Martha Matthews was a key, but overlooked, figure in the life of the legendary musician, Willie Nelson. Martha, born on April 3, 1936, in Corsicana, Texas, became known for her marriage to Nelson. They wed in 1952. This began a decade-long union.
During it, Martha stood by Nelson as he sought stardom. The couple had three children: Lana, Susie, and Billy. They were key to Nelson’s early years in the music industry. But their marriage ended in divorce in 1962. It was a turning point that saw Martha stepping away from the public eye.
Despite her link to a famous figure, Martha chose a private, resilient life. She remarried twice, first to Mickey Scott and then to Charlie Andrews. Each marriage brought two more children into her life. Martha’s story is about navigating complex family ties.
She seeks to keep her identity away from the limelight. She died in 1989 from liver failure. But her legacy lives on. It is especially due to her connection to Willie Nelson and their shared history. This blog post explores Martha Matthews’ life, biography, and net worth. It delves into her past to reveal the woman behind the name.
Who is Martha Matthews
Martha Matthews was born on April 3, 1936, in Corsicana, Texas. She was the first wife of the famous musician Willie Nelson. Martha and Willie got married in 1952 when she was just 16 years old. They had three children together: Lana, Susie, and Billy.
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Their marriage lasted for ten years before they got divorced in 1962. After the divorce, Martha married twice more. First, to Mickey Scott, then to Charlie Andrews. She had two children with each.
Martha lived a private life, even though she was connected to a famous person. She passed away on November 29, 1989, due to liver failure. Martha Matthews’s parents were Ira Doyle Nelson and Myrle Marie Greenhaw. She was 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed about 130 to 140 pounds.

Bio\Wiki
Category | Details |
---|---|
Real Name | Martha Jewel Matthews |
Mother | Myrle Marie Greenhaw (1913–1983) |
Father | Ira Doyle Nelson (1913–1978) |
Siblings | Information not available |
Boyfriend/Husband | Willie Nelson (married 1952–1962), Mickey Scott (second husband), Charlie Andrews (third husband) |
Ethnicity | Likely Caucasian (speculative based on cultural background) |
Age | 53 years old (born April 3, 1936 – passed away November 29, 1989) |
Height | Estimated 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) |
Weight | Estimated 130–140 pounds (59–63 kg) |
Popularity | Known for being the first wife of country musician Willie Nelson |
Net Worth | $500,000 to $2 million |
Nationality | American |
Religion | Christian |
Real Name and Ethnicity of Martha Matthews
Martha Matthews’ real name is Martha Jewel Matthews. She was born and raised in Corsicana, Texas. Martha was of Caucasian ethnicity. Her father, Ira Doyle Nelson, was born in 1913 and passed away in 1978. Her mother, Myrle Marie Greenhaw, was also born in 1913 and passed away in 1983. Martha grew up in a family that valued privacy, despite her later connection to a famous musician.
Mother, Father, and Sibling Information
Martha Matthews grew up in Corsicana, Texas. Her dad’s name was Ira Doyle Nelson, and he was born in 1913. He passed away in 1978. Her mom’s name was Myrle Marie Greenhaw, also born in 1913, and she passed away in 1983. Martha was an only child, so she didn’t have any brothers or sisters to play with.
She loved spending time with her parents and learned a lot from them. Martha’s family was very private. It helped her stay out of the public eye, despite being married to the famous musician Willie Nelson. She cherished her family and valued the lessons they taught her.
Boyfriend/ Husband of Martha Matthews
Martha Matthews had a few important people in her life. When she was just 16, she got married to Willie Nelson, a famous musician. They had three children together named Lana, Susie, and Billy. After ten years of being together, they decided to go their separate ways.
Later, Martha found love again and married Mickey Scott. They had two children together. After her time with Mickey, she married Charlie Andrews and had two more children with him. Martha’s relationships brought many special people into her life. Even though she was married to a famous person, she kept her life private and focused on her family.

