Jeanette Adair Bradshaw gained fame mainly as the ex-wife of famed actor Morgan Freeman. Rather than bask in the attention that comes with being related to a celebrity, she has always chosen to keep a low profile, which has piqued the curiosity of many about her life, family, and what she did after her divorce. In this post, we shall delve into Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s life including her biography, upbringing, career, family, and much more.
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw Biography

Jeanette Adair Bradshaw is the first wife of actor Morgan Freeman, this couple was married for around over a decade, from 1967 to 1979. She was born in the year 1940 in United States.
Attribute | Details |
Full Name | Jeanette Adair Bradshaw |
Nick Name | Adair Bradshaw |
Birth Year | 1940 |
Age | 83 years old (as of 2025) |
Birthplace | United States |
Nationality | American |
Religion | Christian |
Ethnicity | Black |
Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
Famous As | Ex-wife of Morgan Freeman |
Marital Status | Divorced (from Morgan Freeman) |
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s Age, Height and Physical Appearance
With her date of birth set to 1940, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw is currently 83 years old. She has had a graceful and aesthetic appearance ever since she was younger. Although photos of her during her marriage with Morgan Freeman are uncommon, it seems like she did not enjoy being publicly seen.
Physical Aspect | Details |
Age | 83 years old (as of 2025) |
Height | 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) |
Weight | Around 60 kg |
Body Type | Slim |
Hair Color | Black |
Eye Color | Black |
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s Family

Relation | Name |
Ex-Husband | Morgan Freeman |
Daughter | Morgana Freeman |
Step-Granddaughter | E’dena Hines (Deceased) |
Other Children | Not publicly known |
Jeanette’s private lifestyle extends to her family as there is very little information available about her siblings, parents, and early life. However, it is speculated that she grew up in a value driven Christian family. Even though her family history remains undisclosed, her personal blasting life is a marriage with Morgan Freeman and their kids.
Early Life
Jeanette Adair was born and raised in the United States. It is believed that her family was working class, but details about her formative years are largely unknown. In the 60’s, Adair met Morgan Freeman, who was yet to make his mark in the acting industry, but was rather infamous for his perseverance. Their relationship blossomed over time, and the two eventually tied the knot.
Education
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s academic achievements, if any, are undisclosed to the public. However, owing to her childhood circumstances, it wouldn’t be a stretch to assume that she received some formal schooling. While it is known that she has remained professionally inactive, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that someone in her family had a job. Adair’s mother, for example, could have been a teacher.
Professional Career
Adair Bradshaw chose not to participate in the film industry unlike her ex husband. Most of her time was directed towards her children rather than her budding career.
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s life post-divorce has been shrouded in mystery, and as a result, she has largely evaded the public eye.
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s Relationships and Married Life
The couple first met in the sixties when Morgan Freeman was still an aspiring actor and pursuing his career. Their relationship progressed fast and they exchanged vows on the 22nd of October, 1967. Jeanette Bradshaw claimed that the hardest moment in their life together was supporting Freeman through his struggling career, but she was always there for him.
Morgan Freeman’s Ex-Wife
They were married for twelve years, during which Freeman’s career experienced its first major breakthrough. Still, the pair always struggled with personal issues and sadly decided to part ways. Jeanette Bradshaw Freeman died on the 19th of November, 1979 after the couple was officially divorced.
Freeman’s children
The couple had two children together:
Freeman claims an adopted daughter, Bethany Freeman, as well as his biological daughter Morgana Freeman. Additionally, Freeman adopted Jeanette’s daughter from a different relationship. One of the most tragic moments in Jeanette’s life was when her granddaughter E’dena Hines was murdered in 2015. Regardless of the pain, Jeanette was always strong and supported her family throughout the difficult times.
Life After Divorce
Jeanette decided to retreat from public view after her divorce to Morgan Freeman in 1979. Unlike many celebrity ex-wives, she seemed to have no interests in pursuing a career in the limelight and has preferred to stay out of the public eye. Her attention was always towards her children while avoiding the glamour and glitz that came with Hollywood. Having spent a significant part of her life in privacy, speaks a lot about her character, especially considering the fact that her husband was one of the most celebrated actors.
Legacy and Impact
Jeanette’s legacy goes beyond her marriage with a famous Hollywood actor. Her life story showcases the strength she possessed to pursue her dreams, as well as the commitment she had towards her family. She has always been an integral part of Morgan Freeman’s life, helping him through the struggles he faced in his career. Even when they separated, she was determined enough to choose how she wanted to live her life without having to depend on someone else’s expectations. Her story is inspiring for those who wish to remain distant from the negative aspects that come with popularity.
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw Net Worth
She has managed to remain a mystery with her financial information, but she is reported to be worth $4 million as of the year 2025. This is quite far from the $300 million Morgan Freeman is estimated to be worth, but it is a respectable amount in it’s own right. It is believed that she received a settlement post her divorce from Freeman which might have resulted in this figure. Even with this net worth, she is known to live a reclusive life, without indulging in any extravagant lifestyle.
Social Media Presence
Jeanette has never had any activity in social media, unlike other famous ex-wives who show their lives on Instagram or Twitter. Jeanette has preferred to avoid public scrutiny. There are no verified accounts with her name and there are very few photographs of her on the internet. Her preference for anonymity has kept her life largely a mystery to the public.
FAQs
Ans. She is popularly known as the first wife of actor Morgan Freeman. They were together for 12 years, until they divorced in 1979.
Ans. She has one biological child, Morgana Freeman, and one adopted child, Bethany Freeman. Jeanette’s daughter from her previous marriage is also adopted by Morgan Freeman.
Ans. Her expected net worth is about $4 million considering her divorce settlement and her own investments.
Ans. The two divorced in 1979 after 12 years of marriage, though neither one of them stated the reason why
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