What Happened to Wayne Newton’s First Wife, Elaine Okamura?

When Elaine Okamura married one of America’s most famous singers, Wayne Newton, her life changed overnight. She went from being a flight attendant to becoming the wife of “Mr. Las Vegas.” For years, they were seen as a beautiful and happy couple. But after nearly two decades together, the two quietly went their separate ways.

So what really happened to Elaine Okamura? Where did she go after the divorce? And why does her name still come up today? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Wayne Newton’s first wife — from her early life to her love story, and what we know about her today.

Who Is Elaine Okamura?

Elaine Okamura is best known as the first wife of Wayne Newton, the legendary singer and performer. But Elaine had her own story long before she met him.

She was born and raised in Hawaii and worked as a flight attendant. People often remember her as graceful, quiet, and private — the opposite of the loud world of celebrity life. Even though she was once married to a superstar, she never chased fame. That’s one of the reasons people are still curious about her life today.

Elaine Okamura’s Early Life in Hawaii

Elaine was born in 1944 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and is of Japanese-American background. She grew up with her sister, Shirley Kajioka, and went to Kaimuki High School.

Not much is known about her childhood, but old yearbooks from 1959 and 1961 show that she was a student at Kaimuki. Those early years in Hawaii helped shape who she was — calm, polite, and respectful. These qualities stayed with her, even when she later became the wife of a famous man.

What Did Elaine Okamura Do for Work?

Before becoming known as Wayne Newton’s wife, Elaine had a career of her own. She worked as a flight attendant for an American airline.

In those days, being a flight attendant was seen as glamorous and exciting. It gave her the chance to travel and meet new people. It’s not clear if she continued working after marriage, but her time in the airline industry shows she had independence and confidence — even before she entered the spotlight.

How Did Elaine Okamura Meet Wayne Newton?

Elaine and Wayne met in the mid-1960s, during the early years of his career. While the exact details of their first meeting are not public, they started dating and kept things mostly private.

Their love story moved quickly. On Christmas Day in 1967, Wayne proposed to Elaine, and she said yes. It was a sweet and simple love story — one that soon became national news once they announced their wedding.

Elaine Okamura and Wayne Newton’s Wedding

Elaine and Wayne Newton were married on June 1, 1968. Their wedding took place at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas. The celebration continued with a reception at the Flamingo Hotel, where about 75 guests joined the happy couple.

At the time, Wayne was 26 years old, and Elaine was just 23. They looked deeply in love and full of hope for the future. Photos from their wedding show a young couple excited to start their journey together.

Inside Their Life as a Famous Couple

After the wedding, Elaine became part of Wayne Newton’s glamorous world. He was already rising to fame as one of the top performers in Las Vegas, and she often appeared by his side at events, concerts, and interviews.

Despite the fame, Elaine remained quiet and low-key. She didn’t seek the spotlight, but fans loved seeing her with Wayne. For years, they seemed like the perfect couple — always smiling, always together. But behind the scenes, like many couples, they faced their own private struggles.

Elaine and Wayne’s Daughter, Erin Newton

After a few years of marriage, the couple welcomed a daughter named Erin Newton. She was born on July 25, 1976. Some reports say she was adopted, but either way, she became the heart of their family.

Elaine focused on raising Erin while Wayne continued performing. The family mostly stayed out of the tabloids, and they tried to live a normal life — even though Wayne was one of the most famous faces in entertainment.

Why Did Elaine Okamura and Wayne Newton Divorce?

After nearly 17 years of marriage, Elaine Okamura and Wayne Newton ended their relationship in 1985. At the time, their divorce surprised many fans because there had been no public drama or warning signs.

The exact reason for the split was never shared. Both Elaine and Wayne stayed quiet about the details. Some believe they simply grew apart over time, which happens to many couples — especially when one partner is in the spotlight all the time. What we do know is that Elaine left the marriage with dignity and stayed completely out of the media.

What Happened to Elaine Okamura After the Divorce?

After her divorce from Wayne Newton, Elaine Okamura chose a quiet life. While Wayne went on to marry again and remain in the public eye, Elaine stepped back completely.

She didn’t give interviews or appear in tabloids. She didn’t try to build a career in the spotlight. Instead, she returned to her private world, far away from the flashing lights of Las Vegas. Most reports say she moved back to Honolulu, Hawaii, where she grew up. There, she could enjoy a calm and peaceful life, away from fame.

Did Elaine Okamura Ever Remarry?

This is one of the most asked questions about Elaine. But as of 2025, there is no confirmed information that she ever remarried.

While her ex-husband, Wayne Newton, married Kathleen McCrone in 1994 and had another daughter, Elaine remained single — at least in the public eye. She never talked about any new relationships or love interests. This has added to her mystery, making people even more curious about her quiet and private lifestyle.

Elaine Okamura’s Life Today

So, where is Elaine Okamura now?

As of 2025, she is believed to be 81 years old and living a retired life in Hawaii. There are no known social media accounts or recent photos of her. She hasn’t made any public appearances in years. Some reports say she still lives close to family, including her daughter Erin, and enjoys her privacy.

It’s rare these days to find someone who walked away from fame and never looked back. But that’s what makes Elaine’s story so unique.

Elaine Okamura Net Worth and Legacy

There are no public records of Elaine Okamura’s net worth. Since she didn’t stay in the spotlight or build a public business, her financial life has stayed private.

However, she likely received a fair settlement during her divorce from Wayne Newton, who has an estimated net worth of $50 million. While she could have used her name to stay in the public eye or gain fame, she chose not to.

Her legacy is one of grace and quiet strength. Even though her name is often linked to Wayne Newton, she made a life on her own terms.

Final Thoughts

Elaine Okamura’s story is not loud or flashy — it’s quiet, strong, and meaningful. She married one of the biggest names in entertainment, lived through fame, and then decided to walk away from it all.

She never tried to stay in the spotlight. She didn’t seek attention or drama. Instead, she chose peace, privacy, and family.

In a world where many people chase fame, Elaine Okamura is a reminder that sometimes, the strongest choice is to simply live a happy and quiet life. And that’s exactly what she seems to have done.