Ernestine Campbell was not a celebrity or performer, but her name is deeply connected to one of the biggest legends in rock and roll history — Little Richard. While the world knows Little Richard for his energetic performances, wild personality, and groundbreaking music, few people know much about the woman who once shared his heart.
Ernestine Campbell, also known as Ernestine Harvin, lived a life completely opposite to her famous husband’s. She valued peace, privacy, and faith over fame and spotlight. Though she married one of the most flamboyant entertainers of the 20th century, she preferred to stay away from media attention.
This is the untold story of Ernestine Campbell — her early life, her marriage to Little Richard, the reasons behind their divorce, and the quiet legacy she left behind.
Profile Bio: Ernestine Campbell
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ernestine Harvin Campbell |
| Date of Birth | October 31, 1935 |
| Place of Birth | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Occupation | Secretary (U.S. Navy Department) |
| Known For | Ex-wife of Little Richard |
| Marriage to Little Richard | July 12, 1959 – 1964 |
| Second Husband | McDonald Campbell |
| Children | None (Little Richard later adopted Danny Penniman) |
| Date of Death | May 9, 2010 |
| Age at Death | 74 years |
| Religion | Christian |
| Net Worth | $100,000 – $1 million |
Early Life of Ernestine Campbell
Ernestine Campbell was born on October 31, 1935, in Washington, D.C., United States. She was raised in a loving African-American Christian family. From her early years, she showed strong values, simplicity, and dedication to her work.
Unlike many who were drawn to fame, Ernestine was a private person. She worked as a secretary and later served in the Navy Department in Washington, D.C. This shows that she was responsible, career-oriented, and hardworking.
Ernestine’s early life details remain limited because she never sought public attention. She valued her privacy deeply, and most of her background remains personal. But what’s clear is that she grew up with faith and integrity — values that guided her throughout her life.
How Ernestine Campbell Met Little Richard
Ernestine’s life changed forever in October 1957 when she met Richard Wayne Penniman — the man the world knows as Little Richard. Their meeting was not at a concert or party but at a religious event, an evangelical rally in California.
At that time, Little Richard had temporarily stepped away from music to focus on religion. Both Ernestine and Richard shared a deep faith, and that spiritual connection brought them together.
Despite their very different personalities, they connected instantly. Ernestine was calm, humble, and quiet, while Richard was energetic, colorful, and famous worldwide. Yet, she saw something deeper in him — a man searching for peace and purpose beyond fame. Their faith-based connection quickly grew into love.
The Marriage of Ernestine Campbell and Little Richard
After two years of courtship, Ernestine Campbell and Little Richard got married on July 12, 1959, in Santa Barbara, California. The wedding was private, simple, and intimate — exactly the kind of celebration Ernestine preferred.
At that time, Little Richard was taking a break from show business, so the couple hoped to live a peaceful, faith-centered life together. They shared a home, prayed together, and tried to build a future away from fame and noise.
For a while, their marriage worked beautifully. Ernestine supported her husband’s spiritual journey, and they enjoyed a calm life together. But as Richard’s fame continued to grow, the pressures of being married to a celebrity began to show.
Life as Little Richard’s Wife
Being Little Richard’s wife was never easy. Richard was already a global superstar known for songs like Tutti Frutti and Long Tall Sally. Fans adored him, the media followed him, and fame surrounded their every move.
Ernestine Campbell, however, preferred a quiet and simple life. She didn’t like constant attention, interviews, or cameras flashing. The celebrity lifestyle made her uncomfortable.
Richard, on the other hand, was struggling internally — between his deep religious faith and his love for performing. This emotional conflict created tension in their relationship. Ernestine tried her best to be understanding and supportive, but the lifestyle difference was too big.
Over time, the couple began to drift apart, not because of hatred, but because of different life goals.
Why Ernestine Campbell and Little Richard Divorced
After five years of marriage, Ernestine Campbell and Little Richard divorced in 1964. The split was not dramatic or filled with public fights. Instead, it was a quiet, respectful decision made by two people who realized they wanted different lives.
Ernestine said that she couldn’t handle the pressure of being married to someone so famous. She wanted peace, a simple home, and privacy. Richard’s fame made that impossible.
Little Richard later admitted that his struggles with identity and faith played a part in their breakup. He confessed that he had neglected Ernestine and wasn’t the husband she deserved. He also spoke openly about his sexuality and how it affected their marriage.
Even after their divorce, Richard never spoke badly of Ernestine. He always referred to her as a “good woman” and showed respect for her throughout his life.
Ernestine Campbell After the Divorce
After the divorce, Ernestine Campbell disappeared completely from the public eye. She didn’t seek interviews, fame, or attention. Instead, she quietly returned to a peaceful life away from the media.
