How Old Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Today?
When you hear Ray Charles’ music, you feel something special. But most people don’t know about the woman who stood beside him for over 20 years. Her name is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson.
Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson still alive? Yes, she is. Born in 1929, Della Beatrice Howard is now 97 years old in 2026. She was more than just a wife, she was a talented gospel singer and a devoted mother who raised three sons mostly on her own.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Quick Bio
She lived a life full of music, love, and hard choices. She grew up in Los Angeles during tough times but never lost her strength. Her Christian faith and African-American roots shaped who she became.
Ray Charles called her “Bea,” and that nickname stuck with her forever. She gave up her singing career to raise their children. Even after everything she went through, she never looked for attention or fame.
Quick Facts:
- Full Name: Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
- Birth Year: 1929
- Current Age: 97 years old (2026)
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
- Marriage Years: 1955-1977 (22 years)
- Children: Ray Jr., David, Robert
- Job: Gospel singer (retired)
- Lives Now: Riverside County, California
Early Life of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
Born Into Humble Beginnings in 1929 Los Angeles
Della Beatrice was born in 1929 when life was hard for many families. Her parents never got married and split up right after she was born. Her mother worked every day just to keep food on the table.
Growing up without a father taught young Della to be tough. Her childhood wasn’t easy, but it made her stronger. She learned early that life doesn’t always go the way you want it to.
Growing Up on an 80-Acre Family Farm
Della spent her early years on her mother’s family farm 80 acres of land that became her whole world. Farm life meant waking up early, doing chores, and working hard every single day.
Living on the farm taught her important lessons. She learned about responsibility, hard work, and never giving up. These lessons helped her face bigger problems later in life.
Education and Early Responsibilities
Della went to school in Richmond but had to stop after fourth grade. Her family needed her help at home, so early education ended quickly. She took on family responsibilities that most kids her age didn’t have to handle.
Leaving school didn’t make her less smart. She learned from life itself. Taking care of her family at such a young age prepared her for the challenges that came later.
Her Love for Gospel Music
Discovering Her Voice Through Gospel
Gospel music became Della’s safe place when things got hard. The songs gave her hope and helped her express feelings she couldn’t put into words. Singing wasn’t just fun, it became her passion.
Spiritual songs connected her to something bigger than herself. Through music, she found her voice and her purpose. This love for singing would open doors she never expected.
Joining Cecil Shaw’s Church Choir
When Della was a teenager, she joined Cecil Shaw’s church choir. That’s where people first noticed her amazing vocal talent. Her voice was powerful and made people stop and listen.
The church choir became like a second family to her. She practiced every week and performed every Sunday. Her talent was growing, and people started talking about her gift.
Building a Gospel Music Career
Della’s singing didn’t stay inside the church. She started doing radio performances and singing at live concerts. She even got a recording deal, which was a big achievement for an African-American woman back then.
Her musical passion was turning into a real career. People loved how she sang with her whole heart. Just when things were going well, she met Ray Charles, and everything changed.
How Della Beatrice Met Ray Charles
A Fateful Meeting in Houston, Texas (1954)
In 1954, Della Beatrice Howard went to a music event in Houston, Texas. That’s where she first saw Ray Charles. He had just signed with Atlantic Records and was starting to get famous.
Della wasn’t impressed at first. She was busy with her own music career and didn’t pay him much attention. It seemed like just another meeting with another musician.
Ray’s Persistent Pursuit of Della
After that first meeting, Della kept running into Ray everywhere she went. She thought it was just coincidence. Later, she found out Ray was planning these meetings on purpose.
His persistent pursuit eventually worked. They started talking more and getting to know each other. Ray’s charm and talent slowly won her over. What started as nothing special turned into something real.
The Beginning of Their Love Story
Their shared musical bond brought them closer together. They understood each other’s passion for music. Conversations became deeper, and feelings started to grow.
Falling in love with Ray was exciting but also a little scary. By 1955, they decided to get married and build a life together. Della had no idea how much her life was about to change.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Wedding to Ray Charles
The Simple Wedding on April 5, 1955
Della Bea Robinson Ray Charles’ wife became official on April 5, 1955. Their wedding ceremony was nothing fancy. They got married in a small back room with stuff piled everywhere.
A stranger read their wedding vows, which made the whole thing feel unusual. The simple wedding didn’t match Ray’s growing fame, but they didn’t care. It was about their love, not a big show.
Becoming “Bea” – A New Chapter Begins
Ray started calling her “Bea,” and that nickname became permanent. It was his special name for her. She became Mrs. Ray Charles and was ready for whatever came next.
Matrimony opened a new door in her life. Fame, travel, and concerts were all coming. Della had no clue how hard things would get down the road.
