The Associated Press reported Mr. Brown, a longtime Augusta resident who now lives in Beech Island, popped the question Tuesday to Rolonda Watts during a taping of her Rolonda talk show.Cindy Blanchard/File

Godfather of Soul: Let's go Ro

Web posted February 27, 1997

By Lori Wiechman
Staff Writer

James Brown is not engaged to a TV talk show host, his daughter said Wednesday, denying a national wire service report.

The Associated Press reported Mr. Brown, a longtime Augusta resident who now lives in Beech Island, popped the question Tuesday to Rolonda Watts during a taping of her Rolonda talk show.

``Darling, we've been trying to keep this thing quiet, but I think it's time we let people know. ... You know I'm crazy about you, so how about tying the knot?'' Mr. Brown asked Ms. Watts, according to show spokeswoman Daniella Cracknell.

Ms. Watts responded: ``We're going to continue this discussion on the phone later, James.''

Several calls to James Brown Enterprises in Augusta were not returned Wednesday, but daughter Deanna Brown, who is recently engaged herself, said, ``That doesn't sound like, `Will you marry me?' ''

Ms. Watts, who has dated the well-known entertainer since January, reportedly did not give Mr. Brown an answer after his surprise proposal Tuesday.

And Ms. Cracknell said Ms. Watts considers the 68-year-old Mr. Brown an ``uncle'' figure and mentor. The two met when Mr. Brown appeared on Rolonda last month.

It would not be the first nuptial rumor since Mr. Brown's wife, Adrienne, died last year.

In July, a wire service reported Las Vegas singer Diane Ames was sporting an engagement ring from Mr. Brown.

But when questioned about that report by The Augusta Chronicle, Mr. Brown denied it, saying, ``We were just having fun. I'm single and taking applications. My heart is open and my wallet is closed.''

The Associated Press contributed to this article.