Where It All Began
Gregory Hines’ first marriage to Janet Evans in the late 1960s was a union forged in the crucible of early ambition. They met in Philadelphia, where Hines was still honing his craft under the watchful eye of his father, a vaudeville performer who’d instilled in him a deep respect for discipline. Janet wasn’t just a partner; she was his first advocate, the one who believed in his talent when critics dismissed him as too young or too bold. Their marriage coincided with Hines’ rise in the competitive world of tap, where he was carving out a space for himself amid the giants of the genre. The early years were lean—touring with small bands, struggling to book gigs, the kind of grind that tests even the strongest relationships. But Janet stayed, even as Hines’ career began to take off in the 1970s with his work on Sophisticated Ladies and collaborations with his brother Maurice. The marriage to Janet lasted until the mid-1980s, a period that saw Hines transition from a rising star to a full-blown superstar. Yet their separation wasn’t a scandal—it was a quiet acknowledgment of the pressures of fame. By then, Hines was a household name, but the lifestyle that came with it was isolating. Touring for months at a time, the demands of choreography, the need for solitude to perfect routines—these weren’t just career requirements; they were emotional ones. Janet, for all her support, couldn’t always keep up with the pace. Their divorce was amicable, but it marked the end of an era. Hines would later reflect that those early years with Janet had been essential, not just for his career but for his understanding of what it meant to be a partner to someone in the public eye.The Early Signs
Even before his marriage to Janet ended, hints of Gregory Hines’ next chapter were emerging. He was in his late 30s, at the peak of his physical and creative prime, and the industry was changing. The 1980s brought a new wave of recognition: The Tap Dance Kid (1989), his Oscar nomination for The Cotton Club (1984), and a growing reputation as a mentor to a new generation of dancers. But behind the scenes, Hines was also becoming more selective about who he let into his inner circle. His relationships, like his artistry, were evolving. Carolyn Dennis entered his life in the late 1980s, a period when Hines was balancing his burgeoning film career with his commitment to preserving tap as an art form. Unlike Janet, who had been his anchor in the early days, Carolyn was part of a different world—one where Hines was already a global figure. She wasn’t just marrying a dancer; she was marrying a man who was redefining an entire genre. Their connection was different, too. Where his first marriage had been built on shared struggle, his relationship with Carolyn was marked by mutual admiration and a shared sense of purpose. She understood the demands of his work, but she also pushed him to explore new creative avenues. By the time they married in 1994, Hines was no longer just a dancer—he was a cultural icon, and Carolyn was his partner in every sense of the word.The Turning Point
The late 1980s and early 1990s marked the turning point in Gregory Hines’ personal life, and it wasn’t just about his wives. It was about the intersection of art, fame, and mortality. Hines had always been a perfectionist, but as he aged, the physical toll of tap dancing became undeniable. His stamina was unmatched, but his body was beginning to betray him in ways that forced him to confront his own limitations. This was the decade when he started speaking openly about the need to pass on his knowledge, when he founded the Gregory Hines Center for Dance and Arts in Philadelphia—a testament to his belief that art should be preserved, not just performed. His marriage to Carolyn wasn’t just a personal choice; it was a professional one. She became his collaborator in ways Janet never had. While Hines was still touring and teaching, Carolyn was the one who helped him navigate the business side of his empire. She attended meetings, reviewed contracts, and ensured that his legacy extended beyond his lifetime. Their partnership was a rare example of a marriage where both individuals were equals—not just in love, but in ambition. And when Hines began battling prostate cancer in the late 1990s, Carolyn was the one who stood by him through chemotherapy, surgeries, and the long road to recovery. It was a relationship that survived the test of time, of illness, and of the relentless gaze of the public."You can’t dance with just your feet. You have to dance with your heart, your soul, your mind. And the best partners—whether in life or in art—are the ones who understand that." — Gregory Hines, reflecting on collaboration in a 1995 interview.