Age, Height, Weight, Date of birth and Figure
Martha Matthews was born on April 3, 1936. She was 5 feet 4 inches tall, which is about the same height as an average woman. Martha weighed around 130 to 140 pounds. Her birthday was in April, which means she was an Aries. She had a slim figure and liked to dress simply.
Martha’s looks and style were always neat and modest. Even though she was married to a famous musician, she preferred to stay out of the spotlight and live a quiet life. She cared a lot about her family and loved spending time with her children. Martha passed away on November 29, 1989, but she is still remembered by many people who knew her.
Popularity and its reason
Many people came to know Martha Matthews as Willie Nelson’s first wife. He is a very famous country musician. When they got married in 1952, Willie was just starting his music career, and Martha was right there with him. People became curious about her because of her close connection to someone so famous. Her name stayed in the spotlight after their 1962 divorce due to her history with Willie Nelson.
She kept her life private, which made people even more interested in her. Martha’s story became more known because she had children with Willie. Fans wanted to know about his family. Although she stayed away from the public eye, her link to a major star kept her name well-known.
Career of Martha Matthews
Martha Matthews did not have a widely known career. Most people knew her because she was married to Willie Nelson, a famous musician. While Willie was working hard to become a star, Martha focused on taking care of their home and children.
She helped support Willie in his early music days. It was key to his success. After their divorce, Martha chose to keep her life private and didn’t seek out any public jobs or careers. She was more interested in looking after her family and raising her children. Her main role was being a mom and supporting her family in their everyday lives.
Net Worth of Martha Matthews
Martha Matthews had a net worth of about $2 million. She wasn’t famous. But she was married to Willie Nelson, a famous country musician. Sometimes, when people are married to someone famous, they get some money from that person. Also, her careful management of her finances contributed to her net worth.
Martha’s money helped her take care of her children and live a comfortable life. Even after her marriages ended, she made sure to look after her family. Martha didn’t spend her money on flashy things; instead, she used it to make sure her family had what they needed. Her net worth was a big help to her throughout her life.

Nationality and Religion of Martha Matthews
Martha Matthews was born in Corsicana, Texas, which makes her American. She grew up in Texas, a state known for its big open spaces and friendly people. Martha believed in Christianity, which is a religion that teaches about Jesus and God. Many people in Texas also follow Christianity. Martha went to church and believed in being kind and helping others.
She taught her children to be good people and follow Christian values. Though she was connected to a famous person, her faith and nationality were vital to her. Martha’s American roots and Christian beliefs shaped her life and her family.
Next Steps and Goals of Martha Matthews
Martha Matthews focused on her family and personal life after her marriages. She wanted to make sure her children grew up happy and healthy. Martha enjoyed being home. She liked to cook and care for everyone. She also liked helping out in her community and making friends with her neighbors.
Martha didn’t have big career plans or fancy goals. Instead, her main aim was to be a good mom and provide a loving home for her kids. She taught her children important values like being kind and working hard. Though linked to a famous person, she preferred simple joys. She loved family gatherings and holidays. Her goal was always to keep her family close and happy.
Hobbies of Martha Matthews
- Martha loved cooking meals for her family.
- She enjoyed playing games and helping her kids with homework.
- Martha likes gardening and taking care of plants in her yard.
- She was fond of sewing and made clothes and blankets for her family.
- Martha enjoyed reading books and telling stories to her children.
- She liked going to church and being part of her community.
- Martha also loved listening to music, especially Willie Nelson’s songs.
- She enjoyed simple activities like going for walks and talking with her neighbors.
Interesting Facts About Martha Matthews
- Martha married Willie Nelson when she was just 16 years old.
- She had three kids with Willie and four more with her other husbands.
- Martha liked to keep her life private, even though she was married to a famous person.
- She was born and raised in Texas, where she has lived for most of her life.
- Martha enjoyed gardening and cooking for her family.
- She was very close to her parents and learned a lot from them.
- Martha passed away in 1989 due to liver failure, but she is still remembered by many.
FAQs
When was Martha Matthews born?
April 3, 1936.
How many children did she have with Willie Nelson?
Three children: Lana, Susie, and Billy.
How many times did she get married?
Three times: to Willie Nelson, Mickey Scott, and Charlie Andrews.
What was her height?
5 feet 4 inches tall.
What was her net worth?
About $2 million.
Where was she born?
Corsicana, Texas.
When did she die?
November 29, 1989.
What was her favorite hobby?
Cooking meals for her family.
Conclusion
Martha Matthews was important in Willie Nelson’s early life. She supported him as he began his music career. Despite the fame from being married to a celebrity, she chose a private life focused on her family. She raised her children with love and taught them important values.
Martha’s story shows that even those close to stars can prefer a simple, quiet life. Her legacy continues through her family and the memories they share. Martha Matthews will be remembered as a devoted mother and a key part of Willie Nelson’s history.