‘Abbott Elementary’ Star Dazzles at Vow Renewal in 80-ft Train and Shimmering Beaded Bouquet originally appeared on Parade.
In the world of Sheryl Lee Ralph, more is always more, and nothing is ever over the top.
The legendary actress proved this once again, shutting down Philadelphia with a vow renewal so grand it could only be described as divine. Celebrating 20 years of marriage to Pennsylvania state senator Vincent Hughes, the Emmy-winning Abbott Elementary star ascended the iconic “Rocky Steps” in statement pieces for the ages: an 80-foot shawl that cascaded behind her like a royal train while carrying a bouquet of cascading pearls.
And for anyone who might dare to call the look “too much,” the queen herself has the perfect, unbothered clapback.
In an exclusive with Vogue, who documented the spectacular event, Ralph addressed the magnificent scale of her attire. “You might think it’s over the top that @thesherylleeralph wore an 80-foot shawl for her vow renewal… on the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art,” the magazine posted. “But let Sheryl herself deliver the counterargument: ‘How could I walk up all of those steps without leaving a trail of something for everybody to look at?’”
The question is rhetorical, of course. For a Broadway legend and a certified “dream girl,” leaving the public in awe isn’t just an option—it’s a requirement. As one fan perfectly put it, “If we’re going to renew. We are going to RENEW these vows!”
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The internet erupted with praise for the stunning display. The comment section on Vogue’s post became a lovefest, with fans and famous friends showering her with adoration. Her Abbott Elementary boss, showrunner Quinta Brunson, kept it simple and sweet, writing, “I love it.”
Other fans captured the mood with pure worship. “She’s a dream girl never forget,” one commented, while another declared, “oh this is beyond iconic.” The sentiment that this was in character for the star was universal: “Wouldn’t expect anything less from her,” a fan wrote.
The details didn’t go unnoticed, with one commenter gushing, “It’s the Beaded Bouquet that I can’t get over!” From her Jamaican roots to her regal presence, every aspect was celebrated. “Fabulous more is more Jamaican Queen,” one user hailed. The look was hailed as a powerful expression of identity, with one admirer stating, “I say this as respectfully as I possibly can: THIS is what we mean when we say the Divine Feminine.”
From every angle, the evidence was clear: Sheryl Lee Ralph is an icon who operates on her own level. As one fan summed it up with loving exasperation, “IKDR!!! Just like a Leo lmao the dramaaaa.” For Sheryl Lee Ralph, drama is more than an act, it’s a love language, and after 20 years, her epic romance is still leaving a trail for everyone to look at.
‘Abbott Elementary’ Star Dazzles at Vow Renewal in 80-ft Train and Shimmering Beaded Bouquet first appeared on Parade on Aug 5, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
