Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is best known as the second wife of Ray Charles. He was a famous American singer. But Della had her own story long before she met him. Her life was full of hard times and big changes.
She grew up in a small town in Texas. Her family had little money. She faced many problems as a young girl. Still she found joy in music and became a gospel singer. Her voice helped her build a new life.
Della later married Ray Charles in 1955. They had three sons and stayed married for 22 years. Their marriage ended in 1977. Today we will explore her early life and family. We will also look at her music career and first two marriages.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Quick Bio
| Full Name | Della Beatrice Howard Robinson |
| Nickname | Della Bea |
| Birth Year | 1928 or 1929 |
| Age | About 96–98 in 2026 |
| Birthplace | Reported as Texas or California |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Profession | Gospel singer |
| Famous For | Ray Charles’ ex-wife |
| Ex-Husband | Ray Charles |
| Married | April 5 1955 |
| Divorced | 1977 |
| Marriage Length | 22 years |
| Children | 3 sons |
| Sons | Ray Jr. David and Robert |
| Net Worth | Reportedly $15 million |
| Last Known Residence | Riverside County California |
| Current Status | Not publicly confirmed |
| Life Today | Private |
Who Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is an American former gospel singer. Many people also know her as Della Bea. She became famous after marrying Ray Charles. He was one of the biggest names in American music during his time.
But Della was more than a famous singer’s wife. She had worked hard to build her own music career. She sang in churches and performed with a gospel group. Her love for music began when she was young.
Her marriage to Ray Charles lasted from 1955 to 1977. They raised three sons together. After their divorce she chose a quiet life. Even in 2026 many parts of her life remain private and little is known about her today.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Early Life
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was reportedly born in 1928 or 1929. She spent much of her childhood in Richmond Texas. It was a small town near Houston. Many families there worked on farms and lived simple lives.
Her parents were never married. Her father was not part of her daily life. This made her childhood hard at times. Still she had family members who loved her and helped her grow up in a caring home.
She lived with her grandmother Mama Lee and her uncle George. Their small farm had crops and animals. They grew corn and potatoes. They also kept chickens and ducks. Money was tight but the family had food to eat.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Education and Teenage Years
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson went to school in Richmond Texas. She studied there until the fourth grade. Later she moved to Houston to live with her mother. This change brought new problems into her young life.
Life with her mother was not easy. They often had fights at home. Her mother worked late and went out at night. Della also had to help care for her younger brother James. She soon left school.
She later moved in with her cousin Robert Lee. She needed money to live so she found work as a waitress. These were hard years for Della. But she kept going and soon found a new path through music.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Gospel Music Career
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson loved singing from a young age. She began singing gospel songs with a church group. The group performed at local churches. They were sometimes paid with money collected during church services.
When Della was about 16 her group caught the eye of gospel singer Cecil Shaw. He helped them practice and improve their songs. Soon they began wearing church robes and singing at larger events and on the radio.
The group later received a recording deal. They recorded songs and performed at more churches and concerts. Della hoped to build a good career in music. Her work as a singer also helped lead her toward Ray Charles.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s First Two Marriages
Before meeting Ray Charles Della Beatrice Howard Robinson had already been married twice. Her first husband was a minister’s son. They met through church. Della wanted a happy home and hoped their marriage would bring her peace.
Sadly her first marriage became painful. Reports say her husband hurt her and treated her badly. Della chose to leave him. She later married another man from church. But that marriage also brought fear and pain into her life.
Her second husband was also said to be violent. Della became afraid and fled to New York City. These years left her with little trust in men. Then in 1954 she met Ray Charles. Her life was about to change again.
How Did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Meet Ray Charles?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson met Ray Charles in Texas in 1954. She was working as a gospel singer at the time. Ray had heard her sing on the radio. He liked her voice and wanted to meet her.
Their first meeting did not lead to love right away. Della was not impressed by Ray. She knew he spent much of his time in clubs. She also had little trust in men after her past marriages.
But Ray kept trying to win her heart. They met again and began spending more time together. He even rented a house near hers in Houston. Soon they fell in love and began planning a future together.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles’ Marriage
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson married Ray Charles on April 5 1955. Their wedding was very simple. Reports say they exchanged vows in a small room. There was no grand party or large crowd to mark their special day.
The couple began their married life as Ray’s music career grew. His songs were becoming popular across America. He spent many days on the road. Della stayed home and helped care for their growing family.
Their early years brought both joy and stress. Ray was busy with shows and music tours. Della had to manage life at home. She also put much of her own music work aside to raise their children.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Three Children
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles had three sons together. Their first son was Ray Charles Robinson Jr. He was born in May 1955. His birth came just weeks after his parents had tied the knot.
Their second son David Robinson was born in 1958. Two years later they welcomed their third son Robert Robinson in 1960. Della spent much of her time caring for the boys while Ray worked on his music.
Ray also had children with other women. He was the father of 12 children in all. His busy life often kept him away from home. Still his three sons with Della remained part of his family.
Why Did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Divorce Ray Charles?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson faced many problems during her marriage. Ray Charles had relationships with other women. He also struggled with drug use for many years. These problems placed great stress on their home and family life.
Reports say Della learned more about Ray’s affairs through a court case. The case involved a child he had with another woman. Ray was ordered to pay child support. This added to the problems in their marriage.
Della filed for divorce in 1976. Their marriage came to an end in 1977 after 22 years. Reports say she received their home and a large cash payment. A trust fund and monthly support for their sons were also arranged.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Net Worth and Life After Divorce
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s net worth is often said to be around $15 million. But this amount has not been proven. There are no clear public records that show how much money she owns or earns in 2026.
She had earned money from gospel music before her marriage. Reports also say she received about $333000 in cash after her divorce. She was given the family home and financial support for her children as part of the settlement.
After leaving Ray Charles she stayed away from fame. She did not seek a new life in the music spotlight. Instead she kept her personal life private. Little is known about her work or family life in later years.
Final Thoughts
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson has stayed out of public view for many years. One report from 2010 said she lived in Riverside County in California. It also said she was in good health at that time.
But where is she now? As of 2026 her current home has not been confirmed. Some websites say she is still alive. Yet there is little recent public proof about her life or health. Her present status remains unclear.
In March 2026 a report also described plans for a film called The Della B. Robinson Story. The film was said to focus on her life and faith. Its release plans have not been fully confirmed.
(FAQs)
How Old Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della was born in 1928 or 1929. She would be around 96 to 98 years old in 2026. Her exact birthday is not known.
What Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Net Worth?
Her net worth is said to be $15 million. But this amount is not confirmed. She received money after her divorce from Ray Charles.
Is There a Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Obituary?
No confirmed obituary has been found for Della. Some reports say she is still alive in 2026. But there is no clear proof of her current status.
Where Does Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Live Today?
Della was reported to be living in Riverside County in California in 2010. Her home in 2026 is not known.
What Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Doing Today?
Della has stayed away from fame since her divorce in 1977. She keeps her life private. There is little news about her today.
You may also read: Who Is Maureen E. McPhilmy? All About Bill O’Reilly’s Ex-Wife
