Some people become famous because of their own work. Others become well-known because they marry someone famous. Elaine Okamura is one of those people. She lived a simple life in Hawaii, worked as a flight attendant, and her life changed when she married Wayne Newton, one of America’s most popular entertainers. Their marriage lasted almost two decades and made her a known person in Las Vegas. This article looks at Elaine’s life, her marriage, her family, and the quiet life she chose after her divorce.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Elaine Okamura |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1944 |
| Birthplace | Honolulu, Hawaii, USA |
| Age | 81 years old (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Background | Japanese-American |
| Education | Kaimuki High School, Honolulu |
| Profession | Former Flight Attendant |
| Famous For | Being Wayne Newton’s first wife |
| Marriage Date | June 1, 1968 |
| Divorce Year | 1985 |
| Children | One daughter, Erin Newton (born 1976) |
| Current Status | Living a private life |
Early Life in Hawaii
Elaine Okamura was born around 1944 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She came from a Japanese-American family and grew up during a time when Hawaii was becoming more connected to the mainland United States. Not much is known about her childhood because Elaine always preferred to keep her life private. She grew up with her sister, Shirley Kajioka, in the beautiful islands of Hawaii.
She went to Kaimuki High School in Honolulu. Growing up in Hawaii’s diverse and multicultural environment helped shape her calm and friendly personality. As a young woman, she decided to work as a flight attendant, which was considered a very exciting and special job in those days.
Career as a Flight Attendant
In the 1960s, being a flight attendant was seen as a wonderful and respected job. It allowed Elaine to travel to different places, meet interesting people from around the world, and live an independent life. This work was perfect for someone who loved adventure and meeting new people.
Her job required her to be professional, polite, and well-dressed at all times. Flight attendants in that time were admired for their grace and good service to passengers. This career also gave Elaine the chance to meet famous people and important figures who traveled by plane. One of these meetings would change her life forever.
Meeting Wayne Newton
Elaine’s path crossed with Wayne Newton in the late 1960s. Wayne was already becoming very famous at that time. Known as “Mr. Las Vegas,” he had built his career as a singer and entertainer. By the late 1960s, he was performing in the biggest hotels in Las Vegas and had recorded hit songs like “Danke Schoen” and “Red Roses for a Blue Lady.”
Wayne Newton was one of the most popular entertainers in America. He performed thousands of shows in Las Vegas and was loved by audiences everywhere. When Elaine met him, she was in her early twenties, working as a flight attendant. Their meeting likely happened because of her job, as Wayne traveled often for his concerts and shows.
Their romance grew quickly. At that time, Wayne was in his mid-twenties and already a rising star. Fans loved his music, his charm, and his powerful voice. When news came out that he was marrying a Hawaiian flight attendant, it became a story in newspapers and magazines across the country.
The Wedding
Elaine and Wayne got married on June 1, 1968. The wedding took place at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas, a famous wedding place that many couples chose. After the ceremony, they held a breakfast party at the Flamingo Hotel with about 75 friends and family members.
Elaine was 24 years old, and Wayne was 26 when they married. The wedding got a lot of attention from the media because Wayne was already famous. For Elaine, it was the start of a very different kind of life. She went from being a private, working woman to being the wife of a Las Vegas superstar.
Life as Mrs. Wayne Newton
Being married to Wayne Newton meant entering the world of entertainment, luxury, and fame. Elaine moved from her quiet life into the bright lights of Las Vegas. Her name was often mentioned in newspapers and magazines alongside Wayne’s name.
However, unlike many celebrity wives who loved being in the spotlight, Elaine preferred to stay in the background. She supported Wayne’s career but did not seek attention for herself. Friends and people who knew them said she was calm, elegant, and respectful of Wayne’s busy lifestyle.
Life in Las Vegas during the 1970s and early 1980s was exciting but also challenging. Wayne performed multiple shows every week. He was constantly traveling, working, and entertaining audiences. This meant Elaine often had to deal with being alone while her husband was working. The couple had to balance family life with Wayne’s demanding career.
Becoming Parents
In 1976, Elaine and Wayne adopted a daughter named Erin Newton. Erin was born on July 25, 1976. The arrival of their daughter brought great joy to the couple. Wayne often talked about Erin with love in interviews, and the family appeared in photos together looking happy.
Being parents added a new part to their lives. Elaine focused on raising their daughter while Wayne continued his career as an entertainer. She tried to give Erin a normal childhood, even though they lived in the world of fame and entertainment.
