Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Today: Where Is Ray Charles’ Second Wife Now?

When we hear the name Ray Charles, we often think of his amazing music, his smooth voice, and his unforgettable songs. But behind his fame was a woman who stayed strong through it all — Della Beatrice Howard Robinson. Many people today are curious about her. Where is she now? What happened after her life with Ray Charles?

In this article, we will take a close look at Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s life. We will talk about her early years, her marriage to Ray, the hard times they faced, and what her life looks like today. Let’s start with where it all began.

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Quick Bio

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Early Life

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, who many people call Bea, was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California. Her start in life was not easy. Her parents were not married, and they separated not long after she was born. Because of this, Bea was raised by her mother.

She grew up on a big piece of land — about 80 acres — owned by her mother’s family. Life on the farm taught her about hard work and staying strong. Even though she lived far from the busy city, Bea learned many important lessons that would help her later in life.

Bea went to school in Richmond but only up to the fourth grade. Her early life was simple, but she grew up with a strong heart and a kind spirit. She learned how to take care of herself and help her family.

Della Beatrice’s Love for Gospel Music

From a young age, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson loved to sing. Music was a big part of her life. She joined Cecil Shaw’s church choir, where she sang with passion and joy.

She didn’t just sing in church. Bea also sang on the radio and at local events. People started to notice her strong and beautiful voice. Her songs touched hearts, and she became known in her community for her talent.

At that time, gospel music was a way for her to express her feelings and her faith. Singing made Bea happy, and it gave her a sense of purpose. Little did she know that her love for music would lead her to meet someone who would change her life forever.

How Della Beatrice Met Ray Charles

So, how did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson meet Ray Charles? It all started in Houston, Texas, in 1954. Bea was in her mid-20s, busy with her music career, and performing in churches and on the radio. Ray Charles, at that time, was starting to become famous.

They met at a musical event. It was one of those moments where two people with a love for music crossed paths. Have you ever met someone and just felt a connection right away? That’s what happened to Bea and Ray. They shared a bond through music, and that bond soon turned into love.

After the meeting, they spent time together, and their feelings grew stronger. It wasn’t long before they decided to take the next big step.

Her Marriage to Ray Charles

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles got married on April 5, 1955. Their wedding marked the start of a life filled with both joy and challenges. They made their home in California and tried to build a life together while Ray’s fame kept growing.

Ray gave her the sweet nickname Bea, and their love story became known to many. During these early years of marriage, Della supported Ray as he worked hard in his music career. She stood by him during his rise to stardom, even though fame brought its own troubles.

Their home was a place where Della tried to create peace and stability, even as Ray spent a lot of time traveling and performing. She focused on making their house a warm place for the family.

Their Children and Family Life

Together, Della and Ray had three sons. Their first child, Ray Charles Robinson Jr., was born on May 25, 1955. Can you imagine how busy life must have been at that time? Ray was out performing, and Della was caring for a newborn.

A few years later, they welcomed David Robinson in 1958 and Robert Robinson in 1960. Raising three boys while managing the ups and downs of fame was no small task. Della took on most of the work at home. She made sure her children had a stable and loving environment, even when Ray wasn’t around much due to his career.

Family life was important to Della. She did everything she could to protect her children from the noise and pressure that came with fame.

Hard Times in the Marriage

But even though Della Beatrice Howard Robinson tried to keep her family strong, not everything was easy. The marriage started to have problems. Ray struggled with drug use, and that brought pain to the family.

On top of that, Ray had affairs with other women. Della knew about these things, and it hurt her deeply. Can you imagine how hard it must have been to stay strong for the children while facing these troubles at home?

For many years, Della tried to hold things together. She hoped things would change. But as time went on, it became harder and harder to keep going.

Why Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Left Ray Charles

After many years of trying to keep her family together, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson made a brave choice. In 1976, she filed for divorce from Ray Charles. The divorce was final in 1977.

Why did she finally decide to leave? Ray’s drug use had become too much to handle. His affairs with other women broke Della’s heart over and over again. She had tried for a long time to make things work, but in the end, she knew she had to protect herself and her children.

It could not have been easy. But Della showed courage by choosing peace over pain. She wanted a better life for herself and for her sons.

Della’s Net Worth After the Divorce

When the divorce was done, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson received a large settlement. Reports say she got about $15 million. This was a big amount at that time and helped her build a quiet, stable life.

Ray Charles, at the time of his death in 2004, had a net worth of about $75 million. But Della did not focus on the money. What mattered more to her was being able to live in peace and give her children a good life.

Thanks to the settlement, Della did not have to worry about finances. She used the money wisely, choosing to live simply and focus on what mattered most — her family.

Where Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Today?

Many people today wonder: Where is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson now? The answer is simple. She chose to stay out of the spotlight.

Della is believed to live in Riverside County, California. She enjoys a quiet life, far away from cameras and news stories. After all the ups and downs she faced, she prefers peace and privacy.

She spends time with her children and grandchildren. Family means everything to her. Even though she once lived a life connected to fame, today she chooses simple joys and the comfort of being close to loved ones.

How Della Lives Now

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson lives a life filled with faith and family. She does not use social media. She does not make public appearances. She simply enjoys the calm life she built after so many hard years.

Her story shows us that sometimes walking away from fame can bring true happiness. Della focused on raising kind, strong children. And now, she enjoys seeing them succeed and have families of their own.

Even in her 90s, Della stays true to the values that have guided her all her life — kindness, strength, and faith.

Final Thoughts

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson will always be remembered as more than just Ray Charles’ ex-wife. She was a woman of strength who stood tall through life’s storms.

Her quiet courage helped shape the lives of her children. And her story inspires others who face tough choices. She reminds us that it’s okay to choose peace over pain.

Della’s legacy is one of love, faith, and grace. She showed the world that you can face challenges and still live a life filled with hope.

(FAQs)

Who was Ray Charles’ wife when he died?

Ray Charles had no wife at the time of his death in 2004. His longest marriage was to his second wife, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, but they divorced in 1977.

When is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s birthday?

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was born in 1929, but her exact birth date is not publicly shared.

Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson still alive? How old is she now?

Yes, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is believed to still be alive in 2025. She is about 96 years old and lives a private life.

Where is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson now?

She lives quietly in Riverside County, California, far from the spotlight, spending time with her children and grandchildren.

When did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson marry and divorce Ray Charles?

She married Ray Charles on April 5, 1955. Their marriage ended after 22 years with a divorce in 1977.

What is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s net worth?

Her net worth is about $15 million, mostly from her divorce settlement with Ray Charles — a shocking amount at that time!