Martha Matthews: Bio Summary

Willie Nelson’s Ex-Wife Martha Matthews Is No Longer Alive. She Died on 29 November 1989, in Austin, Travis County, Texas, Usa, at Age 53. She Died of Liver Failure. She Was Born on 3 April 1936, in Corsicana, Navarro County, Texas, Usa. Martha Matthews Is the Daughter of William T Mathews and Etta Staggs Mathews. She Has a Sibling Called Gerald Grady Bass. She Went to School in Waco Tx and Was a Methodist.

Martha Matthews Was Married to Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson Was in the U. S. Air Force, Where He Served for Nine Months. He Was Medically Discharged Because of Problems with His Back. Upon His Return in 1952, That Was When He Married Martha Matthews. Martha Was Reportedly a 16-Year-Old Waitress at the Time.

What Did Martha Matthews Do to Her Ex-Husband?

Martha Matthews and Willie Nelson’s Union Wasn’t a Fairytale. They Didn’t Have a Happy Home. They Quarreled on Several Occasions and Their Marriage Was Marked by Violence. Martha Assaulted Her Then-Husband, Willie Nelson Multiple Times.

What Happened to Martha Matthews’ Son?

Martha Matthews’ Son Billy Killed Himself in 1991, at Age 33. He Was Found Dead After He Reportedly Hanged Himself in His Log Cabin Home in Davidson County, Tennessee.

Martha Matthews: What Happened to Willie Nelson's Ex-Wife?

By Marcus Vance

• Oct 8, 2026 • 5 min read

Martha Matthews: What Happened to Willie Nelson's Ex-Wife?

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

Martha Matthews Happens to Be the Former Spouse of American Country Musician, Songwriter, Actor, Author, and Activist Willie Nelson. Today, Martha’s Ex-Husband Willie Nelson Is Known to the World as One of the Most Recognized Artists in Country Music. He Has Appeared in More Than 30 Films, Co-Authored Numerous Books, Written Several Songs, and Has Been Involved in Activism. He Is the Co-Chair of the Advisory Board of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (Norml).

Marcus Vance

Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Researcher

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.

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