For decades, the world has known Patti LaBelle as the Godmother of Soul — the voice that could shake walls, soothe hearts, and turn Sunday morning into a revival.

But beneath the fame, the Grammy Awards, and the glimmering gowns, there’s always been another side to her — the woman who still believed in love.

Now, at 81 years old, Patti LaBelle is reminding everyone that love doesn’t retire.

After nearly a decade of quiet companionship, Patti has finally confirmed what fans have whispered about for years: she’s happily dating 51-year-old drummer Eric Seats.

And the best part? She calls him her “blessing.*

A Love Story That Grew in the Background of Music

It began the way many great stories do — through music.

Eric Seats, a respected drummer, producer, and songwriter, first worked with Patti in the studio years ago.

Known for his work with artists like Stevie Wonder, Missy Elliott, and Beyoncé, Seats was used to being behind the curtain — the heartbeat behind the melody.

But when he met Patti, something clicked.

“She walked into the studio with that energy — you know, that Patti light,” Eric once said quietly to a friend.

“And I remember thinking, ‘That’s not just a legend. That’s a woman with soul.””

At first, it was professional. They recorded, they toured, they talked about life,

family, and faith.

But somewhere between the laughter and the long soundchecks, something softer began to take shape.

By the time Patti invited Eric to Thanksgiving dinner a few years later, the bond was undeniable.

“He Makes Me Feel Like I’m Still 40”

When Patti LaBelle finally decided to speak about her relationship this year, her eyes sparkled the way they did in her New Attitude era.

“Yes, baby,” she laughed in an interview, “Auntie Patti got herself a boo!*

She said it with pride and a little mischief — the kind that comes from knowing the world is watching but she’s dancing to her own beat.

“He’s kind, he’s respectful, he makes me laugh — and he listens,” she said.

“And at my age, that’s all the sweet I need. He makes me feel like I’m still 40.”

Friends close to Patti say Eric’s presence has brought a new calmness into her life.

After years of performing, grieving the loss of close friends, and enduring heartbreak, Patti found in Eric not a spark of youth — but a flame of understanding.

“He doesn’t try to outshine her,” one insider shared. “He just harmonizes with her.

That’s love at its best.”

Ten Years of Quiet Happiness

Unlike the whirlwind romances that make headlines and fade away, Patti and Eric have built their relationship quietly, away from the glare.

There were no red-carpet debuts, no social media proclamations.

Just dinners at home, late-night jam sessions, and quiet support through life’s ups and downs.

“She’s always been very private,” a longtime friend explained. “She wanted something real — not for show.

And with Eric, she found peace.”

When asked why she waited so long to share the news, Patti simply smiled.

“I wanted to make sure it was love — not just comfort,” she said. “And now I know it’s both.”

Breaking Age Barriers with Grace and Sass

Of course, the public has been quick to point out the age gap – 30 years between Patti and Eric.

But leave it to Miss LaBelle to shut down the noise with her signature wit.

“Child, age ain’t nothin’ but seasoning!” she laughed. “I’m the main course, and he’s the spice.

We go together just fine.”

Her comment went viral, sparking a wave of admiration from fans who saw her relationship as a beacon of hope – proof that love can bloom at any stage of life.

Social media lit up with comments like:

“Patti LaBelle said it’s never too late to fall in love again — and I’m listening!”

“If Auntie Patti can find love at 81, so can I.”

Patti, never one to shy away from inspiration, later added, “Don’t give up on love

just because time passed.

Love doesn’t run on your clock. It runs on faith.”

More Than Romance – A Partnership in Rhythm

Those who’ve seen Patti and Eric together describe their connection as music itself

— smooth, soulful, and perfectly in time.

At home, they cook together (though Patti insists she’s the chef), listen to jazz records, and laugh over stories from the road.

Eric still tours occasionally, but he makes sure to be home for her Sunday dinners

– her famous mac and cheese, candied yams, and of course, the legendary sweet potato pie.

And yes, Patti says he’s her biggest fan.

“He still gets excited when I sing ‘If You Asked Me To,” she shared. “And that right there?

That’s love — someone who still claps for you even after hearing your voice a thousand timnes.”

A Love That Inspires

As the world sees more and more headlines filled with breakups and scandal, Patti LaBelle’s love story feels like a breath of fresh air.

It’s a reminder that joy doesn’t have an expiration date — and that real companionship isn’t about youth, but depth.

When asked what she’s leamed from this chapter of her life, Patti took a deep breath and smiled.

“That love doesn’t stop looking for you — even when you stop looking for it,” she said softly.

“It just waits until your heart’s ready to listen again.”

She leaned back, her laughter filling the room like a melody.

“I’ve sung about love my whole life,” she added, “but now, baby, I’m living it.”

At 81, Patti LaBelle isn’t just a legend – she’s proof that love, like her voice, only gets stronger with time.

And somewhere out there, her 51-year-old drummer boo, Eric Seats, is smiling quietly, keeping time to the rhythm of her heart.