Country star, Ray Stevens is currently going through a tough phase. For the unversed, on April 5, 2026, Ray faced an accident that left him with a broken neck. Following the accident, the 87-year-old Country star was hospitalised in Nashville, Tennessee. Currently, he is in the recovery phase, and doctors have advised him to wear a neck brace for approximately four weeks. Ray Stevens has also been in the news for his upcoming album, Favourites Old & New.
According to the latest reports, Ray’s forthcoming album is set to be released on Friday, April 10, 2026. Amid the buzz surrounding Ray’s upcoming album, Favourites Old & New and his terrific fall, people are curious to know more about his personal life. Ray Stevens and Penny Jackson’s marriage came to an unexpected halt when the latter passed away in 2021. Her death left a lasting impression on Ray Stevens. Do you know Penny received Ray’s Grammy Award for the song, Everything Is Beautiful in 1971, as he was away in Australia? Now, if you are interested in knowing who she was and their beautiful love story, then we’ve got you covered.
Who was Ray Stevens’ wife, Penny Jackson?
Penny Jackson was born on November 2, 1943, in Elkin, North Carolina, to her parents, Dewitt and Kathleen Jackson. She also had a sister, Twinkle Eve Jackson. In 1960, Penny moved from her small hometown in North Carolina to Atlanta, Georgia, for her sister, Twinkle. She came to the limelight after her marriage to Grammy Award-winning country star, Ray Stevens. Penny was widely known as the dedicated wife to Ray Stevens and a doting mother to their two daughters, Timi and Suzi.
Ray Stevens and Penny Jackson’s love story
Ray Stevens and Penny Jackson first crossed paths when she moved to Atlanta for her sister, Twinkle. At the time, Ray was establishing his foothold in the music industry. People close to the couple say that their connection was instant. Ray was drawn to Penny’s down-to-earth nature and warmth, while she liked his sense of humour, his passion for music, and the way he made her feel comfortable. Penny was never interested in fame and simply loved Ray for who he was. After a sweet courtship, the couple had decided to stay together forever.
On March 30, 1961, the duo tied the knot and kept their marriage low-key. Only close friends and family attended Penny and Ray’s wedding. In 1962, the couple moved to Nashville, Tennessee. At the time, Ray wanted to grow in the music business, and Penny stood beside him. Even though things were quiet, Penny supported him all the way. Remaining away from the limelight, Penny became Ray’s pillar of strength. She took care of their kids and their household, while Ray focused on music.
As Ray’s music career began to grow, Penny stayed beside him through thick and thin. Their private, beautiful bond came to the spotlight in 1971, when Ray won a Grammy for his single, Everything Is Beautiful. Back then, Ray was performing in Australia and thus couldn’t attend the award ceremony. So, Penny accepted Ray’s first Grammy Award for Everything Is Beautiful on his behalf. Even though Penny had stayed away from the media glare all her life, there were times when she happily stayed with her partner. One such moment was Ray’s Country Music Hall of Fame induction in 2019.
Penny Jackson and Ray Stevens stayed together until her sudden death in 2021. According to multiple reports, on December 31, 2021, Penny passed away at the age of 78 after a prolonged battle with cancer. She took her last breath at their Nashville home, and her final days were filled with love and care from her family. Ray was also beside her during her final moments. At the time, a statement was shared on Ray Stevens’ Facebook page. The statement can be read as:
“Penny Jackson Ragsdale, wife of Country Music Hall of Fame member Ray Stevens, has passed following a prolonged battle with cancer. Penny died at her Nashville home yesterday, Dec. 31, shortly before midnight. She was 78. Penny is survived by Ray Stevens (her husband of more than 60 years), two daughters (Timi and Suzi), four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Please send your thoughts and prayers to Ray and his family during this difficult time.”
What are your thoughts on Ray Stevens and Penny Jackson’s love story? Let us know.
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