When Elaine Okamura said “I do” to Wayne Newton in 1968, her life changed overnight. She was just a young woman from Hawaii, working as a flight attendant. Wayne, on the other hand, was quickly becoming one of the biggest stars in Las Vegas.
Their wedding looked like a fairytale, and for many years, they were seen as a perfect couple. But behind the bright lights and happy photos, there was much more to their story.
In this article, we’ll explore the life of Elaine Okamura, also known as Wayne Newton’s ex-wife. We’ll talk about her early days, her marriage, their daughter, and where she is now.
Elaine Okamura Quick Bio
| Full Name | Elaine Okamura |
| Birth Year | 1944 |
| Age (2026) | 82 years old |
| Birthplace | Honolulu, Hawaii, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Japanese-American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Education | Kaimuki High School |
| Career | Former Flight Attendant |
| Famous For | Wayne Newton’s Ex-Wife |
| Husband (Ex) | Wayne Newton (m. 1968–1985) |
| Daughter | Erin Newton (adopted, 1976) |
| Sibling | Shirley Kajioka |
| Net Worth | Not publicly known |
| Current Life | Living privately, possibly in Hawaii |
Who Is Elaine Okamura?
Elaine Okamura is best known as the first wife of Wayne Newton, a famous singer and performer known as “Mr. Las Vegas.” While Wayne stayed in the spotlight, Elaine chose a more private life.
She didn’t come from a showbiz background. In fact, she lived a quiet and simple life before meeting Wayne. But once they got married, her name became known across the country. People remember her not just for being Wayne Newton’s ex-wife, but also for her grace and silence after their divorce.
Even today, many people search her name, wondering where she is and what happened to her after she stepped away from the spotlight.
Elaine Okamura’s Early Life in Hawaii
Elaine was born in 1944 in Honolulu, Hawaii. That makes her 82 years old in 2026. She grew up in a warm and close family and has a sister named Shirley Kajioka.
Elaine went to Kaimuki High School, a well-known school in Honolulu. Not much is known about her parents, because Elaine always liked to keep her personal life quiet. But those who knew her said she was calm, kind, and carried herself with grace.
Growing up in Hawaii, surrounded by nature and culture, gave her a peaceful spirit. This calmness stayed with her even when she entered the loud and busy world of showbiz.
Her Career Before Fame
Before she became Wayne Newton’s wife, Elaine worked as a flight attendant. Back in the 1960s, this job was seen as exciting and classy. Flight attendants were admired for their style and confidence, and Elaine fit that image well.
She wasn’t trying to become famous. She didn’t chase the spotlight or look for celebrity attention. She was just doing her job, flying across the country, helping passengers, and living a simple life.
But life had a different plan for her. One day, she met a rising star named Wayne Newton. That meeting changed everything.
How Elaine Okamura Met Wayne Newton
We don’t know the full details of how Elaine and Wayne met, but most believe it happened in the mid-1960s. At that time, Wayne Newton was already becoming a big name in Las Vegas. His voice, charm, and hit songs like Danke Schoen made him a star.
Wayne was only 26 years old when he met Elaine. He was taken by her natural beauty and gentle personality. Their romance moved quickly, and in December 1967, Wayne asked her to marry him. It happened on Christmas Day, making it a holiday she would never forget.
The Wedding That Caught Everyone’s Attention
Just a few months after the proposal, the couple got married on June 1, 1968. The wedding took place at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas — a place famous for hosting many celebrity weddings.
After the ceremony, about 75 guests joined them for a reception at the Flamingo Hotel. Elaine was only 23 years old, and her new life as Mrs. Wayne Newton had just begun.
Photos from their wedding day show a young, happy couple. People across the country were excited about their love story. The media followed their every move, and they became one of the most admired couples in entertainment.
Life as Wayne Newton’s Wife
Being married to “Mr. Las Vegas” came with many exciting moments — red carpets, big shows, and famous friends. But it also meant being in the public eye all the time.
Elaine often joined Wayne at his performances and events. She smiled beside him at shows, interviews, and charity galas. But deep down, she was a private person. While Wayne loved the spotlight, Elaine preferred a quiet life.
Still, she supported him. During the 1970s, when Wayne was performing almost every night and gaining massive fame, Elaine stood by his side. Many said she was his rock during those busy years.
