admin Elaine Okamura is a name that may sound quiet today, but once, it was tied to one of America’s biggest stars — Wayne Newton. Known as the “Mr. Las Vegas” of entertainment, Wayne’s fame reached every corner of show business in the 1960s and 70s. But behind his success was a woman who shared that spotlight for 17 years. This is the story of Elaine Okamura, Wayne Newton’s first wife, her journey, their love story, their daughter, and what happened after their separation.
Quick Bio Table of Elaine Okamura
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Elaine Mariko Okamura |
| Known As | Wayne Newton’s First Wife |
| Birthplace | Honolulu, Hawaii, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Japanese-American |
| Profession | Former Flight Attendant |
| Famous For | Marriage to Wayne Newton |
| Married To | Wayne Newton (1968–1985) |
| Children | Erin Newton |
| Residence (Reported) | Hawaii, USA |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | Not Publicly Known |
| Current Status | Living a Private Life |
| Notable Traits | Graceful, Private, Independent |
Early Life of Elaine Okamura
Elaine Okamura was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in the mid-1940s. She came from a Japanese-American family that valued discipline, family, and respect. Before fame entered her life, she lived a normal, peaceful island life surrounded by Hawaii’s natural beauty.
Growing up in Honolulu, she dreamed of seeing the world. Her dream came true when she became a flight attendant, traveling across the Pacific and visiting countries like Japan and the U.S. mainland. This job would eventually change her life forever.
How Elaine Okamura Met Wayne Newton
While working as a flight attendant in the 1960s, Elaine Okamura met Wayne Newton, who was already becoming a household name for his smooth voice and charm. Their meeting felt like something out of a movie. Wayne was performing in Las Vegas, and Elaine’s career brought her through the city often.
They began dating soon after, and their love story quickly grew. In a world of flashing lights and fame, Elaine Okamura stood out for her calm nature and grace — qualities that deeply attracted Wayne Newton.
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Marriage to Wayne Newton
On June 1, 1968, Elaine Okamura and Wayne Newton were married at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas, one of the city’s most iconic wedding chapels. The event made headlines, drawing attention from fans and media.
Wayne Newton was at the top of his career, performing sold-out shows. Elaine Okamura, however, chose to live quietly, supporting her husband behind the scenes. She was often seen attending events but avoided fame, preferring privacy over public life.
Their Family and Daughter Erin
The couple welcomed their only daughter, Erin Newton, in 1976. Some reports say she was adopted, but regardless, both Elaine Okamura and Wayne Newton loved her deeply.
Erin grew up in a home filled with music, lights, and love. But the constant demands of Wayne’s entertainment career began to affect family time. As Wayne’s career flourished, Elaine Okamura focused on creating a stable life for their daughter away from the pressures of fame.
The Divorce of Elaine Okamura and Wayne Newton
After 17 years of marriage, Elaine Okamura and Wayne Newton divorced in 1985. The news surprised fans who believed their love was unbreakable.
While no official reason was made public, many sources suggest that Wayne’s busy schedule and the pressures of fame took a toll on their relationship. Unlike many celebrity divorces, Elaine Okamura handled the separation quietly and gracefully, avoiding drama or public disputes.
Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Elaine Okamura disappeared from the spotlight. She returned to a more private lifestyle, reportedly moving back closer to her family in Hawaii.
Unlike many ex-spouses of celebrities, she chose not to capitalize on her former fame. Instead, Elaine Okamura lived away from cameras, focusing on her peace, privacy, and her daughter Erin’s well-being. Her calm and private nature has kept her life mysterious but respected.
Career and Personal Achievements
Before marrying Wayne Newton, Elaine Okamura worked as a flight attendant, which was an admired job during the 1960s. She represented elegance and professionalism. After marriage, she stopped working to support Wayne’s growing career.
Even after her divorce, Elaine Okamura continued to live independently, reportedly involved in cultural and local community work, though she never returned to show business. Her ability to live privately in such a public world speaks volumes about her character.
Elaine Okamura Net Worth
When people search for “Elaine Okamura net worth,” they rarely find an answer. This is because she has always valued privacy and never revealed her finances publicly. Unlike Wayne Newton, whose earnings were frequently covered by the media, Elaine Okamura lived a modest, quiet life.
Some online estimates place her net worth in the lower million range, but there is no verified source confirming that. Her true wealth seems to lie in peace, independence, and dignity rather than financial fame.
Wayne Newton’s Life After Divorce
After his divorce from Elaine Okamura, Wayne Newton remarried. In 1994, he married Kathleen McCrone, a lawyer from Ohio. The couple had a daughter named Lauren Ashley Newton.
Many fans often ask, “How old is Wayne Newton’s wife now?” Kathleen McCrone was born in 1964, making her 61 years old in 2025. Unlike Elaine, Kathleen has often appeared at public events with Wayne, supporting his ongoing career in Las Vegas.
Where Is Elaine Okamura Now?
Today, Elaine Okamura lives a very private life, far away from the media. There are no verified reports of her remarrying after Wayne Newton.
Some sources mention she still resides in Hawaii, while others suggest she divides her time between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland. Regardless, Elaine Okamura remains respected by those who remember her grace and loyalty during her years with Wayne Newton.
Her Legacy and Influence
Though she stayed out of fame, Elaine Okamura left a quiet legacy. She showed that being connected to a celebrity doesn’t require living loudly. Her dignity, calm, and loyalty made her stand out among celebrity spouses of her time.
In many ways, Elaine Okamura became a symbol of grace and privacy — a woman who valued her own peace more than fame or money.
Interesting Facts About Elaine Okamura
- Elaine Okamura was a Japanese-American woman born in Honolulu, Hawaii.
- She worked as a Pan Am flight attendant before marriage.
- Married Wayne Newton in 1968 at the Little Church of the West.
- Mother of Erin Newton (born 1976).
- Divorced Wayne Newton in 1985 after 17 years.
- Lived quietly and never sought media attention.
- Contributed to oral history records at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
- Known for her grace, humility, and privacy.
Conclusion
The story of Elaine Okamura is one of quiet strength. While Wayne Newton’s fame filled the headlines, she supported him in silence and stepped away when fame became too heavy.
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Today, her life teaches an important lesson — that true happiness doesn’t always come from fame or wealth but from peace and self-respect. Even after decades, Elaine Okamura remains remembered not for her celebrity connection, but for her dignity, privacy, and grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Elaine Okamura?
Elaine Okamura is the first wife of Wayne Newton, a famous American singer. She was born in Honolulu and worked as a flight attendant before marriage.
2. When did Elaine Okamura marry Wayne Newton?
She married Wayne Newton on June 1, 1968, at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas.
3. What happened to Elaine Okamura after divorce?
After divorcing Wayne in 1985, Elaine Okamura chose a private life, likely returning to Hawaii, staying out of the public eye.
4. What is Elaine Okamura’s net worth?
Her net worth is not publicly known. She has lived privately and avoided public financial exposure.
5. How old is Wayne Newton’s current wife?
Wayne Newton’s wife, Kathleen McCrone, was born in 1964, making her 61 years old in 2025.
