also a successful entrepreneur and author. They tied the knot on June 25, 1994, and have four children together. Justine has gained a reputation as a beloved figure on Run’s House, known for her kindness and loyalty to her husband. Additionally, she launched her own jewelry line called Brown Sugar and co-authored a book with Rev. Run titled Take Back Your Family: A Challenge to America’s Parents.

Since the end of their reality show, Justine has continued to appear alongside Rev. Run and their children in various television programs, such as Rev Run’s Renovations on HGTV, Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers on the Cooking Channel, and Rev Runs Around The World on the Travel Channel. Her multifaceted career showcases her talent and dedication to family entertainment.

Rev. Run and Justine’s Marriage

Rev. Run and Justine have celebrated nearly 30 years of marriage, and their love story is truly inspiring. They first met as teenagers at a Kurtis Blow concert, where Justine and her friends went backstage to meet him. Their journey together has been marked by a deep connection, as they drifted apart in their youth only to reunite later in life.

During an appearance on the Tamron Hall Show in January 2020, Rev. Run reflected on their early relationship, stating, “We were only 15 and 16 years old, and then we drifted apart and came back together later.” Justine emphasized the importance of selflessness in their marriage, noting that they always check in on each other's well-being, ensuring they remain supportive partners.

Rev. Run and Justine’s Children

After marrying in 1994, Rev. Run and Justine welcomed three children into their family. Their son, Daniel, known as "Diggy," was born in 1995. Two years later, they welcomed another son, Russell, named after Rev. Run's famous brother, Russell Simmons. In 2006, their daughter, Victoria, was born, but tragically, she passed away shortly after birth due to a birth defect called omphalocele.

Following this heartbreaking loss, Rev. Run and Justine adopted a daughter named Miley, further enriching their family dynamic. Justine has openly discussed her profound grief in their book, Old School Love, sharing heartfelt reflections on her journey through loss and healing.

Rev Run’s First Wife, Valerie Vaughn

Before marrying Justine, Rev. Run was previously married to Valerie Vaughn. They wed in 1983 and had three children together: daughters Vanessa and Angela, and son JoJo. All of Rev. Run's children, from both marriages, appeared on Run’s House, showcasing the family's close-knit bond.

Vanessa has pursued a successful career as an actress and entrepreneur, while Angela has made her mark in the entertainment industry as a star and producer for the reality series Growing Up Hip Hop. Rev. Run’s family continues to thrive, with each member contributing their unique talents to the world.