Della Beatrice Howard Robinson gained recognition as the former wife of iconic musician Ray Charles. Their marriage lasted for over two decades, making her a significant figure in his personal life. This article explores her background, relationship with Charles, and life after their divorce.
About Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s early life details remain largely private, but she was born and raised in the United States. Information about her childhood, education, and family is limited, as she mostly stayed out of the public eye before her marriage to Ray Charles.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Della Beatrice Howard Robinson |
| Date of Birth | 1929 (Exact date unknown) |
| Place of Birth | United States (Exact location unknown) |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Former wife of Ray Charles |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Children | (Names unknown) |
Early Life & Background
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was born in 1929, though the exact date and location of her birth remain unknown. Very little information is available about her upbringing, childhood, or family background. Unlike her famous husband, she maintained a private life before and after their marriage. However, sources suggest that she spent her early years in Texas, where she eventually met Ray Charles.
Marriage To Ray Charles
Della Beatrice met Ray Charles in 1954 in Texas. At the time, Charles was an up-and-coming musician, still finding his way in the industry. The two quickly formed a connection, leading to their marriage in 1955. This marriage would last for over 22 years, making it one of the most significant relationships in Ray Charles’ life.
As the wife of a musician who spent much of his time on the road, Della Beatrice had to navigate the complexities of a marriage filled with challenges. Despite these difficulties, their marriage was also filled with love and companionship. She played a significant role in Charles’ life, providing emotional support during his rise to fame.
How Many Kids Did Ray Charles Have With Della?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles had three sons together:
- Ray Charles Robinson Jr. (born May 25, 1955): He later became involved in the entertainment industry and has spoken about his father’s life and legacy.
- David Robinson (born 1958): Very little information is publicly available about him.
- Robert Robinson (born 1960): Also stayed out of the limelight.
Della Beatrice largely dedicated herself to raising their children while Ray Charles pursued his music career.
Challenges In Marriage & Divorce
Despite the strong bond between Della Beatrice and Ray Charles, their marriage was far from perfect. Charles’ struggles with heroin addiction and infidelity created significant tension in their relationship. As his fame grew, so did the temptations of the music industry, and he was frequently linked to other women.
Della Beatrice endured years of emotional pain as a result of Charles’ actions. His drug addiction became a major issue, leading to repeated arrests and stints in rehabilitation programs. The constant turbulence in their relationship eventually took its toll, and in 1977, after 22 years of marriage, they divorced.
Following the divorce, Charles continued his successful music career, while Della Beatrice chose to withdraw from the public eye.
Life After Divorce
After parting ways with Ray Charles, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson largely disappeared from the media. Unlike many celebrity ex-wives, she did not seek attention, interviews, or book deals. She chose a quiet life away from the entertainment industry, focusing on her personal journey and family.
There is very little public information about her activities after the divorce. It is believed that she continued to live in California for some time, but details about her later life remain scarce.
Howard Robinson’s Career
There is little to no publicly available information about Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s career. It is widely believed that she did not pursue a career in the entertainment industry or any other public-facing profession. Instead, she dedicated her time to raising her children and maintaining her family.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Net Worth
Her net worth has never been publicly disclosed. Unlike Ray Charles, who amassed considerable wealth from his music career, Della Beatrice did not have known financial ventures or significant public earnings. It is unknown whether she received a substantial settlement from her divorce.
Legacy & Public Perception
Although she avoided public attention, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was an influential figure in Ray Charles’ life. She was a supportive partner during his most successful years and the mother of three of his children. Many see her as a woman who endured the trials of being married to a music icon while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for their family.
While Ray Charles’ legacy is widely celebrated, Della Beatrice remains an often-overlooked figure in his life story. Her resilience, strength, and dedication to her children define her legacy.
Summary
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson remains a significant figure in the history of Ray Charles’ life. Their marriage, which lasted over two decades, was filled with both love and hardship. After their separation, she chose to remain out of the public eye, leaving behind a legacy as an important but often overlooked part of Ray Charles’ personal story.
FAQs
Who is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is most recognized as the former wife of Ray Charles, to whom she was married for over 20 years.
When did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson marry Ray Charles?
She married Ray Charles in 1955.
How many children did she have with Ray Charles?
She had three children: Ray Charles Robinson Jr., David Robinson, and Robert Robinson.
What happened to Della Beatrice Howard Robinson after her divorce?
She lived a private life away from the public eye after her divorce from Ray Charles in 1977.
Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson still alive?
As of 2025, she would be 95 years old, but there is little publicly available information about her current status.
