Ernestine Campbell

Ernestine Campbell is known to be the former wife of rock icon Little Richard. She was married to Richard for a short time. Most people know her for being the former wife of Richard, but did you know she also is a former secretary from Washington, D.C., and worked for the Navy?

Campbell, born Ernestine Harvin, sadly passed away at 75. Let's take a moment to reflect on her life and understand who she was. Learn about her life and relationship with Richard when she was alive. Here is everything we know about Ernestine. 

Who is Ernestine Campbell?

Ernestine, previously known as Ernestine Harvin, was born on October 12, 1939, in Pennsylvania, United States. Not many details about her early life are known. However, Campbell was born during the Second World War and grew up amidst all the conflicts of the war. 

As she grew older, Ernestine decided to join the Navy. She was a former secretary from Washington, D.C., and worked at the Department of the Navy and the Jewish Federation. Campbell then met the American rock pioneer, Richard, while she was working as a secretary. 

Relationship Between Ernestine and Richard

Ernestine and Richard's love story began in the late 1950s at an evangelical rally. After their first meeting, they became a couple and tied the knot in 1959. Unfortunately, their journey did not last long, and the couple broke up just two years later.

Campbell and Richard were together from 1959 to 1963, but their time together was short. The American rock star, Richard, had a busy music career that made it challenging to focus on his marriage with Ernestine. Richard's neglectful behavior became the reason for their divorce.

Moreover, it later became known that Richard identified as gay, which also was one of the reasons behind their divorce. After their divorce in 1963, Campbell chose to stay away from the public eye and media, leading a private and secluded life.

Campbell Adopted a Son with Richard

Ernestine and Richard adopted a son into their family during their marriage. They adopted a fourteen-year-old boy named, Danny Jones Penniman. The couple adopted Danny after his biological mother passed away.

Danny's biological mother, Creola Jones, attended the same church as Little Richard. Sadly, Creola passed away when Danny was young, significantly impacting him. Going through tough times after the loss, Danny found support when Richard stepped in and officially adopted him during this difficult period.

Ernestine's Life After Divorce

Ernestine divorced the rock n roll idol, Richard in 1963. The main reason for their divorce was Richard's busy music career and issues with his sexuality. After the divorce, Ernestine moved to Colton, a city in California, where she spent her days out of media attention.

After parting ways with Richard, Campton settled into a peaceful life in Colton. She didn't pursue any other relationships, and the same held for Richard. After their divorce neither had any other relationships. 

Unfortunately, both Ernestine and Richard have passed away. Ernestine left the world at the age of 76, followed by Richard in 2020 at the age of 87. Richard battled cancer, and he took his last breath on May 9, 2020.

Ernestine Campbell Net Worth

Ernestine's estimated net worth was around $100k, similar to Rolf Aurness. Although this net worth might be low considering her former husband was the legendary American rock 'n' roll icon, Little Richard. Richard, having no other relationships, could have potentially supported her financially. 

As for the rock music pioneer himself, Little Richard's net worth was estimated to be around $40 million at the time of his passing. This substantial wealth was amassed through his highly successful and decades-spanning career in the music industry.

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