Jeanette Adair Bradshaw: Life With Morgan Freeman & Tragedy

04 May, 2025

Who was the woman who stood by Morgan Freeman's side before the world knew his name? Jeanette Adair Bradshaw, a name often whispered in the shadows of Hollywood, was the first wife of the iconic actor, and her story is one of enduring love, private struggles, and a life lived largely away from the blinding spotlight.

Jeanette Adair Bradshaw's life, intrinsically linked to one of Hollywood's most revered figures, is a study in contrasts. While her former husband, Morgan Freeman, built an illustrious career spanning decades and captivating audiences worldwide, she chose a path of quietude. Their story, however, is far from simple. Their union, beginning in the vibrant 1960s, weathered the initial storms of Freemans nascent career, providing emotional support and a bedrock of stability during his formative years. This relationship, which culminated in a marriage that lasted for twelve years, from October 22, 1967, to November 18, 1979, significantly shaped both their individual lives and their shared journey.

Category	Details
Full Name	Jeanette Adair Bradshaw
Known For	Former wife of Morgan Freeman
Nationality	American
Date of Birth	Believed to be born in the 1940s (Exact date unknown, some sources suggest November 30, 1940)
Birthplace	USA
Zodiac Sign	Capricorn (speculated)
Height	Approx. 5 feet 7 inches (1.7 meters)
Marital Status	Divorced (from Morgan Freeman in 1979)
Children	Morgana, Deena (adopted)
Net Worth (as of 2022)	Approximately $4 million
Notable Events	Marriage to Morgan Freeman (1967-1979), the tragic death of her granddaughter, E'Dena Hines (2015)
Reference	IMDB - Morgan Freeman

Their paths first crossed in the 1960s, a time when Freeman, armed with nothing but his talent, was navigating the theatrical and television landscape. The details of their initial encounter remain shrouded in the mystery that Bradshaw herself cultivates. Neither she nor Freeman has publicly offered a detailed account of their courtship, adding to the aura of privacy that surrounds her. Nevertheless, their bond blossomed, eventually leading to marriage on October 22, 1967. This union, as it evolved, witnessed the rise of Freeman's career as he gradually established his presence on the stage and television screens.

During this formative period of the late 1960s and 1970s, Bradshaw was a steadfast presence in Freemans life. She provided unwavering emotional support and, crucially, believed in his talent, even during the lean years before his breakthrough in the entertainment industry. Her influence during this critical phase is a testament to her commitment and the strength of their relationship. This shared journey, marked by both triumphs and tribulations, laid the foundation for a life shared, filled with experiences that undoubtedly shaped both of their trajectories.

The couple's life together, however, wasn't always a public spectacle. Bradshaw, a woman of privacy, deliberately shielded herself from the glare of the limelight, choosing to live a life away from the relentless attention that often accompanies fame. Even after their divorce in 1979, she maintained a discreet existence. This commitment to privacy makes it challenging to piece together the complete picture of her life, and her current whereabouts remain something of a mystery. What's known is that she, in effect, built a life of her own, distinct from the well-trodden path her famous ex-husband continued to forge.

Their family life together included two daughters: Morgana and Deena. Deena, in particular, came to the fore because of the tragedy that struck in 2015. Deena's daughter, E'Dena Hines, adopted by Freeman and considered a granddaughter to both Freeman and Bradshaw, was tragically murdered in New York City. This heartbreaking event thrust Bradshaw back into the public eye, forcing her to confront the loss of a loved one under the full gaze of media scrutiny. She attended her granddaughter's funeral, offering a glimpse into a life marked by both joy and profound sorrow.

The death of E'Dena Hines brought to light the close relationship Bradshaw had with her granddaughter. Hines, who was 33 years old at the time of her death, had spent her final hours with Deena, underscoring the deep familial bonds that persisted despite the passage of time and the separation of Bradshaw and Freeman. This shared grief highlighted the enduring connections that bind families together, even when faced with the most painful of circumstances. The details of Hines' death, occurring in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, in the early hours of a Sunday morning, sent shockwaves through both the family and the wider community, highlighting the fragility of life.

The financial aspect of Bradshaws life, as of 2022, saw her net worth estimated at around $4 million. While this is an estimate, it signifies her ability to maintain a degree of financial independence. This is important because it gives an understanding of her self-sufficiency and reinforces her ability to maintain a private lifestyle independent of her ex-husbands wealth and fame.

The story of how Jeanette and Morgan initially met remains a private affair, with both parties withholding specifics about their courtship. Their shared history, however, indicates that they met in the 1960s, during a period when Freeman was just starting to navigate the challenges of his career. This period involved facing the uncertainties inherent in building a successful career and the personal challenges of forging a life with his future wife. This era of his career formed the backdrop of their union.

Looking back, the impact of Jeanette Adair Bradshaw on Morgan Freemans life is undeniable. Her presence, particularly in his early career and her support during the difficult times before his breakthrough, formed an essential ingredient in his ascent to stardom. While her post-divorce life remains largely private, the legacy of her contribution to Freeman's journey continues to echo. She is remembered as a woman who stood by a man during his rise and who, despite the pressures of fame, chose to carve her path, a life of independence and quiet dignity.

Ultimately, Jeanette Adair Bradshaws story is a reminder that behind every celebrated figure, there is often another narrative: the story of a partner, a family member, and a life lived in the shadows. It's a story that highlights the diverse paths individuals take, and the importance of family and privacy, even when intertwined with the dazzling world of Hollywood. Her contribution, however, remains a vital piece of the Morgan Freeman story, showcasing the importance of shared experiences and the value of personal choices.

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