By Alishah2.65 
Introduction
When we talk about Ray Charles, the legendary American singer, songwriter, and pianist, the spotlight often focuses solely on his groundbreaking music career.
However, behind the scenes stood a remarkable woman — Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, Ray Charles’ first wife.
Her story is not just one of marriage to a music icon, but of resilience, grace, and quiet strength.
In this comprehensive article, we delve into the life of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, shedding light on her biography, marriage, family, and her significant yet understated role in Ray Charles’ life.
Who Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, often affectionately called “Bea”, is best known as the first wife of Ray Charles Robinson.
Born in the United States in 1929, Della lived a relatively private life before marrying Ray Charles in the mid-1950s.
While much about her early life remains private, she came into the limelight after her marriage to the renowned musician.
Della’s strength and calm demeanor helped sustain her marriage through turbulent times, especially considering Ray Charles’ intense musical career and personal struggles.
Early Life and Background
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was born and raised in the United States, though exact details about her hometown and early childhood are scarce.
Raised in a devoutly Christian household, she held strong moral values that guided her throughout life.
Her upbringing instilled in her the importance of family, patience, and faith — qualities that would later be tested during her marriage to Ray Charles.
Before meeting Charles, Della had ambitions of her own and valued education and personal development.
Although she didn’t pursue a career in entertainment, her steady and grounded personality complemented Ray Charles’ dynamic and often chaotic life.
Marriage to Ray Charles
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles married in 1955, during the height of Charles’ burgeoning career. Their union coincided with Ray’s growing fame and the pressures that accompanied his rapid rise to stardom.
Key facts about their marriage:
- They were married for 22 years — from 1955 until their divorce in 1977.
- Together, they had three children, including Ray Charles Jr., who later became an actor and author.
- Della often stayed out of the public eye, raising her children and maintaining a stable home while Ray toured the world.
Supporting a Legend
During their marriage, Della faced many challenges. Ray Charles struggled with drug addiction, infidelities, and the demanding schedule of an international music career.
Della’s patience and unwavering support played a significant role in helping Ray maintain balance in his personal life despite his battles.
In various interviews, their son, Ray Charles Jr., has highlighted his mother’s pivotal role in the family, stating that she was the “rock” who kept the household intact even when Ray Charles was absent due to touring or personal issues.
Children and Family Life
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles had three sons during their marriage. Among them is Ray Charles Robinson Jr., who became somewhat of a public figure, thanks to his involvement in the entertainment industry.
Della prioritized her role as a mother, ensuring her children were raised in a loving and stable environment, despite the complexities of being part of a high-profile family.
According to several sources, she ensured her sons stayed grounded, received quality education, and developed a sense of responsibility.
Her parenting style was marked by discipline, love, and guidance, shielding her children from the negative influences of fame while encouraging them to chart their own paths.
The Divorce
After more than two decades of marriage, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson filed for divorce in 1977. The marriage had reached its breaking point due to Ray Charles’ persistent struggles with drug abuse and infidelity.
Despite the divorce, there remained a mutual respect between Della and Ray. Their separation was handled privately and with dignity, avoiding the public controversies that often plague celebrity divorces. Ray Charles later acknowledged in interviews that his actions and lifestyle strained the marriage, and he recognized Della’s efforts and patience during their years together.
Life After Divorce
Following her divorce from Ray Charles, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson chose to live a life away from the public eye. She dedicated herself to her family and personal well-being, avoiding media attention.
Unlike many ex-spouses of celebrities who write tell-all memoirs or engage in public disputes, Della maintained her dignity and privacy, a testament to her character and upbringing.
She remained involved in her children’s lives and reportedly kept cordial relations with Ray Charles, particularly for the sake of their sons.
Her quiet and graceful post-divorce life earned her admiration from many who knew about her sacrifices and resilience.
Portrayal in Popular Media
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s lifestyles and marriage were in brief depicted inside the 2004 film “Ray”, which starred Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles.
In the film, actress Kerry Washington played Della Bea Robinson, giving audiences a glimpse into her dating with Ray Charles.
While the film centered more often than not on Ray Charles’ track profession and struggles, it additionally highlighted the emotional toll that his lifestyle took on Della and their marriage.
Kerry Washington’s portrayal turned into praised for bringing intensity and empathy to Della’s character, losing light on her frequently ignored contributions and sacrifices.
Legacy and Impact
Although Della Beatrice Howard Robinson never sought fame, her legacy lies in her enduring strength, grace, and resilience.
She is often described as the unsung hero in Ray Charles’ life — the woman who supported him through the highest peaks and lowest valleys of his career.
Key aspects of her legacy:
- Motherhood: Raising three sons who went on to lead successful lives.
- Resilience: Standing strong despite personal challenges in her marriage.
- Dignity: Maintaining privacy and respect after divorce, without public scandal.
Her life serves as a reminder that behind many successful individuals stands someone who sacrifices and supports them unconditionally. For Ray Charles, that person was Della Beatrice Howard Robinson.
Interesting Facts About Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
- She was married to Ray Charles for over two decades, longer than any of his other relationships.
- Della prioritized her faith — a trait she maintained throughout her life.
- She avoided the limelight, choosing a quiet life over publicity even after her marriage to a global star.
- Her son, Ray Charles Jr., has often publicly praised her role in keeping the family stable.
Conclusion
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s tale is one in all quiet strength, resilience, and unwavering love.
While records might also recall Ray Charles as a tune legend, folks that recognise the full tale apprehend the profound effect Della had on his personal lifestyles.
Her grace underneath strain, her dedication to own family, and her potential to hold dignity amid private struggles make her an inspiring parent well worth remembering.
By knowledge the lifestyles of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, we advantage deeper perception into now not most effective Ray Charles’ life but additionally the sacrifices made by way of people who stand behind the spotlight.
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