All About Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s Wife

Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole (born in 1962; Aged: 62 years old) is a Hawaiian native best known as the widow of the legendary musician, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole

The duo got married when they were in their early 20s and went on to enjoy one and half decades of marital bliss. Their union resulted in the birth of one child, who, in turn, bore five children.

When was Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole Born?

Going by the available information, Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole was born in 1962, but her exact date and month of birth have never been disclosed. Considering the lady’s birth year, her current age is pegged at 62. Marlene hails from the Honolulu region of Hawaii in the United States, which makes her a citizen of America. However, her ethnicity mix is not known.

There is no inkling to go by about her early life and family background, but according to a few online sources, the Hawaiian native’s given name at birth is Marlene Ah Lo; Kamakawiwoʻole is only her married name. Nothing has been said about her parents and siblings, if any.

Marlene went to school in her place of birth, Hawaii, and although it is common knowledge that she is a high school graduate, there is no information on further studies for Marlene. She is bilingual with fluency in both her native Hawaiian language and English.

She is the Widowed Wife of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Marlene was only ever married once in her lifetime. She is popularly known as the wife of Hawaiian musician Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. The duo tied the connubial knot in 1982 when Marlene just turned 20. Their wedding ceremony was a private affair with few guests and some family members.

The couple’s wedding coincided with the year that the famed musician lost his big brother, Skippy.

According to Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole, it was 15 years of marital bliss for them. In an interview session with Honolulu Advertiser, Israel’s widow revealed that she was not attracted to the singer because of his money. Marlene said she would have still chosen him even if he didn’t have a penny to his name.

She told a touching story of their time together as husband and wife. In her own words, Marlene reminisced how Israel would buy roses for her on a daily basis. The Hawaiian native said she learned how to move forward and not dwell in the past from her late husband.

What is Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole’s Husband Known For?

During his lifetime, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole gained fame as a Hawaiian musician, entertainer, as well as sovereignty activist. His years in the music industry were very successful; the singer dropped a total of four albums and takes the credit for releasing additional four compilation albums. To date, his album entitled Facing Future still has pride of place as “the best-selling Hawaiian album of all time.”

Israel released some unforgettable global hits like “What A Wonderful World” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” The two tracks went on to become featured songs in several TV shows and movies, including the likes of ER, Glee, Scrubs, Lost, and Life on Mars.

He won millions of hearts with singles like Hawai’i ’78, In This Life, and Maui Hawaiian Sup’pa Man.

What Happened to Marlene Kamakawiwo’s Husband?

Israel Kamakawiwoʻole was a victim of obesity with a body mass of 343 kg or 757 pounds. Needless to say, his excessive weight resulted in health problems like respiratory issues, which often landed him in the hospital.

It was while he was on admission at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center that the legendary musician kicked the bucket on the 26th of June 1997 at the age of 38.

The “voice of Hawaii,” as he was called, was eventually laid to rest on the 10th of July 1997 in the Hawaii State Capitol edifice. They later scattered his ash at Makua Beach.

How Many Children Does Marlene Kamakawiwo Have?

Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole is a mother of one. The widow of the legendary musician was barely one year into their union when she welcomed the only fruit of their union, Ceslie-Ann “Wehi’s, in 1983.

Ceslie-Ann’s name hit the airwaves in 2016 when she absconded after stealing a Mercedes SUV. Because of this incident, Israel’s only child was listed as the most wanted woman in Hawaii.

After she was apprehended by the authorities, the story resonated, leaving her father’s fans worried. Though the public was not intimated with how they resolved the case, Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole’s only child seems to have changed her ways, as no bad news was ever heard on her behalf again.

Ceslie-Ann is currently married with five children. Her kids, Kiara and Elijah Parker-Kamakawiwo’ole, took to music; they play the ukulele and frequently appear in local festivals singing their grandfather’s songs.

Where is Marlene Kamakawiwo Now?

Being someone that is totally averse to the limelight, Marlene Kamakawiwo wasted no time in retreating back to her former life after the death of her celebrity musician husband. However, it is common knowledge that she never remarried despite the fact that she was widowed at just 33. Marlene devoted the rest of her days to bringing up her only child.

In recent times, it was revealed that the mother of one went to adopt two of Ceslie-Ann “Wehi’s older children and has been busy raising her grandchildren. Marline is still resident in her Pearl City home with her daughter’s children. There was a time fans of the late musician wanted to know if his widow was still alive, and it was one of her grandchildren that took to social media to confirm that she was alive and kicking.

Getting updates about Israel’s wife has proved difficult since she has no presence on any social media platform.

What Does Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s Wife Do for a Living?

Because she is the type that loves to live her life away from the penetrating eyes of the media, Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole has kept the details of her professional life under wraps. Many have concluded that she never took to any profession since she was married to a celebrity, but it is possible that she might be engaged in one endeavor or the other.

What is Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole’s Net Worth?

After Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s demise, the legendary Hawaiian musician left the sum of $3 million behind. This money was inherited by his widow, and to date, online sources peg Marlene’s net worth at exactly the same amount.