The Real Story of Elaine Okamura and Wayne Newton’s 17-Year Marriage

When Elaine Okamura said “I do” to Wayne Newton in 1968, her life changed forever. She was a young woman from Hawaii, working as a flight attendant, while Wayne was already on his way to becoming one of the biggest stars in Las Vegas. Their wedding was like something out of a dream, and for years, they were seen as one of the most charming couples in show business.

But what really happened behind the scenes of this love story? How did their 17-year marriage begin, and why did it come to an end? And where is Elaine Okamura now, decades after their divorce? In this article, we’ll look at Elaine’s early life, her marriage to Wayne Newton, their family, and her quiet life after fame.

Elaine Okamura Quick Bio

Who Is Elaine Okamura?

Elaine Okamura is best known as the first wife of Wayne Newton, who is often called “Mr. Las Vegas.” Even though she has been out of the public eye for many years, people still remember her because of the role she played in Wayne’s life during his rise to fame.

She wasn’t born into fame or Hollywood. In fact, Elaine lived a simple and quiet life before meeting Wayne. Her story is inspiring because it shows how someone from an ordinary background can suddenly become part of a glamorous world.

Elaine Okamura’s Childhood in Hawaii

Elaine was born in 1944 in Honolulu, Hawaii. That means she is 81 years old in 2025. She grew up in a warm and close family. Elaine has Japanese-American roots, which gave her a unique cultural background while growing up in Hawaii.

She was raised alongside her sister, Shirley Kajioka, and attended Kaimuki High School. Not much is known about her early childhood because she has always been private about her personal life. But her Hawaiian upbringing gave her a sense of calm and grace, which people who knew her during Wayne’s early career often noticed.

Before she met Wayne Newton, Elaine worked as a flight attendant for an American airline. Back then, flight attendants were seen as stylish and confident women, and Elaine fit that image perfectly.

She wasn’t looking for fame or the spotlight. But life has a way of surprising us, and meeting Wayne changed her path forever. From serving passengers in the sky, she found herself stepping into the world of concerts, red carpets, and celebrity events.

How Elaine Met Wayne Newton

The exact details of how Elaine and Wayne first met are not widely known, but it’s believed they crossed paths in the mid-1960s, when Wayne’s career was already taking off. At the time, Wayne Newton was becoming one of the most popular entertainers in Las Vegas, thanks to his smooth voice and hit songs like Danke Schoen.

Wayne was just 26 years old when he met Elaine, and he was drawn to her beauty and kind nature. Their romance moved quickly, and before long, Wayne proposed to Elaine. He actually popped the question on Christmas in 1967, making the holiday even more memorable for both of them.

On June 1, 1968, Elaine Okamura and Wayne Newton tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas. This historic wedding chapel has seen many celebrity weddings, but Wayne and Elaine’s wedding stood out at the time because Wayne was one of the biggest names in entertainment.

After the ceremony, they hosted a lovely reception at the Flamingo Hotel with around 75 friends and family members. Elaine, who was just 23 years old at the time, looked stunning as she began her new life as Mrs. Wayne Newton. Their wedding photos from that day show a young couple full of love and hope for the future.

Life as Wayne Newton’s Wife

Being married to “Mr. Las Vegas” was anything but ordinary. Wayne Newton’s schedule was packed with concerts, TV appearances, and high-profile events. Elaine often joined him, smiling at his side during shows and public appearances.

But fame can be a double-edged sword. While the couple enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle, being in the spotlight also brought challenges. Elaine, who preferred a more private life, often had to adjust to the attention that came with Wayne’s fame. Still, she supported him throughout the peak of his career in the 1970s, when his name was as big as Elvis Presley or Frank Sinatra in Las Vegas.

Becoming Parents to Erin Newton

After several years of marriage, Elaine and Wayne wanted to start a family. In 1976, they adopted a daughter named Erin Newton. Erin was the center of their world, and Elaine devoted much of her time to being a loving and caring mother.

