hank williams jr wife

The Four Wives Of Hank Williams Jr.: A Complete Timeline Of Marriage, Tragedy, And His New Life With Brandi

hank williams jr wife

The personal life of country music icon Hank Williams Jr., often known by his famous nickname Bocephus, has been as dramatic and storied as his legendary career, spanning decades of chart-topping hits, personal tragedies, and multiple marriages. As of December 15, 2025, the 76-year-old singer has recently entered a new chapter, marrying his fourth wife, Brandi Williams, in late 2023, following the untimely and tragic death of his wife of over 30 years, Mary Jane Thomas, in 2022. This comprehensive look details the full timeline of his four marriages, the women who stood by the "Family Tradition" singer, and the children they share.

The recent marriage to Brandi Williams, a woman he had known for two decades, marks a fresh beginning for the country music legend, who has always kept his personal relationships relatively private despite his public persona. His marital journey offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a man constantly balancing a powerful musical legacy with the complexities of family life.

Hank Williams Jr. Full Biography and Profile

Randall Hank Williams, professionally known as Hank Williams Jr. or Bocephus, is an American singer-songwriter and musician who successfully carved his own legacy out of the shadow of his iconic father, Hank Williams. His career is characterized by a unique blend of country, Southern rock, and blues, earning him a dedicated fanbase and numerous accolades, including induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

  • Full Name: Randall Hank Williams
  • Known As: Hank Williams Jr., Bocephus
  • Born: May 26, 1949
  • Birthplace: Shreveport, Louisiana
  • Age (as of 2025): 76
  • Father: Hank Williams (Country Music Legend)
  • Mother: Audrey Mae Sheppard Williams
  • Spouses: Gwen Yeargain (1971–1977), Becky White (1977–1983), Mary Jane Thomas (1990–2022), Brandi Williams (2023–Present)
  • Children: Hank Williams III, Hilary Williams, Holly Williams, Samuel Williams, Katherine Williams (deceased)
  • Notable Career Achievements: CMA Entertainer of the Year (five times), Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, Country Music Hall of Fame inductee (2020)

Wife #1: Gwen Yeargain (1971–1977)

Hank Williams Jr.'s first marriage was to Gwen Yeargain, a woman who reportedly had a background in modeling before meeting the burgeoning country star. Their relationship began during a tumultuous period in Williams Jr.'s early career as he struggled to find his own musical identity outside of performing his father's hits.

The couple married on April 7, 1971, and their union lasted for six years, ending in divorce in 1977. While their marriage was relatively short, it produced Williams Jr.'s first child, Shelton Hank Williams, who is better known by his stage name, Hank Williams III. Hank III has since forged a successful career in music, known for his outlaw country, punk, and metal influences, continuing the Williams family musical tradition.

Wife #2: Becky White (1977–1983)

Shortly after his divorce from Gwen Yeargain, Hank Williams Jr. married his second wife, Becky White, in 1977. This marriage spanned six years and was a significant period of personal and professional growth for the singer, following his near-fatal climbing accident in 1975 that left him severely injured and required extensive facial reconstruction surgery.

Becky White and Hank Williams Jr. had two daughters together, both of whom have become respected figures in the music world:

  • Hilary Williams: Born in 1979, she is a singer-songwriter who survived a devastating car crash in 2006.
  • Holly Williams: Born in 1981, she is also an accomplished singer-songwriter and a successful entrepreneur.

The couple divorced in 1983, but the family bond remains strong, with his daughters often speaking about their father's influence on their musical careers and personal lives.

Wife #3: Mary Jane Thomas (1990–2022) - A Tragic Ending

Mary Jane Thomas is perhaps the most well-known of Williams Jr.'s wives, as their marriage was his longest, lasting over three decades. Mary Jane, a former model and Daytona Beach native, met the country star in 1985 after a concert in Washington State. They dated for five years before marrying on July 2, 1990, in a ceremony at the historic Capitol Park in Montgomery, Alabama.

The couple had two children together:

  • Samuel Williams: A country musician who has followed in his family's footsteps.
  • Katherine "Katie" Williams: Who tragically died in a car crash in 2020 at the age of 27.

Their long marriage was marked by both professional success for Williams Jr. and personal heartbreak. The family endured the loss of their daughter Katherine, who was an aspiring entrepreneur and mother herself.

The Tragic Death of Mary Jane Thomas

The Williams family faced another devastating loss when Mary Jane Thomas passed away unexpectedly on March 22, 2022, at the age of 58 in Jupiter, Florida. Her death, initially reported as sudden, was later determined to be an accident caused by complications from an elective surgery. According to the autopsy report, the cause of death was a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) that was accidentally punctured during a procedure the day before. The procedure was an elective liposuction and breast augmentation. This tragic event brought an end to their 31-year marriage and sent shockwaves through the country music community, highlighting the fragility of life even among those in the spotlight.

Wife #4: Brandi Williams (2023–Present) - A New Chapter

After a period of mourning following Mary Jane's death, Hank Williams Jr. found love again and entered his fourth marriage. In a move that surprised many fans but was a testament to his resilient spirit, the country legend married his fiancée, Brandi Williams (née Brandi Finn), in the fall of 2023.

The couple's story is unique: they were friends for two decades before their relationship turned romantic and they decided to tie the knot. They got engaged in May 2023 and were married in a small ceremony on September 9, 2023, at Enon Baptist Church in Banks, Alabama. The news was confirmed via a social media post, which shared the first photo of the beaming newlyweds with the simple caption: "Mr. and Mrs. Hank Williams Jr!"

Brandi Williams has stepped into the role of wife to one of country music's most enduring figures, offering support and companionship during this new phase of his life. While details about Brandi's background remain private, her marriage to Williams Jr. signals a commitment to moving forward and honoring the "Family Tradition" by continuing to embrace life and love.

The Williams Family Legacy: Topical Authority Entities

The marital history of Hank Williams Jr. is intrinsically linked to the broader legacy of the Williams family in music. The women he married became mothers to the next generation of artists, ensuring the family name remains prominent in the industry. The collective entity of the Williams family—including his father Hank Williams, his mother Audrey Williams, his son Hank Williams III (outlaw country), and his daughters Holly and Hilary Williams (singer-songwriters)—represents one of the most powerful dynasties in American music history. His four marriages have created a complex, multi-generational family tree that continues to influence the genres of country, Southern rock, and blues.

The stability and support provided by his wives, particularly during his recovery from the 1975 accident and the recent tragedies, underscore the importance of his personal life to his enduring professional success. The recent marriage to Brandi Williams, a woman with whom he shared a long-standing friendship, suggests a focus on companionship and peace in his later years, solidifying the narrative of a man who has lived a life as big and bold as his music.

hank williams jr wife
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hank williams jr wife
hank williams jr wife

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