She continued her professional work and focused on her own happiness. Ernestine didn’t rely on her former husband’s fame or money. She lived independently, upholding her values of dignity and privacy.
Her silence and absence from public life made many people curious about her. Some even didn’t know Little Richard had ever been married. That’s how private Ernestine truly was.
Did Ernestine Campbell and Little Richard Have Children?
No, Ernestine Campbell and Little Richard never had biological children together. However, years later, Richard adopted a boy named Danny Jones Penniman in 1984.
Danny was 14 years old when Richard adopted him. He was the son of Richard’s close friend, Creola Jones, who asked the singer to take care of him after his father passed away. Danny became very close to Little Richard and often worked with him on tours as a bodyguard and assistant.
Although Ernestine was not part of this chapter, it’s clear that both she and Richard shared a love for family and care for others.
Ernestine Campbell’s Second Marriage
Ernestine Campbell found love again after her divorce from Little Richard. On March 23, 1975, she married McDonald Campbell in Santa Barbara, California.
Unlike her first marriage, this relationship stayed entirely private. Ernestine and McDonald never appeared in public or spoke to the media about their life together. This time, she got the quiet, peaceful life she had always dreamed of.
Not much is known about McDonald Campbell, but it’s evident that Ernestine found comfort in living outside the fame and attention that came with being Little Richard’s wife.
Is Ernestine Campbell Still Alive?
No, Ernestine Campbell passed away on May 9, 2010, at the age of 74. Her death was not publicly announced, and no official obituary was released.
She lived her final years quietly, far from cameras and headlines. Interestingly, she died exactly ten years before Little Richard, who passed away on May 9, 2020.
The fact that both of them passed on the same date — a decade apart — touched many fans who saw it as a sign of their lasting connection.
Little Richard’s Thoughts on Ernestine Campbell
Even years after their divorce, Little Richard always spoke about Ernestine with respect and affection. He described her as kind, supportive, and deeply spiritual.
In several interviews, he admitted that he was not ready for marriage at the time and that his struggles with fame and personal identity made things difficult. Despite that, he never blamed Ernestine and always honored her memory as someone who brought stability and warmth to his life.
Ernestine Campbell’s Career and Net Worth
Before and after her marriage, Ernestine Campbell worked as a secretary. Her most notable position was with the Navy Department in Washington, D.C.
She was known for her professionalism, independence, and quiet strength. Unlike many who might have used a famous spouse’s name for fame or money, Ernestine earned her living honestly.
At the time of her passing in 2010, her estimated net worth ranged between $100,000 and $1 million, mostly from her personal career and savings — not from Little Richard’s wealth.
This shows how self-reliant and strong she was throughout her life.
Legacy of Ernestine Campbell
Ernestine Campbell’s legacy is not about fame, glamour, or wealth. It’s about grace, privacy, and quiet dignity. She lived her life on her own terms, never letting fame define her.
Her story reminds us that not everyone connected to celebrities seeks attention. Some people, like Ernestine, choose peace over publicity and personal happiness over headlines.
Even though she is best remembered as Little Richard’s ex-wife, Ernestine’s quiet strength and humility make her story unforgettable.
Conclusion
Ernestine Campbell may not have lived in the spotlight, but her life story shines in its own quiet way. She was a woman of faith, independence, and dignity. While Little Richard transformed music forever, Ernestine reminded the world that true happiness doesn’t always come from fame — sometimes it’s found in peace, privacy, and love.
Her story remains an inspiring example of grace and strength — proving that even in a world full of noise, it’s okay to choose silence and serenity.
FAQs About Ernestine Campbell
1. Who was Ernestine Campbell?
Ernestine Campbell was the ex-wife of rock and roll legend Little Richard. She worked as a secretary and lived a private, faith-based life.
2. When was Ernestine Campbell born?
She was born on October 31, 1935, in Washington, D.C.
3. When did Ernestine Campbell marry Little Richard?
They married on July 12, 1959, in Santa Barbara, California.
4. Why did Ernestine Campbell and Little Richard divorce?
They divorced in 1964 because of lifestyle differences and Richard’s struggles with fame and identity.
5. Did Ernestine Campbell and Little Richard have any children?
No, they did not have children together.
6. Did Ernestine Campbell marry again?
Yes, she married McDonald Campbell in 1975.
7. What was Ernestine Campbell’s profession?
She worked as a secretary, including a position with the U.S. Navy Department.
8. Is Ernestine Campbell still alive?
No, she passed away on May 9, 2010, at age 74.
9. What was Ernestine Campbell’s net worth?
Her net worth was estimated between $100,000 and $1 million.
10. What made Ernestine Campbell special?
Her humility, privacy, and dignity in handling fame made her stand out as a woman of quiet strength.
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