Elaine Okamura may not be a household name on her own, but her connection with legendary entertainer Wayne Newton has kept her story alive in the spotlight. Known primarily as Newton’s first wife, Elaine lived a life away from fame yet remains an intriguing personality for fans of classic American entertainment.
This article provides a comprehensive look into Elaine Okamura’s biography, marriage, family life, and legacy, offering valuable insights and answering the most common questions about her.
Bio
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Elaine Okamura |
| Known For | First wife of singer Wayne Newton |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Place of Birth | United States (reportedly of Japanese-American heritage) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Asian-American (Japanese descent) |
| Spouse | Wayne Newton (m. 1968 – div. 1985) |
| Children | Erin Newton (born 1976) |
| Profession | Homemaker (lived mostly a private life) |
| Famous Wedding Venue | Little Church of the West, Las Vegas |
| Current Status | Living a private life away from the media spotlight |
Who is Elaine Okamura?
Elaine Okamura is best recognized as the first wife of Wayne Newton, one of America’s most beloved singers and entertainers, often nicknamed Mr. Las Vegas. While Wayne Newton’s career skyrocketed with timeless hits like Danke Schoen, Elaine preferred to live outside the spotlight, embracing a more private lifestyle.
Her story is often tied to her relationship with Newton, but she also had her own unique journey and role as a mother and partner during Newton’s early fame.
Early Life and Background
Not much is publicly documented about Elaine Okamura’s early life, but some sources suggest she has Japanese-American heritage. She was raised in the United States, where she would later cross paths with Newton during the height of his rising career in the 1960s.
Note: If verifiable new information about Elaine’s childhood and education surfaces, it would further enhance her biography for future readers.
Elaine Okamura and Wayne Newton
Marriage
Elaine Okamura married Wayne Newton on June 1, 1968, in a lavish ceremony held at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas—a venue famous for celebrity weddings. At the time, Wayne Newton was already a star, admired for his smooth voice and growing success on the Las Vegas Strip.
- Wedding Venue: Little Church of the West, Las Vegas
- Date: June 1, 1968
- Notable Guests: Family, friends, and entertainment figures of the era
Their marriage quickly became a subject of media attention, as Newton was one of the most popular entertainers of the late 1960s and 1970s.
Divorce
Despite the glamour, the marriage did not last. Elaine Okamura and Wayne Newton divorced in 1985, ending a relationship that spanned over 15 years. The couple cited personal differences, though details were kept private.
Divorce was challenging for Newton, who was balancing his entertainment career and financial struggles during that time. For Elaine, it marked the start of a more low-profile life.
Elaine’s Life After Divorce
Unlike many celebrity ex-spouses who continue to chase the spotlight, Elaine Okamura stepped away from fame after her divorce. She largely avoided media attention and chose to focus on her family and personal life.
In contrast, Wayne Newton remarried in 1994 to Kathleen McCrone, a lawyer from Ohio. This comparison often resurfaces in discussions about Newton’s personal life, but Elaine herself remained private.
Children and Family
Elaine Okamura and Wayne Newton share one daughter: Erin Newton, born in July 1976. Erin grew up away from excessive media exposure, though she occasionally appeared in public alongside her father.
- Daughter: Erin Newton (b. 1976)
- Grandchildren: While public records do not provide much detail, Erin is believed to have a family of her own today.
Elaine dedicated herself to raising her daughter, preferring a quieter life compared to Wayne Newton’s dazzling career.
Elaine Okamura Net Worth
Because Elaine lived a private life and did not pursue a public career, her net worth is not publicly disclosed. However, as part of her divorce settlement, she likely received financial support from Wayne Newton, whose net worth is estimated at around $50 million (as of 2025) [source].
Related: [Wayne Newton Net Worth 2025]
Public Perception and Media Coverage
Elaine Okamura rarely appeared in tabloids after her divorce. Her decision to remain private helped her avoid the controversies that sometimes followed Wayne Newton’s career, including financial disputes and lawsuits.
Still, she is remembered fondly as part of Newton’s life story, especially among fans who followed his career in the 1960s–1980s.
Interesting Facts About Elaine Okamura
- She married Wayne Newton at one of Las Vegas’s most iconic wedding venues.
- Despite her connection to fame, she preferred privacy over publicity.
- Her daughter, Erin Newton, is her only known child.
- Elaine has often been described as elegant, supportive, and family-focused.
FAQs
1. Who is Elaine Okamura?
Elaine Okamura is the first wife of singer Wayne Newton. They were married from 1968 until 1985.
2. When did Elaine Okamura marry Wayne Newton?
She married Newton on June 1, 1968, at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas.
3. Do Elaine Okamura and Wayne Newton have children?
Yes, they have one daughter named Erin Newton, born in 1976.
4. What happened to Elaine Okamura after the divorce?
After her divorce, Elaine chose to live a private life away from media attention, focusing on family.
5. What is Elaine Okamura’s net worth?
Her personal net worth is not disclosed, but Wayne Newton’s fortune was substantial, and Elaine likely benefited from their divorce settlement.
6. Is Elaine Okamura still alive?
Yes, though she maintains a very private lifestyle.
Conclusion
Elaine Okamura’s story reflects the often-overlooked lives of celebrity spouses. While her ex-husband Wayne Newton dazzled the world with his voice and performances, Elaine built a life centered on family, privacy, and resilience.
Her journey serves as a reminder that behind every superstar is often a partner who sacrifices personal spotlight for the sake of stability and support.