Becoming Parents
After several years of marriage, Elaine and Wayne wanted to start a family. In 1976, they adopted a baby girl named Erin Newton. That moment changed Elaine’s life once again — this time, into motherhood.
Elaine focused all her love and time on raising Erin. Even though they lived in the spotlight, Elaine worked hard to give her daughter a normal and loving home. She was known to be a hands-on mom, always putting Erin’s needs first.
Being a mother was one of her greatest joys. She did everything she could to protect her daughter from the stress and attention that came with Wayne’s fame.
Why Elaine Okamura and Wayne Newton Divorced
To the outside world, Elaine Okamura and Wayne Newton looked like the perfect couple. But like many relationships in the spotlight, their marriage had struggles behind the scenes.
After being together for 17 years, the couple quietly ended their marriage in 1985. They never shared the full reason for their divorce, and that’s likely because both of them valued their privacy. There was no loud fight in public, no interviews, and no drama in the media.
Many believe that Wayne’s busy schedule may have played a big role. He was always traveling, performing, or working late nights. Elaine, who loved her calm and quiet life, might have found it hard to live in the fast-moving world of showbiz for so long. In the end, they went their separate ways with respect.
Elaine Okamura’s Life After the Divorce
After the divorce, Elaine Okamura chose to step away from the spotlight. While Wayne Newton continued to perform and appear on TV, Elaine quietly moved on.
She stayed focused on her daughter, Erin Newton, and continued to live a private life. There are no reports of Elaine remarrying, and she has never spoken publicly about her past. That’s something many people admire about her — she never tried to use fame to stay in the news.
Elaine did make a few rare public appearances, such as at events in New York City and Las Vegas, but they were quiet and respectful. Some event photos even listed her as Elaine Newton, showing that she may have still been connected to Wayne’s world in small ways.
Where Is Wayne Newton’s Ex-Wife Today?
So, where is Wayne Newton’s ex-wife now?
As of 2026, Elaine Okamura is believed to still be living a peaceful life. Some reports suggest she may be in Hawaii, where she was born. Others think she might be living somewhere in the U.S. near her daughter. But the truth is — nobody knows for sure.
She has done a great job of protecting her privacy. Unlike many other celebrity ex-wives, Elaine never did TV interviews or wrote books about her famous past. She chose peace over attention and kept her life simple and quiet.
And honestly, that decision shows strength. Not everyone can walk away from fame and stay silent for decades.
Elaine Okamura’s Net Worth and Legacy
Elaine’s exact net worth is not known. She likely received a fair settlement from her divorce in 1985, but those details were never shared with the public.
Her ex-husband, Wayne Newton, is worth around $50 million, thanks to his long music and acting career. But Elaine never talked about money or used her ex-husband’s name to gain anything.
Instead, her true legacy is her grace and silence. She was there during Wayne’s rise to fame, standing beside him at his best moments. She raised their daughter with care. And when the marriage ended, she walked away quietly.
Even today, people still search for her name because they remember the woman behind the man — the one who never needed the spotlight to shine.
Final Thoughts
Elaine Okamura started as a young woman working in the skies. She became the wife of one of the biggest stars in Las Vegas. She lived a glamorous life for a time, but later chose something more important — peace, privacy, and family.
She didn’t chase fame or use her name to stay popular. Instead, she focused on what mattered most to her. Her daughter. Her privacy. Her calm life.
That’s why, even today, people are still curious about her. She represents quiet strength. And her story — the untold story of Wayne Newton’s ex-wife — continues to inspire people who value love, dignity, and grace.
(FAQs)
Does Elaine Okamura have a daughter?
Elaine and Wayne Newton adopted a baby girl named Erin Newton in 1976. Elaine raised her with love, and Erin lives a quiet life today.
How much money does Elaine Okamura have?
No one knows her exact net worth. But she may have received money after her divorce from Wayne Newton, who is worth around $50 million.
Is Elaine Okamura part of the Ford family?
Some people get confused, but Elaine has no link to the Ford car company. She is from Hawaii and has Japanese-American roots.
Where is Elaine Okamura now?
After her divorce in 1985, Elaine stayed away from the spotlight. She lives a very private life. Some people think she may still live in Hawaii, but no one knows for sure.
How old is Elaine Okamura now?
Elaine was born in 1944 in Honolulu. That means she is 82 years old in 2026. Her exact birthday has not been shared.
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