Raising a child while living under the spotlight was not easy, but Elaine managed to keep their family life as normal as possible. She was known for being a hands-on mom, balancing her role as a parent with the demands of being married to a world-famous entertainer.

Why Did They Split Up?

Elaine Okamura and Wayne Newton’s marriage seemed perfect to many fans. But after 17 years together, they decided to part ways in 1985. The exact reason for their split has never been made public, and both Elaine and Wayne chose to stay quiet about it.

Many believe that Wayne’s busy schedule and life in the spotlight may have put pressure on their marriage. Being the wife of one of the biggest entertainers in Las Vegas was not easy, especially when Wayne was always traveling or performing. Elaine, who loved her privacy, may have found it hard to balance that kind of life.

Even after the divorce, there was no drama in public. They separated quietly, focusing on raising their daughter Erin and moving forward with their lives.

Wayne Newton’s New Chapter

After his divorce from Elaine Okamura, Wayne Newton found love again. He met Kathleen McCrone, a lawyer from Ohio, during one of his shows in Las Vegas. A family member introduced them, and they quickly became close.

Wayne and Kathleen got married on April 9, 1994, at Wayne’s beautiful former home, Casa de Shenandoah. The couple welcomed their daughter, Lauren Ashley Newton, in 2002. Kathleen often stays out of the public eye, but Wayne sometimes shares moments with her on social media. He once wrote, “Happy birthday to the love of my life, Kat. I am a lucky man. I will always love you!”

Today, Wayne is still active in the entertainment world. He performs in Las Vegas and remains one of the most famous names in the city’s history.

Where Is Elaine Okamura Today?

Since her divorce, Elaine Okamura has lived a private and quiet life. She stayed away from the media and rarely appears in public. While Wayne’s life continued in the spotlight, Elaine preferred to focus on herself and her daughter.

It is not known if she remarried or found love again. Some reports suggest she may still live in Hawaii, but nothing is confirmed. What is clear is that Elaine enjoys living away from fame and attention, choosing peace over publicity.

Elaine Okamura’s Net Worth

Elaine’s personal net worth is not known, as she has always kept her finances private. She may have received a fair settlement during her divorce from Wayne Newton, but those details were never made public.

What people remember most about Elaine is her role in Wayne’s early life and success. She supported him during the years when he became “Mr. Las Vegas,” standing by his side as he rose to the top. Even after decades, her name is still linked to Wayne’s story.

Final Thoughts

Elaine Okamura’s story is both fascinating and inspiring. She went from a simple life in Hawaii to the glamorous world of Las Vegas when she married Wayne Newton. For 17 years, she was part of one of the most talked-about couples in the entertainment world.

After the divorce, Elaine chose a path of privacy and calm. Unlike many who chase fame, she stepped away and lived life on her own terms. Today, she is remembered as a woman of grace who was once married to one of the biggest stars of Las Vegas history.

(FAQs)

Who was Wayne Newton’s first wife?

Wayne Newton’s first wife was Elaine Okamura, a former flight attendant from Hawaii. They were married for 17 years, from 1968 to 1985, during the peak of Wayne’s fame as “Mr. Las Vegas.”

Where is Elaine Okamura today?

Elaine Okamura lives a very private life away from the spotlight. After her divorce, she chose to stay out of public attention, and little is known about her current life or location.

What is Elaine Okamura’s net worth?

Elaine Okamura’s exact net worth is unknown because she has kept her finances private. However, she likely received a divorce settlement from Wayne Newton, who has a fortune estimated at $50 million.

How old is Elaine Okamura, and when is her birthday?

Elaine Okamura was born in 1944 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She is 81 years old in 2025, though her exact birthday is not publicly shared.

Who is Elaine Okamura’s daughter?

Elaine and Wayne Newton have one adopted daughter named Erin Newton, born in 1976. Erin grew up mostly out of the public eye, just like her mother.

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