Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, Ray Charles Ex-wife's Life

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is widely recognized as the ex-wife of Ray Charles, but her story is much more than that; a woman of faith, utter resilience, and courage. This blog delves into the truth of her life away from the spotlight, from who Della Beatrice is, her biography, net worth, and divorce, to where she is now. 

Who is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson? 

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, usually known for being second and ex-wife of Ray Charles, a famous musician. She belongs to family with faith and strong values, which influenced her throughout her life. Della Beatrice chose to lead a life loving mother and supportive wife; she tackled the challenges of marrying famous singers with dignity and grace. After her divorce, she led her life away from the spotlight and fame, keeping a low profile. Della’s life story reflects how big of a role a woman plays in the success of a man through faith and strength. 

Early Life & Background

Della Beatrice was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, in 1929. She was brought up by her mother and grew up in a family with strong values and faith. She was a singer, unlike Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga, Della was a gospel singer. She sang in choirs and churches. In her early life, Della faced social challenges like: 

• Racial Discrimination: She faced challenges like lack of education, and unequal opportunities. 
• Financial Instability: Della’s early life was the Era of the Great Depression, and economic crisis, while minorities in US had more economic hardships in comparison. 
• Gender Discrimination: for a woman, opportunities were scarce, and Della faced the discrimination of being a black woman, where opportunities were even scarcer in comparison to white women. 

Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson's Marriage

How did Ray Charles and Della Beatrice meet? The beautiful couple met in Texas in 1954, when Ray Charles was touring. At the time, Ray Charles’ first marriage had already ended in divorce. The couple’s love eventually grew into a marriage relationship.  

Later, on April 5, 1955, Ray Charles married Della Beatrice in a small, beautiful ceremony. 

Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson's Divorce

The couple’s marriage lasted for 22 years, during which Della faced highs and painful lows. In 1977, Ray Charles divorced his second wife, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson. Della stated the reasons for the divorce were Ray Charles’ drug addiction and extramarital affair. 

Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Children & Family Life

Della and Ray have a total of 3 sons together:

• Ray Charles Robinson Jr.
• David Robinson
• Robert Robinson

Della Beatrice Life after Divorce with Ray Charles

Della’s life was centered on her 3 children, she raised and took care of them even after splitting with Ray. After the divorce, she kept private life, away from media and limelight. Della decided not to marry again, and focused on her children, personal life, and faith. 

Della Beatrice Net Worth as of 2025

According to the available sources, estimated Net Worth of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s estimated net worth is $15 million, a major portion of her wealth came from the divorce settlement with ex-spouse, Ray Charles. 

Ray Charles’ Impact on Della Beatrice Life

Della faced a great deal of emotional and mental depression due to Ray Charles’s drug addiction and frequent affairs during the marriage. Throughout their 22-year marriage, Ray’s addiction to heroin had caused personal issues, in which she and her children suffered immensely. Yet, Della tred to create stability through her deep rooted faith and managed to raise kids in the absence of Ray Charles during the marriage. 

Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Still Alive?

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is still alive, living a peaceful life in 95 year of life. Despite the connection of with Ray Charles, Della still chooses to lead a very private life, away from cameras.

Conclusion

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s story is beyond being the Ray Charles ex-wife, a gospel singer, a caring mother, and a woman who chose privacy and dignity over fame. Despite Della Beatrice's net worth of $15 million, she remains a humble woman who has faced many challenges from her early years to her marriage. The life she led reflects courage and patience, Della remains a quietly powerful figure.