Who is Ernestine Harvin? Know About Little Richard’s Ex-Wife

Ernestine Harvin is the ex-wife of the late musician, Little Richard aka Richard Wayne Penniman. The two married after meeting at church where Ernestine was a Bible student.

The rock star has already passed away, but his legacy has lived on. That’s why people are still curious about the people who were a major part of his life, which obviously includes his ex-wife Ernestine. So, let’s get to know Ernestine a little more.

Key Takeaways

• Ernestine Harvin is 88 years of age as of 2023.
• She is the ex-wife of rock and roll legend, Little Richard.
• They were married from 1959 to 1964.
• Richard adopted his son, Danny Jones, after his divorce from Ernestine.
• Ernestine is currently married to her husband, Mcdonald Campbell.

Ernestine Harvin’s Age and Family

Ernestine was born in November 1935, in Washington, D.C., US. When it comes to her family, Ernestine has managed to keep her parents and siblings away from media attention.

But she does have some relatives mentioned out there: Termyran Howard, Matthew S. Tompkins, Mark Merrell, and Amanda Merrell.

Ernestine Harvin Was Married to Little Richard

Ernestine was previously married to rock singer Little Richard. She met her husband at an evangelical rally in October 1957, when the rockstar was delving into his faith in God.

Two years after they were in a relationship, the two exchanged their wedding vows on July 11, 1959, in California.

They maintained a decent relationship in their marriage until the union ended in divorce in 1964.

Their Separation Caused by Richard’s Sexuality?

When the couple split, Ernestine Harvin stated that it was because she found it difficult to get used to Richard’s status as a celebrity. However, the singer insisted that the separation was brought about because of his neglectful behavior and his sexuality.

They Did Not Have Children Together

Ernestine and Richard never welcomed any child during their marriage. However, the singer did adopt a 14-year-old boy named Danny Jones, in 1984.

He adopted his son after Danny’s mother, Creola Jones, died. Creola was a church associate at the church Richard went to.

As of now, Danny is already 52 years of age and has been doing music of his own for some time now.

His Ever-Changing Sexuality

Throughout his life, Richard was always open about his confusion over his sexuality, often claiming to be gay. But in 1982, he took his faith to Church and somehow convinced himself that he was no longer gay.

“God gave me the victory. I’m not gay now, but, you know I was gay all my life. I believe I was one of the first gay people to come out. But God let me know that he made Adam be with Eve, not Steve,” Richard claimed during his appearance on Late Night with David Letterman, in 1982.

Ernestine Remarried After Richard

After divorcing Little Richard, Ernestine remarried her current husband, Mcdonald Campbell, in 1975. They walked down the aisle on March 23, in Santa Barbara, California.

She took her husband’s last name and people are more familiar with her as Ernestine Campbell now.

Richard’s Relationship Before Ernestine

Only a year before meeting Ernestine, Richard was seeing Audrey Robinson who would later take the name ‘Lee Angel.’

Angel was as young as 16 when the two first met and she didn’t even like rock music. However, they hit it off anyway, culturing an uncommon physical relationship, where Richard would invite other men to their bed.

What did Ernestine Harvin do?

Although the details are scarce, Harvin worked as a secretary at one point in her life. There are no records of her other works elsewhere.

Net Worth

Harvin has a net worth of at least $300k. On the other hand, her late ex-husband, Little Richard was worth $40 million at the time of his death.

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