The Build-Up, Year by Year
| Period | What Happened / What Changed |
|---|---|
| Late 1960s – Early 1970s | Marries Janet Evans. Begins touring with small bands, struggles to book major gigs. Janet supports his early career, including his work with Sophisticated Ladies (1974). |
| Mid-1970s – Early 1980s | Hines gains recognition with The Cotton Club (1984) and Tap (1989). His marriage to Janet becomes strained due to touring demands. They separate amicably in the mid-1980s. |
| Late 1980s – Early 1990s | Meets Carolyn Dennis. They collaborate on creative projects, including his mentorship roles. Marries Carolyn in 1994, solidifying a partnership that blends personal and professional support. |
| Late 1990s – Early 2000s | Hines battles prostate cancer. Carolyn plays a key role in his treatment and recovery. They focus on preserving his legacy, including the establishment of the Gregory Hines Center for Dance and Arts. |
| 2003 | Gregory Hines passes away at 57. Carolyn becomes a guardian of his work, ensuring his influence on tap dance endures through education and archival projects. |
Lessons From the Journey
- Fame and partnership require a different kind of trust. Gregory Hines’ wives navigated the isolation of stardom, proving that love in the public eye demands patience and understanding.
- The best creative partnerships are built on mutual respect. Carolyn Dennis didn’t just support Hines’ career—she challenged him to grow, both as an artist and as a mentor.
- Legacy isn’t just about what you create; it’s about who sustains you. Janet Evans was the foundation in his early years, while Carolyn was the architect of his later vision.
- Even legends need anchors. Hines’ marriages show that greatness isn’t achieved alone—it’s often the result of the people who stand beside you, even when the spotlight isn’t on them.
- The cost of artistry is personal. Hines’ health struggles in his later years were a reminder that the body that creates must also be cared for—and that his wives played a crucial role in that care.
Where Things Stand Today
Gregory Hines may no longer be with us, but his influence on tap dance—and the lives of his wives—remains profound. Carolyn Dennis, his widow, has been instrumental in keeping his legacy alive. She oversaw the establishment of the Gregory Hines Center for Dance and Arts, ensuring that his teachings continue to shape new generations of dancers. The center isn’t just a memorial; it’s a living testament to his belief that dance should be accessible, not just elite. Beyond institutional efforts, Carolyn has also been a vocal advocate for preserving Hines’ work in archives and educational programs. His marriages, though often overshadowed by his career, were integral to his story. Janet Evans, though no longer in the public eye, represented the early years of struggle and shared dreams. Carolyn, meanwhile, embodied the later years of collaboration and legacy-building. Together, they offer a fuller picture of the man behind the tap shoes—a man who needed love as much as he needed rhythm.
Conclusion
The story of Gregory Hines wives is more than a footnote in his biography. It’s a narrative of resilience, of how love and partnership can sustain even the most demanding of careers. Hines’ marriages weren’t just personal milestones; they were the quiet threads that held together the fabric of his life. Janet was there when he was raw and hungry, Carolyn when he was a force of nature. And in understanding their roles, we see that greatness isn’t just about the art—it’s about the people who make it possible. Hines himself once said that dance was a conversation between the dancer and the audience. But his wives were the ones who had the longest conversations with him—the ones who knew his silences, his frustrations, his triumphs. Their stories remind us that behind every legend is a human being, and behind every human being, there are the people who help them shine.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: How many times was Gregory Hines married?
A: Gregory Hines was married twice. His first marriage was to Janet Evans, and his second was to Carolyn Dennis, whom he married in 1994.
Q: Did Gregory Hines’ wives play a role in his career?
A: Absolutely. Janet Evans supported his early career, while Carolyn Dennis became a key collaborator in his later years, helping manage his professional and personal legacy, including the establishment of the Gregory Hines Center for Dance and Arts.
Q: What happened to Janet Evans after her divorce from Gregory Hines?
A: Janet Evans largely stepped out of the public eye following her divorce from Hines in the mid-1980s. There are no widely documented details about her later life, reflecting the private nature of their separation.
Q: How did Carolyn Dennis support Gregory Hines during his health struggles?
A: Carolyn Dennis was a steadfast presence during Hines’ battle with prostate cancer in the late 1990s. She accompanied him to treatments, provided emotional support, and helped him navigate the challenges of recovery, ensuring he could continue his work.
Q: Are there any public statements from Carolyn Dennis about Gregory Hines’ marriages?
A: Carolyn Dennis has spoken publicly about her marriage to Hines, emphasizing their shared passion for dance and education. However, she has largely kept details about his first marriage private, focusing instead on their collaborative efforts in preserving his legacy.
Q: What is the significance of the Gregory Hines Center for Dance and Arts in relation to his wives?
A: The center, established with Carolyn’s involvement, serves as a lasting tribute to Hines’ influence on dance. It reflects the values they shared—accessibility, education, and the preservation of artistic heritage—making it a tangible extension of their partnership.
