Jeanette Adair Bradshaw: The Untold Story of Morgan Freeman’s First Wife

Morgan Freeman is one of the most famous actors in the world. You’ve probably heard his deep, powerful voice in movies like The Shawshank Redemption and Bruce Almighty. But long before he became a big star, someone special was by his side — Jeanette Adair Bradshaw.

Jeanette isn’t a celebrity, and she never wanted to be. But her story is still important. She supported Morgan during the hard times, helped raise a family, and later chose a quiet life away from all the cameras.

In this article, we’ll explore the full story of Jeanette Adair Bradshaw, who she is, how she met Morgan Freeman, their life together, and where she is now. Let’s start from the beginning.

Jeanette Adair Bradshaw Quick Bio

Who Is Jeanette Adair Bradshaw?

Jeanette Adair Bradshaw is best known as Morgan Freeman’s first wife. They were married before he became a Hollywood legend. She helped him through the tough early years of his career when success was still far away.

Even though she was once married to a superstar, Jeanette always lived a private life. She never chased fame, and she didn’t want to be in the spotlight. That’s why most people don’t know much about her, but her story matters.

She was there for Morgan when it really counted. And today, in 2025, she is remembered as a quiet, strong, and caring woman who lived life on her own terms.

Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s Early Life

Jeanette was born in the 1940s in the United States. While some reports suggest her birthday is 30 November 1940, this hasn’t been officially confirmed. If that date is true, she would be 84 years old in 2025.

Growing up in America during the 1940s and 1950s was not easy for African-American families. It was a time of change — the civil rights movement was growing, and many women were fighting for equality. Jeanette lived through all of this. These experiences likely shaped her into the strong and independent woman she became.

There isn’t much known about her childhood or education. She never shared these details with the public. But based on her values and choices later in life, it seems she grew up in a home that taught her discipline, love, and the importance of family.

How She Met Morgan Freeman

Back in the 1960s, Morgan Freeman wasn’t famous yet. He was just a hardworking actor trying to make a name for himself. During this time, he met Jeanette Adair Bradshaw. They may have met through friends or at a local event — no one knows for sure. But what we do know is that their bond grew quickly.

Jeanette and Morgan started dating in the mid-60s. Their relationship was strong and full of support. Morgan later said that becoming a father and husband while chasing an acting dream was tough. But Jeanette stood by him through those struggles.

After a few years of dating, they decided to take the next step. In 1967, they got married and started building a life together.

Jeanette and Morgan’s Wedding Story

Jeanette Adair Bradshaw and Morgan Freeman got married on October 22, 1967. It was a private ceremony attended by close friends and family. At the time, Morgan was 30 years old, and Jeanette was 27.

Life wasn’t glamorous then. Freeman was still doing small acting jobs and trying to break into the big screen. Shows like The Electric Company and small theater roles were just the beginning for him. While he chased his dream, Jeanette kept their home together and supported his goals.

This was the start of a partnership that lasted 12 years. And during that time, they went through ups and downs just like any other couple, but their bond was strong, especially in the early days.

Their Life Together as a Couple

During their marriage, Jeanette played a big role in Freeman’s life. While he was out acting and trying to succeed, she stayed grounded and took care of the family. She wasn’t just a wife — she was his biggest supporter.

Many people don’t realize how hard it is to chase a dream when you also have responsibilities at home. Jeanette helped keep things steady while Morgan went after his acting career. She was the quiet strength behind him.

Their marriage wasn’t about fame or Hollywood parties. It was about building a future, raising their kids, and supporting each other during tough times. Without Jeanette, Morgan’s early success might have looked very different.

Meet Their Children, Deena and Morgana

Jeanette Adair Bradshaw had a daughter named Deena from a previous relationship before marrying Morgan Freeman. After their wedding, Morgan adopted Deena as his own daughter. He later said he adopted her as soon as he could, even though there were some legal challenges.

Deena went on to work in Hollywood behind the scenes. She became a successful hair and makeup artist and worked on many big projects, including Loki, Oblivion, and Thunder Force. She was even nominated for two Emmy Awards for her work.

In 1971, Jeanette and Morgan had a daughter together — Morgana Freeman. Morgana chose a quieter life but sometimes joined her father at red carpet events like the Oscars and movie premieres. She studied economics and cosmetology and now works as the executive director at a non-profit organization that supports children’s education in Mississippi.

Both daughters grew up surrounded by strong family values. And Jeanette deserves a lot of credit for the role she played in raising them.

The Divorce After 12 Years of Marriage

After more than a decade together, Jeanette and Morgan divorced on November 18, 1979. They had been married for 12 years. The exact reason for the breakup has never been confirmed. Some believe it was due to the stress of fame and the demands of Morgan’s growing career. Others mention rumors of infidelity, but neither of them ever spoke publicly about it.

Even though the marriage ended, the two stayed respectful co-parents. They continued to focus on their children and kept things as peaceful as possible.