Raising Three Children with Ray Charles
Welcoming Ray Charles Robinson Jr. (1955)
Just one month after getting married, Della had their first baby. Ray Charles Robinson Jr. was born on May 25, 1955. Ray was away performing, so Della gave birth completely alone.
This was her introduction to motherhood doing it by herself. Raising three sons would mostly be her job while Ray traveled. She handled it with strength that most people don’t have.
Expanding the Family: David and Robert Robinson
David Robinson came along in 1958, then Robert Robinson in 1960. Now Della had three boys to raise. Ray was on the road most of the time, making her basically a single parent.
Family life centered around the kids. Parenting became her full-time work. Her maternal sacrifice meant giving up her singing career completely. The boys needed her, and she chose them over everything else.
Creating a Loving Home in View Park, California
Their family home was in View Park, California. Della made it a peaceful place where the kids felt safe. Raising children alone wasn’t easy, but she never complained.
She made sure her sons knew they were loved. Every day brought new challenges, but she handled them all. Her focus was always on keeping her boys happy and safe.
Life as Ray Charles’ Ex-Wife in the Spotlight
Thrust Into Fame Against Her Nature
Ray’s stardom grew bigger every year. That meant Della got pulled into the spotlight whether she wanted it or not. People knew her only as “Ray Charles’ wife”, which felt limiting.
Being a celebrity wife wasn’t her style. She liked quiet life, church, and family time. Fame brought problems she never asked for and didn’t enjoy.
Navigating Public Attention and Media
Photographers wanted pictures of the famous musician’s family. Interview requests came constantly, but Della usually said no. Award shows required her to smile and wave beside Ray on stage.
Media attention increased as Ray got more popular. She stayed calm on the outside even though it stressed her out. The public spotlight was uncomfortable, but she dealt with it.
Standing By Ray During His Rise to Stardom
Della showed complete loyalty as Ray became a legendary musician. She supported his career while running the house and raising three kids. Standing by him meant dealing with loneliness and pain.
The cost of fame on their private life became clear over time. Still, Della kept the family together no matter what. Her steady presence gave Ray the stability he needed for his music.
Troubles in Their Marriage
Ray Charles’ Struggle with Heroin Addiction
Ray’s drug use started small but grew into a serious heroin addiction. The addiction destroyed their family peace and Ray’s health. Watching him fall apart broke Della’s heart.
Drug addiction changed Ray completely. Della tried to help him recover while protecting the kids. The impact on family life got worse every year.
Infidelity and Affairs on the Road
Ray had extramarital relationships with women everywhere he traveled. His cheating wasn’t just once or twice it happened constantly. Della knew about these affairs, and each one hurt deeply.
The infidelity became common knowledge among people who knew them. Betrayal after betrayal piled up over the years. She lived with this heartbreak silently for the sake of her children.
Della’s Silent Suffering and Strength
Choosing to stay seemed right at first because of the kids. She hoped Ray would change and things would get better. Her internal struggle between love and self-respect grew stronger each year.
Years of trying to make it work wore her down emotionally. The breaking point came after 22 years. Della finally realized Ray wasn’t going to change his ways.
Why Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Left Ray Charles
The Brave Decision to File for Divorce (1976)
In 1976, she made a tough choice to file for divorce. After 22 years of marriage, she couldn’t take anymore. The decision took real courage to walk away from everything she knew.
Prioritizing her wellbeing and her kids’ mental health became essential. She chose herself and peace over staying in a painful relationship. This wasn’t giving up it was protecting herself and her family.
The Final Straw: Addiction and Continued Betrayal
Ray’s uncontrolled drug use showed no signs of stopping. His constant affairs destroyed any trust that was left. His hurtful behavior patterns kept repeating without any real change.
Della accepted that change wouldn’t come no matter how long she waited. Protecting herself and her sons meant ending this chapter. The divorce was painful but necessary for her survival.
Divorce Finalized in 1977
The divorce became final in 1977 after the legal process finished. Leaving without hatred showed Della’s strong character. She chose peace over pain and refused to fight dirty.
This ending brought both closure and freedom for Della Beatrice. At 48 years old, she started a new beginning focused on healing. The divorce settlement gave her financial security to live independently.
Della’s Life After Divorce
Stepping Away from the Spotlight
Della’s conscious choice to leave the public eye was immediate. She refused all media appearances and interview requests. Rejecting fame matched her true personality and values.
Reclaiming privacy became her top goal after years of unwanted attention. The peace she wanted for so long finally became possible. She welcomed anonymity and freedom from constant watching.
