What Happened To Jerry Lee Lewis First Wife?
Jerry Lee Lewis, often known as “The Killer” for his fierce piano playing style, is a legendary figure in rock and roll history. His music career was marked by his energetic performances and hit songs such as “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.” However, his personal life, particularly his marriages, has been equally tumultuous and controversial. Among the most talked-about aspects of his life is the fate of his first wife, Dorothy Barton.
Who Was Dorothy Barton?
Dorothy Barton was the first wife of Jerry Lee Lewis. They were married in February 1952 when Lewis was just 16 years old, and Dorothy was reportedly 17. The marriage took place in Hernando, Mississippi, and was the beginning of Lewis’s complex marital history.
The Marriage of Jerry Lee Lewis and Dorothy Barton
Their marriage was short-lived, lasting only 20 months. Little is known about Dorothy and her life with Lewis, as she has remained out of the spotlight, especially compared to Lewis’s later spouses. The reasons for their divorce are not well-documented, but it is speculated that the strains of Lewis’s early career and personal issues led to their separation.
Life After Divorce
Following her divorce from Jerry Lee Lewis, Dorothy Barton largely disappeared from the public eye. Unlike Lewis’s subsequent wives, she did not remain a public figure or continue to be associated with the music industry. Her life post-divorce is shrouded in privacy, and she has maintained a low profile throughout the years.
Jerry Lee Lewis’s Marital History
Understanding what happened to Dorothy Barton requires a look at Jerry Lee Lewis’s complex marital history. Lewis has been married seven times, with some of his marriages overlapping and causing scandal.
- Married Dorothy Barton (1952-1953)
- Married Jane Mitchum (1953-1957)
- Married Myra Gale Brown (1957-1970)
- Married Jaren Elizabeth Gunn Pate (1971-1982)
- Married Shawn Stephens (1983-1983)
- Married Kerrie McCarver (1984-2005)
- Married Judith Brown (2012-present)
Controversies Surrounding Jerry Lee Lewis’s Marriages
Jerry Lee Lewis’s third marriage to Myra Gale Brown, his 13-year-old cousin once removed, in 1957 caused a scandal that nearly ended his career. This marriage overshadowed his previous marriage to Dorothy Barton and brought significant negative media attention to Lewis.
The Impact on Jerry Lee Lewis’s Career
The scandal surrounding his marriage to Myra Gale Brown led to boycotts of his music and cancellations of his tour dates, significantly impacting his career. However, the fate of his first wife, Dorothy Barton, remained largely out of the public discourse.
Speculations and Rumors
Due to the lack of information about Dorothy Barton, there have been various speculations and rumors about her life after divorcing Jerry Lee Lewis. Some believe she may have remarried and lived a quiet life away from the limelight, while others speculate that she may have struggled with the notoriety of being associated with Lewis.
Privacy and Lack of Public Records
Dorothy Barton’s desire for privacy has made it difficult for historians and fans to track her movements and life events after her marriage to Lewis. There are no public records or reliable sources that provide a clear picture of her life post-divorce.
Reflection on the Era and Women’s Roles
The lack of information about Dorothy Barton also reflects the era in which she was married to Jerry Lee Lewis. During the 1950s, women’s roles were often defined by their relationships with men, and their personal stories were frequently overshadowed by their husbands’ actions and fame.
Table: Summary of Dorothy Barton and Jerry Lee Lewis’s Marriage
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Marriage Date | February 1952 |
| Duration of Marriage | 20 months |
| Dorothy’s Age at Marriage | 17 years old (reportedly) |
| Jerry Lee Lewis’s Age at Marriage | 16 years old |
| Divorce | October 1953 |
| Post-Divorce Information | Largely unknown/undocumented |
Attempts to Uncover Dorothy Barton’s Story
Over the years, there have been attempts by journalists and biographers to uncover the story of Dorothy Barton. However, these efforts have been met with limited success due to the lack of records and Barton’s own choice to stay out of the public eye.
Respecting Privacy
While public interest in Dorothy Barton’s life remains, there is also a growing understanding and respect for her privacy. As such, many have chosen not to pursue her story aggressively, acknowledging her right to live her life away from the scrutiny that comes with being associated with a famous figure like Jerry Lee Lewis.
FAQ Section
How long were Jerry Lee Lewis and Dorothy Barton married?
They were married for 20 months, from February 1952 to October 1953.
Did Dorothy Barton have any children with Jerry Lee Lewis?
There is no public record or confirmation of Dorothy Barton having any children with Jerry Lee Lewis.
Why is there so little information about Dorothy Barton?
Dorothy Barton has maintained a low profile and has chosen to live her life privately. Additionally, the era in which she was married to Lewis did not emphasize the individual stories of women, especially those married to famous men.
Conclusion
The story of Jerry Lee Lewis’s first wife, Dorothy Barton, is one shrouded in mystery and privacy. While much of Lewis’s life has been documented and scrutinized, Barton has chosen a path away from the public eye. Her story serves as a reminder of the personal costs associated with fame and the often overlooked narratives of those who are part of a celebrity’s life. Despite the curiosity surrounding her fate, Dorothy Barton’s decision to live a private life has been largely respected, leaving her story as an untold chapter in the saga of rock and roll history.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qq3MoKalnKCWu6WtjZympmenna61eceap6mdnpqxbsDOZqGeqqKueq2xxGajnq%2BZqHqntdGsq2avmZuycA%3D%3D