Renauld White, a trailblazing figure in the modeling industry, passed away at the age of 80. His death was first reported by WWD, noting that he died under hospice care at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. The news was shared by his friend, the fashion designer Jeffrey Banks, though the cause of death was not specified at the time.
Plans for his funeral have been set, with services to be held at the Whigham Funeral Home in Newark, N.J., on July 12, 2024 at 11 a.m. Known for his pioneering role in pushing for greater diversity within fashion, White’s passing marks the end of an era for an industry he helped shape.
Renauld’s had a pretty incredible life outside of his professional career, and that included a long-standing, on-again, off-again relationship with the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin. They had something special, something that kept them coming back to each other over the years.
Let’s explore more about their relationship and the legacy Renauld left behind.
He Came Close to Marrying Aretha
Renauld and Aretha had quite the love story. They were close, really close, according to Aretha in a 1995 interview with Ebony magazine.
Despite their busy lives, they dated on and off for years. Although Aretha’s immense fame intimidated many, like the time when one of her dates got out of her door and screamed, Renauld wasn’t one to shy away.
Aretha had seen relationships come and go, but she shared a unique warmth with him, something she described as an “unexplainable something”. It was more than just a romance; it was a deep connection that brought them comfort and joy.
Aretha appreciated his honesty and the straightforward way they could relate to each other. They had their ups and downs, like any couple, but there was always mutual respect and a strong bond that seemed to pull them back together.
While they were in a relationship, the pair often made public appearances. One such event came when Franklin was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors Award in 1994. Renauld accompanied her to the prestigious event, looking all dapper in a black tuxedo.
Even after two divorces and several broken engagements, she remained open to love, hinting at the possibility that Renauld might be the right man if the timing and feelings were aligned.
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Nevertheless, they never married and eventually drifted apart sometime after the interview. Throughout his life, Renauld never married and remained a bachelor.
He Left Behind a Massive Legacy
White wasn’t just a guy who walked runways and posed for magazines; he truly left a mark in the fashion world. Throughout his career, he championed diversity and opened doors for future models of color. He was one of the first Black male models to cover GQ magazine back in 1979, which was a big deal at the time and still speaks volumes today about the barriers he broke.
Aside from his modeling career, Renauld was also known for his mentoring. He was passionate about helping the next generation, often talking to young people about the importance of aiming beyond modeling. He’d say something like, “Modeling is only a bridge. What are you going to do after modeling is over?” He encouraged them to take their earnings, invest in education, start businesses, and become self-reliant.
His legacy goes beyond his photos or the shows he walked. It’s about the impact he had on the industry and the people in it. He showed that it’s not just about looking good in front of a camera; it’s about what you do with the platform you’re given. He was a trailblazer who not only paved the way but also ensured the path was a bit smoother for those who followed.