Moving to Riverside County, California
Relocation to Riverside County, California symbolized her fresh start. The quiet community gave her exactly what she needed distance from Hollywood chaos. Building a new life meant simple routines and contentment.
Away from the entertainment world, Della created a peaceful environment. This fresh start allowed healing from years of pain. Riverside County became her safe place.
Focusing on Faith, Family, and Healing
Dedicating time to her children and grandchildren brought real joy. Strengthening faith through church gave her spiritual comfort. Living with love and calm replaced the chaos she’d left behind.
Her personal healing journey moved forward slowly but surely. Finding joy in simplicity family meals, quiet mornings brought unexpected happiness. Being a mother and grandmother gave her life new purpose.
Where Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Now?
Living at 97 Years Old in 2026
Is she still alive? Yes she’s doing well at 97 years old. Her current age shows a life lived through many storms. Reports say she’s in good health status for someone her age.
She continues her quiet lifestyle in Riverside County. Her long life proves the strength she’s always had. At 97, she enjoys simple daily pleasures surrounded by family.
A Private Life Away from Social Media and Press
Della Beatrice has absolutely no social media presence. She avoids television and interviews completely. Her complete privacy is something she protects carefully.
Contentment in anonymity brings her more happiness than fame ever could. Unlike others connected to celebrities, she never used her connection to Ray for attention. This shows her true character.
Close Bonds with Children and Grandchildren
Strong family relationships are the center of Della’s life now. Time with her sons Ray Jr., David, and Robert brings her joy. Her grandchildren and extended family visit often.
Simple joys of family gatherings fill her days with warmth. Holidays, birthdays, and regular visits create precious memories. These family bonds are her greatest treasure.
Her Lasting Legacy of Strength and Grace
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is remembered for resilience by those who know her story. Her journey provides inspiration to others facing hard marriages. The story of survival and dignity encourages people worldwide.
Her impact reaches beyond her family to many people. Though she lives privately, her legacy of quiet strength lives on. She proved true courage doesn’t need public praise.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Net Worth
The $15 Million Divorce Settlement
Della’s divorce settlement was about $15 million, giving her financial security. This significant sum was fair payment for 22 years of sacrifice. The financial security let her live comfortably without money worries.
For the 1970s, this amount provided good means for independent living. The settlement showed both Ray’s success and Della’s contributions. She accepted this fair compensation without asking for more.
Ray Charles’ $75 Million Estate
Ray’s worth at death in 2004 was about $75 million. Della’s portion from the divorce was much smaller than his final wealth. But she got her share when she needed it most—when starting over.
The Ray Charles estate grew more after their divorce through music royalties. Della never complained about the settlement or asked for more money. Financial independence mattered more than getting the maximum amount.
Living Simply Despite Wealth
Despite having money, Della never flaunted it or lived extravagantly. Her wise financial management kept her secure long-term. Choosing a modest lifestyle matched her values perfectly.
Money used for security gave her peace of mind, not fancy things. Her values over materialism guided every money decision. Comfort without extravagance describes how she lived practical and humble.
Final Thoughts
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is much more than “Ray Charles’ ex-wife”. She was a gifted gospel singer who gave up her career for family. As a devoted mother, she raised three sons mostly alone with grace.
Her story shows strength and resilience that many women display daily without recognition. She knew when to walk away from toxicity and chose peace over drama. Building a good life after pain became her real achievement.
At 97 years old, Della Beatrice still lives quietly, surrounded by the family she loves. Her story still matters today because it reminds us that strength doesn’t need public recognition. She defined herself beyond relationships, creating a legacy worth remembering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson still alive?
Yes, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is alive in 2026 at 97 years old. She lives peacefully in Riverside County, California, away from public attention.
How old is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard was born in 1929, making her 97 years old in 2026. Her exact birth date isn’t public knowledge.
How many children does she have?
Della Beatrice has three sons with Ray Charles: Ray Jr., David, and Robert Robinson. She raised them mostly alone while Ray toured constantly.
Where does Della Beatrice Howard Robinson live now?
She lives in Riverside County, California. She enjoys quiet, private life there with family, far from Hollywood.
Did Della Beatrice remarry after divorcing Ray Charles?
No, she never remarried after her 1977 divorce from Ray Charles. She stayed single, focusing on children and peace.
Conclusion
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson shows us what real strength looks like. At 97 years old in 2026, she’s living proof that you can survive tough times and find peace. She gave up her gospel singing career to raise three boys. She stayed strong through Ray Charles’ addiction and cheating for 22 years. When she finally left, she didn’t look back with angerjust moved forward with grace. Today, she lives quietly in Riverside County, surrounded by family. Her story teaches us that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is choose yourself and walk away toward a better life.
