Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is perhaps best known as the second wife of music icon Ray Charles. While she never sought the public spotlight, her connection to Charles and her role as the mother of his children brought her into the limelight.
Over the years, Della has remained a somewhat mysterious figure, choosing to live a life of privacy after her marriage ended.
So, who exactly is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, and what has her life been like since her divorce from the legendary musician?
In this article, we will explore her early life, career, marriage, family, and current whereabouts, as well as provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about her.
Early Life and Career: Who is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California, making her 94 years old in 2024. Raised by her mother in a single-parent household, Della’s early years were shaped by the absence of her father, who lived in Houston with another family.
While details about her early education are scarce, it is known that she attended school in Richmond until the fourth grade.
Before meeting Ray Charles, Della was a talented gospel singer. She joined the Cecil Shaw gospel team, where she began performing at churches, radio stations, and concerts.
Her band eventually received a recording contract, and Della’s face appeared on several CD covers. Though her musical career was not as widely recognised as Charles’s, Della’s talents were undeniable.
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Della Beatrice and Ray Charles: A Tumultuous Marriage
Della’s life would take a significant turn when she met Ray Charles in 1954 in Texas. At the time, she was in her mid-20s and already gaining recognition in the gospel music scene.
Their initial meeting was unremarkable, and Della did not expect to see Charles again after that encounter. However, the pair kept running into each other, and what started as a series of coincidental meetings eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship.
They married on April 5, 1955, in an intimate ceremony. Despite the modest nature of their wedding, Della and Ray had a strong bond. The birth of their three children marked their union: Ray Charles Jr. (born May 1955), followed by David Robinson and Robert Robinson.
For a time, their family seemed to thrive, but their marriage was far from perfect.
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Challenges in the Marriage and Divorce
Della’s marriage to Ray Charles was rocked by his infidelities and addiction issues. Charles had numerous affairs, including a notorious relationship with Mary Ann Fisher, and he was linked to Margie Hendricks and Mae Mosely Lyles shortly after their marriage.
Della’s patience eventually wore thin, and in 1976, after more than two decades of marriage, she filed for divorce.
The details surrounding their divorce were kept private, but it was clear that Ray’s unfaithfulness played a major role in the separation. Della moved on from the marriage and focused on raising their children.
Ray Charles, who passed away in 2004 due to liver failure, continued to maintain a legacy as one of the most influential musicians in history, but his tumultuous personal life remained a complicated part of his story.
Della’s Net Worth and Financial Legacy
Though Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s own professional career was primarily in gospel music, she gained financial stability through her divorce settlement with Ray Charles.
At the time of his death, Charles’s estate was valued at approximately $75 million. Della’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million, much of which she inherited after their divorce.
She has lived a quiet life since then, far removed from the fame and fortune that once surrounded her as the wife of one of music’s greatest legends.
Where is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Now?
After her divorce, Della chose to live away from the media’s gaze. By 2010, it was reported that she resided in Riverside County, California.
At the time, she was in good health, but little else is known about her current whereabouts or how she is living today.
Della has remained very private about her life, and her children, particularly Ray Charles Jr., have taken on the responsibility of preserving the family’s legacy.
Conclusion
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s life has been one of both public intrigue and private resilience.
While she is best remembered for her marriage to Ray Charles, her own accomplishments as a gospel singer and her role as a mother to three children speak to her strength and dignity.
Although she has stayed away from the spotlight in recent years, her legacy continues through her children and the enduring impact of her ex-husband’s music.
Today, Della remains a private figure, and her story serves as a reminder of the complexities of fame, love, and family.
People May Ask
1. How old is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson came into the world in 1929, which means she is celebrating her 95th year in 2024.
2. What is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s net worth?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $15 million. A large part of this wealth came from her divorce settlement with Ray Charles, whose estate was valued at $75 million when he passed away in 2004.
3. Who are Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s children?
Della and Ray Charles had three children together: Ray Charles Jr., David Robinson, and Robert Robinson. Their son Ray Charles Jr. has been particularly involved in preserving his father’s legacy.
4. Why did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles divorce?
Their divorce was primarily due to Ray Charles’s infidelities and addiction issues. Della could no longer tolerate his numerous affairs, and in 1976, she filed for divorce after 22 years of marriage.
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