Being connected to someone famous can also make you come into the public eye. We’ve seen many examples when people make a name for themselves because of their relationship with celebrities. Fans also want to know about their heroes’ personal lives. One such example is Della Beatrice.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is best known as the second wife of the famous musician Ray Charles. The world knows her as the second ex-wife of Ray Charles. Despite this relationship, many facts about Della remain unknown. In this article, we’ll reveal all available information about Della Beatrice, including her early life, age, career, personal life, net worth and relationship with Ray Charles. There are many interesting facts about Della’s life that people should know. Below is a detailed summary about Della Beatrice Howard Robinson.
Who is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is best known as the second wife of the famous American musician Ray Charles, one of the most influential and talented musicians in American history. She was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California. She is 96–97 years old as of 2026. She is American by birth. Her father left her mother after her birth. Her mother and grandmother raised her. She was raised in a modest and close-knit family. Her mother raised her in a modest and private environment, away from public attention. Then, suddenly, something happened that changed her life. She met Ray Charles in 1954 in Texas, a life-changing moment for Della. Their relationship lasted for a year, and they married in 1955. After marriage, she came into the public attention as the wife of Ray Charles. The couple divorced in 1977. After the divorce, she stepped away from the spotlight and remained a low-profile figure.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson's Biography
| Full Name | Della Beatrice Howard Robinson |
| Birthyear | 1929 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Age | 97 (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | American |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Ray Charles |
| Kids | 3 sons: Ray Charles Robinson Jr., David Robinson, Robert Robinson |
| Net Worth | Approximately $15 million |
Early Life
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California, USA. Her parents were never married and separated a short time after her birth. Her father later married another woman, leaving Della to her mother. Her mother and grandmother raised Della, giving her a warm and loving environment. She spent the early years of her life in the southern region of Texas. She was raised in a modest family, as her father was absent after her birth. Her early years were very tough because of financial and social challenges.
During her childhood, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson lived in Richmond and later Houston, Texas. The church community and culture influenced Della. During this time, Gospel music became a major part of her life. She regularly attended church and actively participated in choir activities, which nurtured her vocal talent and music passion.
The education was a challenge for Della Beatrice Howard Robinson. She received her education at a time when educational opportunities for African American women were limited. She attended the local school in her hometown to complete her early education. Still, the exact name of the school and institution where she completed her primary and secondary education is not publicly mentioned. There is no verified evidence that Della attended college or university for higher education. The educational journey of Della is not limited to schools and colleges. She learned significantly through the Church. Her involvement in church-learning emphasized reading, music, discipline, and moral instruction. These qualities later helped her in her personal life.
Career
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson started her career primarily in gospel music, a traditional Christian music with dominant vocals. Before her marriage to Ray Charles, she became well-known in her community as a gospel singer. She actively participated in church choirs and religious music programs.
She was involved in gospel music at a community and church level, rather than pursuing a professional recording career. Her priority was focusing on her family and personal life. She also played a significant role in the upbringing of her children while Ray was busy with his career.
Personal Life
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson led a private life, devoting her time to her family and personal matters. The major part of her personal life is deeply intertwined with her husband, Ray Charles. Ray Charles was an American singer-songwriter and pianist, and is considered one of the most famous musicians of the century. The couple met in 1954 and remained in a relationship for about a year. Della and Ray tied the knot on April 5, 1955, the time when Ray Charles was significantly rising in his career. Despite his growing fame, Della remained grounded, choosing a private lifestyle, mainly focusing on her career and family.
The couple remained together for more than two decades. Their relationship remained for about 22 years, based on love and mutual support. During their marriage, Della and Ray had three sons: Ray Charles Robinson Jr., David Robinson, and Robert Robinson. Della played a significant role in the upbringing of her sons while their father was busy with his career. The marriage faced significant challenges due to Ray Charles’s substance abuse issues and repeated infidelity. These problems ultimately led to their separation, and the couple finally divorced in 1977.
After the separation, Della vanished from the public eye and led an entirely private life. She never married after her divorce, and there is no report of her relationship. Della Beatrice Howard Robinson reportedly has an estimated net worth of about $15 million, collected through divorce settlements and related financial transfers from her ex-husband.
Conclusion
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s life reflects resilience, grace, and commitment to privacy, even in her relationship with a celebrity. While her marriage to Ray Charles brought her into the public eye, she made her own successful life, choosing privacy and dignity. Her story continues to inspire readers searching for insights into her life.
This was a complete coverage of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s life. Hope you found this article helpful and interesting. If you have any questions related to Della, let us know in the comments. You can explore more interesting articles on our website. That’s all for now. Take care and stay safe.