Where Is Ernestine Campbell Now? Details On Little Richards’ Ex-Wife

Ernestine Campbell is the former secretary from Washington, D.C. She is most famous as the ex-wife of American musician, singer, and songwriter Little Richard. She was married to the singer for a very brief period but grabbed enough attention and fame. In fact, she is still identified in the media and among the public as his former wife.

But despite all the fame, very little about her is revealed in the media. The reason behind Ernestine’s divorce is still a mystery. Since she moved on from her high-profile relationship years ago, how is her life at present? Does she have any children?

In this article, we have brought to you every fact about her including her career, age, marital relationships, and a lot more.

Ernestine Campbell Bio, Age, Early Life

The ex-wife of Little Richard, Ernestine Campbell was born on October 31, 1935, in the United States. As of 2023, she is 87 years of age. Her birth name is Ernestine Harvin. She has not revealed the details about her parents, but she comes from a well-to-do Navy family. She is a close relative of Doris Campbell, & Freka Diedra Merrell.

During her childhood, Campbell moved to different places along with her parents. She has spent time in several places in the United States that include Diamond Bar, Lynchburg, Los Angeles, and several others.

Ernestine Campbell Was Married To Music Legend Richard Wayne Penniman

As we just stated, Ernestine was married to singer and songwriter Richard Wayne Penniman, aka, Little Richard. The former husband and wife married on July 12, 1959, in California. Their wedding was a lavish ceremony with a lot of their friends and family members ins attendance.

Ernestine and Richard first met back in October 1957, at an evangelical rally. The couple clicked right in their first meeting and soon began dating. The newlywed couple was pretty much well-bonded in the initial years of their marriage. She even reported on multiple occasions that she had a happy marriage with a normal sexual relationship with Richard.

But despite all the bonding and chemistry, their marriage soon started falling apart. Almost after 4 years into marriage, the couple divorced in 1964.

The Reason Behind Ernestine’s Divorce

It was unexpected but Ernestine and Richard divorced just around 4 years of marriage. As per Harvin, her marriage ended because of her ex-spouse’s celebrity status.

Moreover, Richard had also admitted that he was a neglectful husband which led their marriage to fall apart. Further, he also said that his sexuality could also be one reason.

Ernestine Campbell Did Not Have A Child Of Her Own

Though she was married for over 4 years, she did not have any children of her own. However, her ex-husband, Richard later adopted a 14-year-old boy named Danny Jones in 1984.

Well, Richard was very close to his son and they were often seen together as he grew up. There are also reports that Richard and Danny were together so much that he seemed like his father’s bodyguard.

Besides, talking about Ernestine not having any kids, she said that she never felt they needed to have one. In the book “The Life and Times of Little Richard,” Harvin stated that she does not regret not having any child and was rather happy being close to her husband. She said,

“I don’t regret that we didn’t have children because we always had each other. We’re still very close. It doesn’t matter who comes or goes, I’m usually in touch with him and he stays in touch with me.”

Her Ex-Husband Died in 2020

Ernestine Campbell’s ex-husband, Little Richard, born Richard Penniman died at the age of 87 on May 9, 2020. Richard’s lawyer Bill Sobel announced his death in a statement in which he revealed the veteran musician died of bone cancer.

He was born Richard Wayne Penniman in Macon, Georgia on December 5, 1932. As a matter of fact, Richard was the third of 12 children born to his parents Charles and Leva Mae Penniman. Richard was surrounded by his siblings and son Dany at the time of his death.

She Married For The Second Time To Mcdonald Campbell

Harvin was not married just once. But after her divorce from her first husband, she remarried. After her divorce in 1964, she took a break of over 9 years before she finally took the decision to walk down the aisle for the second time.

This time, she married Mcdonald Campbell. The wedding ceremony was held on March 23, 1975, in Santa Barbara, California. However, ever since their marriage, the couple has barely made any public appearances. There are, unfortunately, no updates on their relationship at present.

However, we hope they are doing well as a couple.

Ernestine Campbell Is A Former Secretary From Washington, D.C

Not many know, but Campbell has been in a prestigious post in the past. She is reportedly a former secretary from Washington D.C. Apart from serving in this position, she has also served in the Navy.

As mentioned in the book The Life and Times of Little Richard, Ernestine belongs to a family of Navy. In fact, she even worked at the Department of the Navy in the past.

Where Is Ernestine Campbell Now?

Since her divorce from Richard, Campbell has become a virtual recluse. She has completely avoided the media and keeps herself away from the public. It looks like she does not enjoy media attention anymore. She has even avoided social media.

If sources are to be believed, she reportedly lives in Colton, CA, at present. Hopefully, she is living her life to the fullest.