Usher Praises Wife Jennifer During Date Night at New York Benefit: 'My Best Friend'

The singer was honored with the icon award at the Apollo Theater Spring Benefit on Tuesday, June 11

Usher and his wife Jennifer Goicoechea Raymond turned Tuesday night into date night.

On June 11, the couple attended the Apollo Spring Benefit 2024, where the legendary R&B artist, 45, was fittingly honored with the icon award.

The duo, who tied the knot in February, arrived hand-in-hand at the event before posing for photos together on the red carpet.

Usher looked stylish as he sported a burgundy suit with flared pants, while his wife, 40, wore a black mini dress featuring a black and white patterned shirt aspect and carried a sparkling black and silver purse.

Related: Usher in Love! Exclusive Wedding Photos from the Star's Surprise Post-Super Bowl Ceremony with Jenn Goicoechea

Usher and Jennifer share daughter Sovereign Bo, 3, and son Sire Castrello, 2. The musician also shares two sons, Usher "Cinco" Raymond V, 16, and Naviyd Ely, 15, with his ex-wife, Tameka Foster.

During his acceptance speech after being presented with the icon award, Usher sent his thanks to those who have supported him throughout his career before giving a special shoutout to his wife.

"Last and most certainly not least, without your love, passion, support to my best friend, Jennifer Raymond. I love you baby," he said. "My wife, who is in the audience tonight. Thank you for your support and I'm so happy that we could do this together. Mother's Days are so awesome. I'm hoping that y'all going to hook me up for Father's Day."

Related: Usher, Snoop Dogg and T-Pain Perform Surprise Las Vegas Shows After Lovers & Friends Festival Cancellation

The Apollo announced Usher as one of this year’s honorees in April, with the singer sharing in a press statement, “It’s an honor to be receiving this award from such an iconic and historic cultural institution in New York City – one that has hosted and paved the way for so many prominent people. I’m humbled to be this year’s recipient and look forward to seeing everyone soon.”

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In addition to Usher, the musical Apollo celebration — which featured special performances from Jordin Sparks, Johnny Gill and more — also recognized music titan and 12-time Grammy winner Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds by presenting him with the inaugural legacy award. The day before, the producer, 65, was inducted into The Apollo’s legendary Walk of Fame.

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Usher’s icon award comes just before he’s set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 BET Awards on Sunday, June 30. The coveted honor has previously gone to music legends like Prince, Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah and Lionel Richie , and plans to celebrate Usher’s “ever-growing musical legacy” amid an already action-packed year.

Following the release of his Coming Home album and his all-star Super Bowl halftime show performance in February, the R&B superstar is heading out on his Past Present Future tour this summer, kicking off in Atlanta on Aug. 14.

But first, the King of Las Vegas will perform a grandiose one-night-only set at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture — which takes place again in New Orleans from July 4-7 — to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his diamond-certified Confessions album.

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