Fact-Check: Did Nat King Cole Leave His First Wife for Maria Hawkins?
By Sarah Jenkins
Q1: Did Nat King Cole leave his first wife specifically to marry Maria Hawkins?
Yes. While his marriage to Nadine Robinson had already deteriorated due to years of relentless touring and emotional drift, Cole’s relationship with Maria Hawkins Ellington began in 1946 while he was still married. His commitment to Hawkins was the direct catalyst for legally ending his first marriage in March 1948.
Q2: Who were Natalie Cole's biological parents?
Natalie Cole’s biological parents were Nat King Cole and his second wife, Maria Hawkins Ellington (Maria Cole). She was born on February 6, 1950, nearly two years after Cole's divorce from Nadine Robinson.
Q3: Was Maria Hawkins related to Duke Ellington?
No. Although she sang with Duke Ellington’s famed orchestra and performed under the professional name Maria Ellington, she was not related to Duke Ellington by blood or marriage. Her maiden name was Hawkins.
Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.
