Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was more than just the wife of a famous singer. She was a gospel singer, a caring mother, and a strong woman who faced many challenges in her life. Though many people know Ray Charles for his beautiful music, not many know about the woman who stood by his side for over 20 years.
Detailed Bio Table
| Full Name | Della Beatrice Howard Robinson |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Bea |
| Birth Year | 1929 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Age | 96 years old (as of 2025) |
| Career | Gospel Singer |
| Famous For | Second wife of Ray Charles |
| Marriage | 1955 to 1977 (22 years) |
| Children | Three sons: Ray Jr., David, and Robert |
| Current Status | Alive, living privately in Riverside County, California |
Early Life and Growing Up
Della was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California. Her childhood was not easy. Her parents were never married, and they separated soon after she was born. Her mother raised her alone and worked very hard to give Della a good life.
Della grew up on her mother’s family farm, which was about 80 acres. She went to school in Richmond until the fourth grade. Life was difficult, but these experiences made her a strong and independent woman. Growing up, Della was very close to the church. Faith and family were the most important things in her life.
Her Music Career
Before she became known as Ray Charles’ wife, Della had her own life in music. She loved gospel music and started singing in church. A gospel singer named Cecil Shaw discovered her talent and helped her group become better singers. They performed in churches, theaters, and even on the radio. For Della, music was about sharing joy and faith, not about becoming famous.
Meeting and Marrying Ray Charles
In 1954, Della met Ray Charles in Houston, Texas. At that time, Ray was starting to become famous. At first, Della was not sure about him because he had been married before. But Ray was charming and talented. After dating for about one year, they got married on April 5, 1955. Their wedding was simple – it happened in a small back room. Ray gave Della the nickname “Bea,” which stayed with her forever.
Family Life and Motherhood
Just one month after their wedding, Della gave birth to their first son, Ray Charles Robinson Jr., in May 1955. Ray was away performing, so Della was alone when the baby was born. Over the next few years, they had two more sons – David in 1958 and Robert in 1960.
Ray Charles was becoming a world-famous musician. He traveled a lot and won many awards. Della had to deal with photographers and reporters, even though she preferred a quiet life. She worked hard to give their children a stable home. She raised the boys mostly by herself because Ray was often away on tour.
The Hard Times
As Ray’s fame grew, their marriage became harder. Ray started using heroin and began having relationships with other women while traveling. Della knew what was happening, and it hurt her deeply.
For many years, Della tried to keep the family together. She hoped Ray would change and tried to help him. But the problems continued. Ray had children with other women during their marriage. In total, Ray Charles had 12 children with 10 different women.
After 22 years of marriage, Della could not continue anymore. In 1977, she made the brave decision to divorce Ray. It was not easy, but she knew it was the right choice for herself and her children.
Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Della stepped away from public life. She did not give interviews or try to stay famous. She moved to Riverside County, California, and focused on raising her three sons with love and care. She wanted to give them a normal life away from cameras and media.
Ray Charles continued making music and won many awards, including 17 Grammy Awards. He died on June 10, 2004, from liver failure at age 73. Even though they were divorced, Della had been an important part of his life.
Where is Della Now?
As of 2025, Della is believed to still be alive at 96 years old. She lives quietly in Riverside County, California, with her children and grandchildren. She never remarried and does not use social media or give interviews. This shows that she values her privacy and peace.
Della’s Legacy
Many people remember Della only as “Ray Charles’ ex-wife.” But she was much more than that – a talented singer, devoted mother, and woman of great strength. Her story teaches us about love, strength, and dignity. Her net worth is estimated at $15 million, but money was never what mattered most to her.
Conclusion
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson lived a life of both joy and pain. She supported Ray Charles during his rise to fame and raised three sons with love. At 96, she lives quietly with her family. Her story shows that behind famous people are unsung heroes. Della was not just Ray Charles’ wife – she was a strong woman who chose her own path.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson still alive?
Yes, Della is believed to still be alive as of 2025. She is 96 years old and lives a quiet life in Riverside County, California.
2. How many children did Della have with Ray Charles?
Della had three sons with Ray Charles: Ray Charles Robinson Jr. (born 1955), David Robinson (born 1958), and Robert Robinson (born 1960).
3. Why did Della divorce Ray Charles?
Della divorced Ray Charles in 1977 because of his drug addiction and his affairs with other women. After 22 years of marriage, she decided it was time to leave for her own health and happiness.
4. Did Della remarry after divorcing Ray Charles?
No, Della never remarried after her divorce from Ray Charles. She chose to focus on raising her children and living a peaceful life.
5. What is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson doing now?
Della lives a private life in California with her family. She does not appear in public, does not use social media, and prefers to stay away from attention. She spends time with her children and grandchildren.
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