You’ve probably heard the powerful voice of Morgan Freeman in movies like The Shawshank Redemption, Bruce Almighty, and The Dark Knight. He’s one of the most respected actors in the world. But before the fame, lights, and red carpets, there was someone very important in his life — Jeanette Adair Bradshaw.
Jeanette was Morgan Freeman’s first wife. She was with him during the tough years — long before he became a Hollywood star. While Freeman became famous, Jeanette chose a different path. She stayed away from the spotlight and lived a private, peaceful life. In this article, we’ll explore who Jeanette Adair Bradshaw is, her early life, her relationship with Morgan Freeman, and where she is today.
Let’s begin with the basics.
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw Quick Bio
| Full Name | Jeanette Adair Bradshaw |
| Known For | Morgan Freeman’s first wife |
| Birthdate | November 30, 1940 (unconfirmed) |
| Age (2025) | 84 years old |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Morgan Freeman |
| Marriage Year | 1967 |
| Divorce Year | 1979 |
| Children | Deena Freeman, Morgana Freeman |
| Granddaughter | E’dena Hines (deceased) |
| Current Residence | Georgia, USA (reportedly) |
| Profession | Private life, not publicly known |
| Net Worth (2025) | $600,000 – $5 million (estimated) |
Who Is Jeanette Adair Bradshaw?
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw is best known as Morgan Freeman’s first wife. They got married before he became famous. She supported him during his early acting years when things were not easy.
But Jeanette is not a celebrity. She never wanted to be in the spotlight. Even when people became curious about her life, she stayed quiet. She’s one of those rare people who value peace over fame.
Today, many people search her name to find out where she is and what happened after her marriage to Freeman. Her story is powerful in its own quiet way.
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s Early Life
Jeanette was born in the 1940s, and some reports say her birthdate is November 30, 1940. If that’s true, she would be 84 years old in 2025.
She grew up in the United States during a time when the country was changing. It was the time of the civil rights movement, and African-American women like Jeanette had to be strong and brave. Life wasn’t always fair, but people like her found ways to move forward.
We don’t know a lot about her childhood, school, or family. She has always kept her early life very private. But from her choices and strength later on, we can guess she was raised with values like love, family, and hard work.
How She Met Morgan Freeman
Let’s go back to the 1960s. Morgan Freeman was not a star yet. He was just an actor trying to make a living. He was doing small jobs, theater work, and looking for his big break.
Somewhere during this time, he met Jeanette. No one knows exactly how they met — maybe through friends or at a local event. But their connection grew fast.
They started dating, and Jeanette became a big support in Freeman’s life. Being an actor is hard, especially when you’re not famous. Jeanette stood by him during those hard days, always cheering him on.
Marriage to Morgan Freeman
On October 22, 1967, Jeanette and Morgan got married. Their wedding was a small, private ceremony with close family and friends. At the time, Morgan was 30 and Jeanette was 27.
They didn’t have much money or fame. Morgan was still trying to break into the acting world. Jeanette was there to help him stay focused, take care of the home, and build a future.
Their marriage was simple and full of love. No red carpets or movie premieres — just two people supporting each other in their own quiet way.
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s Role in Freeman’s Life
Jeanette wasn’t just a wife — she was Morgan Freeman’s emotional rock. While he was going out for auditions, facing rejection, and trying to make a name, she was keeping things steady at home.
She raised their kids, cooked the meals, handled the bills, and gave him the strength he needed to keep going. A strong partner can make a big difference in someone’s life, and Jeanette was that kind of person.
Even Morgan himself admitted later in interviews that being a good father and actor at the same time was hard. But Jeanette helped him try. Her love and support helped lay the foundation for the man we see on screen today.
Meet Their Children: Deena and Morgana
Jeanette had a daughter named Deena before she married Morgan. After their wedding, Morgan adopted Deena as his own child. It wasn’t easy — there were legal problems at the time — but he made it happen.
Deena became a talented hair and makeup artist in Hollywood. She worked on big projects like Loki, Oblivion, Thunder Force, and more. She was even nominated for two Emmy Awards for her amazing work.
In 1971, Jeanette and Morgan welcomed their daughter Morgana Freeman. Morgana stayed mostly out of the spotlight but sometimes appeared with her father at movie events. She studied economics and cosmetology, and now she works as an executive director at a nonprofit that helps young children in Mississippi.
Jeanette raised both girls with love, strength, and values. She focused on building a strong home, even when life was hard.
Why Jeanette and Morgan Freeman Got Divorced
After 12 years of marriage, Jeanette and Morgan Freeman divorced on November 18, 1979. Their relationship had been strong in the beginning, but things changed over time.
Morgan’s career was finally growing, and fame brought new pressures. Some people believe the stress from Hollywood, long working hours, and possible personal struggles caused problems in their marriage.
There were rumors about cheating, but nothing was ever confirmed. Neither Jeanette nor Morgan spoke publicly about the real reason. They chose to keep it private — which shows respect.
Even after the divorce, they worked together to raise their daughters and stayed civil for the sake of family.
Where Is Jeanette Adair Bradshaw Now?
After her divorce from Morgan Freeman, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw decided to live a private life. While Freeman became more famous over the years, she quietly stepped away from the spotlight.
As of 2025, it’s believed that Jeanette is living in Georgia, USA. She has never remarried. She chose to focus on her family and enjoy a peaceful life. She does not appear in interviews or on social media. Most people who know her say she values calm, family time, and privacy.
Even though people are still curious about her, Jeanette has stayed quiet. That choice tells us a lot about who she is. She didn’t want attention. She just wanted a simple, happy life.
The Tragic Loss of Her Granddaughter E’dena Hines
One of the hardest moments in Jeanette’s life came in 2015. Her granddaughter, E’dena Hines, was tragically murdered in New York City. E’dena was the daughter of Deena, Jeanette’s oldest child.
E’dena was only 33 years old when she was killed by her boyfriend. He attacked her during a mental health crisis. The news shocked the entire family and made headlines everywhere. Jeanette had to face a deep and painful loss.
To make things worse, false rumors started spreading online about Morgan Freeman and E’dena. These hurtful claims were completely false and deeply upsetting to the family. Freeman denied everything, and no proof was ever found. Jeanette, as always, stayed silent and handled her grief with quiet strength.
Jeanette’s Personality and Private Lifestyle
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw has always been known as a strong and private woman. She never chased fame, even when she could have. Being the ex-wife of a world-famous actor didn’t change who she was inside.
Friends and family say she’s a calm, thoughtful, and kind person. She loves peace. She values real relationships over attention or money. Her life shows that it’s okay to live quietly and still be strong.
She didn’t write books, give interviews, or start a business using Freeman’s name. Instead, she focused on her daughters, her home, and her own peace of mind. That says a lot about her true character.
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s net worth is estimated to be between $600,000 and $5 million. The exact number is not known, but it likely includes:
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A divorce settlement from Morgan Freeman
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Savings or personal investments
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Possibly family property or small business income
She never lived a flashy lifestyle. She doesn’t wear expensive clothes or go to public events. She chose a simple and smart life, where peace matters more than wealth.
Final Thoughts
So, where is Jeanette Adair Bradshaw now? She’s living her life quietly, far from the cameras. But her story still matters. She was there before the fame. She helped raise a strong family. And she stayed true to herself no matter what.
Many people only remember her as Morgan Freeman’s first wife. But she was much more than that. She was a supporter, a mother, a strong woman, and someone who walked away from the spotlight without regret.
Her life reminds us that you don’t have to be famous to live with pride and purpose. Sometimes, the people in the background are the ones who hold everything together.
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