Danny Gokey Engaged: Former American Idol Finds Love Again

Posted on Dec 27th 2011 1:45PM by The Boot Staff

Stephen Cohen | Getty

As reported on TheBoot.com, Danny Gokey has found love again. The 'American Idol' alum has announced his engagement to Leyicet Peralta, whom he plans to marry in late January. Danny lost his first wife three years ago. Sophia Gokey died after complications from surgery to treat her congenital heart disease. The singer opened Sophia's Heart Foundation in her honor, a non-profit organization that offers housing for homeless families, GED tutoring, job counseling and life coaching. The facility also has a variety of after-school music and arts programs for children.

"Our vision at Sophia's Heart includes programs to house and restore the lives of the economically challenged and families that have been displaced from their homes due to unfortunate circumstances," Danny told The Boot at the grand opening of the Nashville facility. "This might include children and families who have been touched by poverty, sickness, disease, broken families and broken dreams ... Our goal is to not just provide them housing but give them programs that help them to return as a viable part of the community."

Leyicet shares her fiancé's commitment to helping families in need. "It was the most beautiful thing. She came up to me after we got engaged and took me aside and said, 'Listen, I don't want any gifts for our wedding,'" Danny recalls to FOX News. "My ears kinda perked up, and she said, 'I want them to give toward the organization in honor of us.' It's her desire, too, to help homeless families and to see kids who don't have a lot of opportunities to be given the opportunity. She feels our wedding could be significant in helping all these people. My heart was touched when she did that, because you have to have someone strong in partnership with you to make an organization like this flourish."

The couple shared their engagement news on the Sophia's Heart Foundation website, with a note to fans and friends: "We are thankful for so many of the blessings God has given us. It is our desire to see homeless children and families be kept together and lifted back on their feet through the help of Sophia's Heart. We love and appreciate you all."

Click here to make a donation to Sophia's Heart as a wedding gift to Danny and Leyicet, and to send a personal note to the happy couple.

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