The Unbreakable Bond: Inside Della 'Bea' Robinson's 22-Year Marriage To Ray Charles And Her Life Today

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, universally known by her nickname 'Bea,' is a figure whose personal strength and enduring grace often stand in the shadow of her iconic ex-husband, the legendary musician Ray Charles. As of late 2024, Bea Robinson remains a pivotal, yet private, figure in the narrative of the 'Genius' of soul music, celebrated for her 22-year marriage—Ray Charles's longest—that weathered the explosive highs of his career alongside the devastating lows of addiction and persistent infidelity.

This article delves into the life of the woman who was Ray Charles's anchor during his most transformative years, examining the gospel singer's own journey, the tumultuous dynamics of their relationship, and the most current information available about her life today, nearly five decades after their divorce and two decades after Charles's death.

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: A Complete Biographical Profile

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, or 'Bea,' was a talented gospel singer who met Ray Charles at a critical juncture in his career. Their relationship began in Texas in 1954, leading to a marriage that would define a significant era of his life and music. Her life story is one of a devoted wife and mother navigating the chaotic world of a musical superstar.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

• Full Name: Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
• Nickname: Bea
• Date of Birth: Circa 1928 or 1929
• Place of Birth: United States
• Nationality: American
• Known For: Gospel singer; Second wife of Ray Charles Robinson
• First Marriage: Ray Charles's first wife was Eileen Williams (married 1951, divorced 1952).
• Marriage to Ray Charles: April 5, 1955
• Divorce Date: 1977
• Duration of Marriage: 22 years (Ray Charles's longest marriage)
• Children with Ray Charles: Three sons: Ray Charles Robinson Jr. (born 1955), David Robinson, and Robert Robinson (born 1961).
• Current Status: Believed to be alive as of late 2024. Some sources suggest she is in her mid-90s.

The 22-Year Anchor: Bea's Marriage to the 'Genius'

Bea Robinson married Ray Charles in 1955, a pivotal year that saw the birth of their first son, Ray Charles Robinson Jr., and the solidification of Charles's status as a crossover king. Their 22-year union—a remarkable feat given Charles's lifestyle—was a constant battleground between love, music, and the demons that plagued the soul legend.

Della Beatrice provided a sense of stability that was often missing in Charles's life. She was a grounding force, a constant presence who supported his career while raising their three sons: Ray Charles Robinson Jr., David Robinson, and Robert Robinson.

The Tumultuous Reality of Infidelity and Addiction

Despite the length of their marriage, the relationship was deeply troubled by Ray Charles's well-documented struggles. The primary factors leading to their eventual divorce in 1977 were Charles's persistent drug addiction (heroin, which he struggled with for decades) and his numerous extramarital affairs.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

Ray Charles was known to be a man "obsessed" with women, fathering a total of 12 children with 10 different "baby mamas" over the course of his life. Even while married to Della Beatrice, Charles had relationships with other women, including members of his backing vocal group, The Raelettes, such as Margie Hendricks, who was the mother of his son Charles Wayne Hendricks. Other women in Charles's life included Mae Mosely Lyles, Sandra Jean Betts, and Mary Chantal Bertrand.

The film *Ray* (2004), which chronicles Charles's life, did not shy away from depicting the intense arguments and emotional toll his infidelities and drug use took on Della Beatrice, illustrating her resilience and pain.

Life After Ray: Della Beatrice Robinson Today

Following their divorce in 1977, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson largely retreated from the public eye, choosing a private life away from the celebrity spotlight. This desire for privacy has made current information about her scarce, fueling speculation and occasional contradictory reports.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

However, the most recent and credible reports suggest that Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is still alive as of late 2024. Having been born in the late 1920s, she is now in her mid-90s, a testament to her longevity and quiet life following the highly public and stressful years with Ray Charles. There has been no official news or public announcement regarding her passing, which is the standard indicator for a public figure of her stature.

The Children and Charles's Legacy

Della Beatrice’s legacy is most visible through her three sons: Ray Charles Robinson Jr., David Robinson, and Robert Robinson. These children, particularly Ray Charles Jr. and Robert Robinson, have remained involved in the preservation of their father's memory and estate.

The family's involvement extends to The Ray Charles Foundation, which was established by Charles himself. The foundation is dedicated to providing support for hearing disorders and empowering young people through education. The foundation continues to make significant contributions, including large donations to neurosciences research at institutions like Cedars-Sinai, ensuring Ray Charles's philanthropic legacy endures.

The children, including the three sons Bea raised, are part of the complex story of Ray Charles's estate, which was structured to provide for all 12 of his children. The family has sometimes faced controversies and feuds over the artist's legacy, but the core family unit established by Della Beatrice remains a key part of the Ray Charles family tree.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords

To fully understand the life of Della Beatrice "Bea" Robinson, it is essential to consider the broader context of Ray Charles's world and musical dynasty. Key entities and concepts that are inextricably linked to her story include:

• Key Figures: Eileen Williams (First Wife), Margie Hendricks (The Raelettes), Ray Charles Robinson Jr., David Robinson, Robert Robinson, Valerie Ervin (President of The Ray Charles Foundation), Charles Wayne Hendricks.
• The Raelettes: Charles's all-female backing vocal group, with whom he had several affairs.
• The Film *Ray* (2004): The biographical film that brought the tumultuous details of their marriage to a global audience.
• Musical Genres: Gospel, R&B, Soul, Jazz.
• Charles's Struggles: Heroin Addiction, Infidelity, Blindness.
• The Ray Charles Foundation: The philanthropic organization focused on hearing disorders and education.
• The Estate Controversy: The well-publicized issues surrounding the inheritance and legacy of Charles's $75 million cash pot among his 12 children.
• Other 'Baby Mamas': Louise Flowers, Mae Mosely Lyles, Sandra Jean Betts, Mary Chantal Bertrand, Arlette Kotchounian, Gloria Moffett, Mary Anne den Bok, Norma Pinella.

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s life is a powerful narrative of resilience. She was the woman who stood by Ray Charles for over two decades, providing the foundation for his family while enduring the intense pressures of his fame and personal battles. Her quiet, private life today, free from the public drama, is perhaps the greatest testament to her strength and her desire to protect her own peace after a life lived in the eye of a musical storm.