Chaka Khan's Spouses & the Reason Why She's Single Now

Like the legendary singer, Chaka Khan's spouses harbored an appreciation for the arts. Her first husband helped her co-sign her first record deal when she was too young to do it herself, though it involved a bit of scheming.

Although she described herself as "very Catholic" as a youngster, Chaka Khan put aside even her faith when it came to music. She was a teenager when she found love and a way out to start pursuing her passion of being a music star.

Chaka married a few times—though one of her marital unions remained unconfirmed by the singer—and welcomed children with her spouses. However, she left the love scene well over a decade ago. Chaka found comfort in her own company and the things she valued the most: her bed, telly, and bible.

Chaka Khan is pictured as she performs live in August 1997 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Chaka Khan Doesn't Want to Be in a Relationship

It's a desire that disintegrated years ago, as she revealed in a recent interview with Hits Daily Double. The former Rufus frontwoman has kept her personal life private ever since. In 2014, however, she opened up about her decision to remain single, telling the Daily Mail that she feared being in a relationship.

Chaka explained that romantic relationships rendered one helpless and vulnerable, and she wasn't sure if she was ready to experience that again. She also acknowledged the work it took to maintain such a connection, saying:

"Being in a couple is a lot of work. No man in his right mind would want to be married to someone like me. I can understand that. I've tried it a couple of times, and I get it. I can't even have a pet."

Chaka Khan is pictured performing at the Park West on May 22, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois | Source: Getty Images

By then, the things Chaka treasured most were her bed–her boyfriend; her telly–her husband, because she could turn it on and off; and her bible–her salvation. Still, she later added that if she had a dream date, it would be Idris Elba, the son of Eve Elba.

Chaka admired Idris's acting prowess and "lovely" looks and imagined he was a "very good human being." Almost a decade later, in last month's chat with Hits Daily Double, she admitted that despite having written many love songs, she was "sick" of them. She felt the same about having a partner.

A portrait of Chaka Khan taken on March 2, 1993, in an unspecified location | Source: Getty Images

In the 15-20 years that passed since she last had a relationship, Chaka didn't miss having a boyfriend. However, in all the romances she encountered, Chaka learned what she never wanted to settle for, as she explained:

"I said, 'Oh I'm doooooooone.' I'm just happy that I know what I don't want; I don't know what I want, but I'll give you a pretty good indication of what I don't want."

According to some sources, including her IMDb, Chaka married three times, first to Hassan Khan, then to Richard Holland, and reportedly to Doug Rasheed. But she never confirmed her so-called marriage to Doug, whom she fatefully met in the early 2000s.

Chaka Kahn is pictured as she performs live in the studio on NBC News' "Today" on September 26, 2007 | Source: Getty Images

Chaka Khan Got Married for the First Time at the Age of 17

In a 2020 interview with Vlad TV, Chaka explained how she tricked her mom into letting her marry at such a young age. She had met the Afro-Indian bass player Hassan, who played for the Band of Gypsies, shortly after a break-up with another man.

After their romance began, Chaka moved into Hassan's apartment, where he lived with the rest of his bandmates, and she rarely saw her family. When a record deal availed itself, she was only 17, and her mom refused to co-sign.

When she pleaded with her to let her marry Hassan, Chaka's mother refused again. A week later, Chaka lied and said she was pregnant, at which point, her mother whisked her and Hassan to City Hall to officiate their union.

With Hassan as her husband and co-signer, Chaka was then able to acquire the record deal. Her mother also revamped her basement for the newlyweds, but they later rented their own apartment. Chaka and Hassan bonded over music and supported each other's careers; however, they also fought.

She knew he had other girlfriends on the side, and the last straw was when he asked if one of them could cohabit in their apartment. The two separated briefly before rekindling their romance, and their relationship became on and off.

After breaking up a second time, Rahsaan Morris came into the scene. Rahsaan and Chaka knew each other vaguely, as he spent much of his time at her aunt Niecey's. Initially, Rahsaan paid Chaka no mind as she was three years younger than him and saw her as "a baby."

A portrait of Chaka Khan taken in London in 1975 | Source: Getty Images

Yet when he discovered she was the Rufus frontwoman, the two became enamored with each other. Chaka's desire to learn and Richard being a college graduate led to mind-stimulating conversations, and the former lovers grew close.

However, Chaka became romantically involved with Hassan again while she was with Rahsaan. When she got pregnant, she told Hassan, and he wanted to make their relationship work; it didn't. And between Hassan and Rahsaan, Chaka was unsure of her baby's paternity.

A few months after her daughter, Indira Shobha, was born in December 1973, she decided that Rahsaan would be her baby's father. Rahsaan wholeheartedly accepted the responsibility, though she knew deep down that he sometimes doubted if Indira really was his biological child.

A portrait of Chaka Khan in her New York City hotel room in the 1970s | Source: Getty Images

Chaka Khan's Entourage Did Not Approve of Her Second Marriage

The musician met Richard Holland when she rented an apartment in Laurel Canyon, the building of which belonged to his adoptive parents (of Jewish descent). They told him the Hollywood star stayed in their complex, and Richard decided to make himself known; he'd been a fan of Rufus long before he met Chaka.

Richard had studied film in college and was passionate about the art form. He was also a guitar player and had gigs at various clubs in his town. He and Chaka grew close over their love for creative expression and soon became romantic partners.

Chaka even introduced Indira to him, and they all sometimes enjoyed trips together. Although it "took some doing," Chaka eventually divorced Hassan and was able to marry Richard when he popped the question. They tied the knot in a luxurious Jewish wedding in 1976.

However, as an interracial couple, Chaka and Richard had limited support for their union. Chaka's mother disapproved, her band members didn't like him, and the couple even received death threats from the public. They also battled substance abuse and sometimes quarreled.

The above-mentioned stressors, among others, overwhelmed their marriage. They were about to separate when Chaka discovered she was pregnant again. She and Richard welcomed a son, Damien, in March 1979. Unfortunately, the pair divorced the following year but remained on good terms.

Chaka Khan and Richard Holland pose at the Grammy Awards party at the Biltmore Hotel on February 23, 1978, in California | Source: Getty Images

Chaka Khan Fell in Love with Doug Rasheed

During a 1986 interview with the LA Times, Chaka declared that after two marriages, she didn't want another one. That was until she met Doug Rasheed in late 2000. The two collaborated on Michael Jackson's "Earth Song," and during that time, Chaka found herself falling in love.

By 2001's onset, she was sure about her feelings for Doug but decided time would tell if he was "Mr. Right." And although it is said they married that year, the nature of their relationship to date remains unconfirmed. Doug is a successful record producer known for co-writing the late Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise."

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