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The End of the Marriage
After 17 years of marriage, Elaine and Wayne divorced in 1985. At that time, their daughter Erin was only nine years old. The exact reasons for their divorce were never made fully public, and both Elaine and Wayne chose to keep those details private.
Many people believe the divorce happened because of the pressures that came with Wayne’s career. Being married to one of Las Vegas’s biggest stars was not easy. The long hours, the constant attention from fans and media, and the lifestyle that came with fame may have created problems in their marriage. Some also think that their different personalities and life goals played a part.
Divorce is never easy, especially when there is a child involved. However, both Elaine and Wayne handled the situation with dignity and respect for each other.
Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Elaine chose to live a very private life. She stayed away from the media and cameras. Unlike her ex-husband, who remained in the spotlight, Elaine wanted a quiet and peaceful life for herself and her daughter.
There is no public information showing that Elaine remarried after her divorce from Wayne. She seems to have focused on living her life away from fame and attention. She wanted to be remembered for who she was, not just as someone’s ex-wife.
This choice to stay private shows Elaine’s strong character. She could have used her connection to Wayne Newton to stay famous, but she chose not to. Instead, she built a life that was true to herself.
Wayne Newton’s Life After Elaine
Wayne Newton found love again after his divorce from Elaine. On April 9, 1994, he married Kathleen McCrone, a lawyer from Ohio. Wayne and Kathleen have been together for many years and have a daughter named Lauren Ashley Newton, born in 2002.
Wayne continued his successful career in Las Vegas. He performed thousands more shows and remained one of the city’s most famous entertainers. Even today, at over 80 years old, Wayne Newton is still performing and is known as a Las Vegas legend.
Despite moving on with his life, Wayne has always spoken respectfully about his first marriage and his daughter Erin.
Elaine’s Legacy
Elaine Okamura’s story is not just about being the wife of a famous person. It is about a woman who had her own life, her own career, and her own choices. She worked hard as a flight attendant before she got married. She supported her husband during their marriage. And after the divorce, she chose privacy and dignity over fame.
Her life reminds us that not everyone who comes close to fame wants to be famous themselves. Some people, like Elaine, are happy living quiet lives away from cameras and attention. She represents many women who have played important roles in the lives of famous people but chose to stay private.
Elaine’s decision to remain out of the spotlight shows strength and independence. In a world where many people want to be famous, she chose a different path. She chose peace, privacy, and a simple life.
Where Is Elaine Okamura Now?
As of 2025, Elaine Okamura is around 81 years old. Very little is known about her current life because she has successfully kept it private. There are no social media accounts linked to her, and she does not give interviews or appear in public events.
This mystery around her current life is by her own choice. She values her privacy and has worked hard to maintain it. While her ex-husband continues to perform and appear in the public eye, Elaine has chosen a completely different way of living.
Conclusion
The life of Elaine Okamura teaches us many things. It shows that fame is not for everyone, even when it comes knocking at your door. It reminds us that choosing a quiet, private life is just as valuable as living in the spotlight.
From a flight attendant in Hawaii to the wife of Mr. Las Vegas, and then to a private person living away from fame—Elaine’s journey is unique. She experienced the world of entertainment and chose to step away from it. She raised her daughter, supported her husband during their marriage, and then built a life of her own after the divorce.
Today, while Wayne Newton’s name is still famous around the world, Elaine Okamura remains a quiet figure who once played an important part in his life. Her story is one of grace, strength, and the courage to live life on her own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Elaine Okamura?
Elaine Okamura is a former flight attendant from Hawaii who became famous for being Wayne Newton’s first wife. They were married from 1968 to 1985 and have one daughter together.
2. When did Elaine Okamura marry Wayne Newton?
Elaine married Wayne Newton on June 1, 1968, at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas. She was 24 years old, and Wayne was 26 at the time of their wedding.
3. Do Elaine and Wayne have children?
Yes, they have one daughter named Erin Newton, who was born on July 25, 1976. Erin was adopted by the couple during their marriage.
4. Why did Elaine and Wayne divorce?
The exact reasons for their divorce in 1985 were never made public. However, many believe the pressures of Wayne’s demanding career and the challenges of living in the spotlight may have contributed to their separation.
5. What is Elaine Okamura doing now?
Elaine lives a very private life and stays away from the media and public attention. At around 81 years old, she has successfully maintained her privacy, and little information is available about her current activities or location.
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