Biography
Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole
Who is Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s wife?
Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole is the wife of late Hawaiian musician, singer, songwriter, and Hawaiian sovereignty activist Israel Ka’ano’i Kamakawiwo’ole. Her husband was also known by the name Bruddah Iz or Iz. Israel received critical recognition with his song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World.”
Marlene’s husband is also recognized as “The Voice of Hawai’i.” Being the wife of such a well-known Hawaiian personality is a huge thing. Let us find out about her life.
Quick Info | |
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Birth Name | Marlene Ah Lo |
Name after Marriage | Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole |
Birth Date | 1962 |
Age | 60 years old in 2022 |
Birth Place | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States |
Current City | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States |
Parents | Mr. and Mrs. Ah Lo |
Siblings | N/A |
Education | N/A |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Hawaiian |
Height and Weight | N/A |
Hair | Black |
Eyes | Black |
Spouse | Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (1982-death) |
Children | Ceslie Ann “Wehi” Kamakawiwo’ole |
Grandchildren | 4 |
Social Media | Absent |
Net Worth | N/A |
Bio & Nationality
Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. Her birth year is 1962; however, detailed information on her birth months and dates is yet to be known. In addition, we have yet to know about her childhood, parents, and siblings, and we will update more information once it is revealed to the public.
Marlene has American nationality and Hawaiian ethnicity. She belongs to a native Hawaiian tribe. Her birth name is Marlene Ah Lo.
How old is Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole?
Marlene will be 60 years old in 2022. If her husband, Israel, were alive, he would be 63 years old. Talking about her physical appearance, she possesses Hawaiian facial features. Marlene has thin eyebrows and black curly hair. She isn’t into makeup and fashion but strongly follows Hawaiian traditions.
Marriage with Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Marlene tied her knot to Israel in late 1982. The couple wedded in their traditional ways. A year later, Marlene gave birth to their only child/daughter, Ceslie Ann “Wehi” Kamakawiwo’ole. Marlene remained together with her husband until his death.
Marlene also has four grandchildren. As per the news, she is currently taking care of her grandchildren.
Death of her husband, Israel
Marlene’s husband, Israel, was suffering from obesity, leading to chronic heart problems. In addition, the couple suffered from financial problems, as Israel was hospitalized several times. Marlene’s daughter, Wehi, also made a video to raise funds for his father’s treatment.
Unfortunately, on 26th June 1997, Israel took his last breath at Queen’s Medical Center. He had respiratory failure. Israel’s ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean, where thousands of fans were present. Marlene remained supportive of Israel till the end of his life.
Instagram and other social media accounts
Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole isn’t a social media user. She has no social media platforms, but we can find her on her late husband, Israel’s official accounts. Her husband’s account is a fan account. On his Facebook page, there are over 292 thousand followers and over 108 thousand followers on Instagram, where he goes by @officializhawaii.
More about her husband, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole’s husband, Israel, was well-known for his albums, Ka’Ano’i. He used to play the ukelele, thanks to his uncle, Moe Keale, who encouraged Marlene to follow traditional Hawaiian music.
Israel received international fame after his solo album, Ka’ Ano’i, in 1990, in which his hit song was “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World.” Following the album’s success, the Hawai’i Academy of Recording Arts awarded him the Contemporary Album of the Year and Male Vocalist Award.
Israel is also known for being a Hawaiian sovereignty activist. He used his songs to fight against Hawaiian rights and promote awareness. In addition, his lyrics talked about his culture being affected by tourism. Because of this, Israel was well respected by the Hawaiian natives.
Where is Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole today?
Marlene is currently living a normal life away from any public media attention. She didn’t remarry again after Israel’s death. Instead, she is living a retired life with her daughter and taking care of grandchildren.
According to some news sources, Marlene also adopted her two grandchildren from her daughter. She still resides in Hawaii. Since Marlene doesn’t fancy social media, it is harder to learn about her current situation.
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