Divorce is never easy. But Jeanette handled it with grace and moved forward with her life quietly, just like she had always done.

Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s Life After Divorce

After her divorce from Morgan Freeman in 1979, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw made a big decision — she stepped away from the spotlight. She didn’t chase interviews, attention, or money. Instead, she chose peace and privacy.

She focused on raising her daughters and creating a calm life far from Hollywood. While Freeman’s fame grew, Jeanette stayed quiet. She never tried to share his spotlight. Even when people became curious about her, she stayed private.

Reports say she moved to Georgia, USA, and that’s where she’s been living for many years. Friends and close family describe her as someone who enjoys a peaceful life with simple routines and strong family values.

E’dena Hines’ Tragic Death

One of the saddest moments in Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s life happened in 2015. Her granddaughter, E’dena Hines, was murdered in New York City. E’dena was the daughter of Deena, Jeanette’s oldest child.

The tragedy shocked everyone. E’dena was just 33 years old when her boyfriend stabbed her more than 20 times. It was a heartbreaking loss for the entire family. Jeanette had to deal with the pain of losing a grandchild in such a violent way.

To make things worse, false rumors began to spread online. Some people wrongly suggested that Morgan Freeman had an inappropriate relationship with E’dena. But Morgan strongly denied this, and no proof ever supported the claims. The family was hurt deeply by both the loss and the lies.

Through all of it, Jeanette stayed silent and strong. She chose to grieve privately, showing once again that she values peace over public attention.

Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s Personality

Even though she was once married to one of the world’s biggest stars, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw never changed who she was. She has always been described as kind, strong, and private.

She didn’t want a Hollywood life. She didn’t want headlines, gossip, or fame. Instead, she focused on what mattered most: family, peace, and simple living. That’s rare in today’s world, especially for someone who could have taken advantage of fame.

Jeanette’s story teaches us something important — you don’t have to be loud to be strong. She showed quiet strength in every part of her life. Her love for her daughters, her respect for privacy, and her grace through tough times all show what kind of person she truly is.

Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s Net Worth

Jeanette never shared her financial details, but many sources estimate her net worth in 2025 to be between $600,000 and $5 million. This range depends on different reports and opinions.

A part of that money likely came from her divorce settlement with Morgan Freeman. It’s also possible that she made smart financial choices over the years. Since she didn’t chase fame or flashy things, it’s clear she values a simple and smart life.

Unlike many people connected to celebrities, Jeanette didn’t spend her money to stay in the news. She kept things quiet, just like the rest of her life.

Where Is Jeanette Adair Bradshaw Now?

As of 2025, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw is believed to still be living in Georgia. She is now 84 or 85 years old, depending on her real birthday (believed to be 30 November 1940). She is still alive and living a quiet life away from the spotlight.

She has not remarried after her divorce from Morgan Freeman. She chose to live life on her own terms — with family, privacy, and peace. Very few photos of her exist online. She avoids interviews and public events, even though people are still curious about her.

While Morgan Freeman remains in the public eye, Jeanette continues to live in the background, just the way she wants it.

Final Thoughts

Jeanette Adair Bradshaw may not be a movie star, but her story is just as powerful. She was by Morgan Freeman’s side during his hardest years, helped raise their family, and then chose a quiet life after their divorce.

She stayed true to herself — even when life brought pain, gossip, or loss. Jeanette never looked for fame. She found her strength in family, love, and peace.

Her life is proof that real heroes don’t always wear costumes or stand in the spotlight. Sometimes, they’re the ones standing quietly in the background — holding everything together.

So, the next time you hear Morgan Freeman’s voice in a movie, remember the name Jeanette Adair Bradshaw — the woman who once stood beside him and helped shape the man we all admire today.

(FAQs)

Who was Morgan Freeman’s first wife? How many times has he been married?

Morgan Freeman’s first wife was Jeanette Adair Bradshaw. He has been married twice. His second wife was Myrna Colley-Lee, but they got divorced in 2010. As of 2025, Morgan Freeman is not married.

How old is Jeanette Adair Bradshaw in 2025? When is her birthday?

Jeanette Adair Bradshaw was born on November 30, 1940. That means she is 84 years old in 2025.

Why did Morgan Freeman and Jeanette Adair Bradshaw get divorced?

They got divorced in 1979 after 12 years of marriage. They never said the real reason, but some people say it was because of career pressure and maybe cheating.

How many children does Jeanette Adair Bradshaw have?

Jeanette has two daughters. One is Deena, from a past relationship, and the other is Morgana, her daughter with Morgan Freeman. She also had a granddaughter, E’dena, who sadly passed away in 2015.

Where is Jeanette Adair Bradshaw now in 2025?

In 2025, Jeanette is still alive and living a quiet life in Georgia, USA. She stays away from the media and has not remarried after her divorce from Morgan Freeman.

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