Dionne Warwick Husband: Her Marriages to William Elliott, Family & Life After

Many fans searching for Dionne Warwick’s husband are surprised to learn that the legendary singer was married not once, but twice—both times to the same man, actor and musician William Elliott. Their relationship, marked by love, conflicts, reconciliation, and eventual separation, played out during the height of Warwick’s career, when she was becoming one of the most influential voices in American music. Understanding her marriage gives a deeper view into her personal journey as an artist, partner, and mother.

Who Is Dionne Warwick?

Dionne Warwick is widely recognized as one of the most celebrated vocalists in modern music history. Born Marie Dionne Warrick on December 12, 1940, in East Orange, New Jersey, she grew up in a deeply musical family. Her early exposure to gospel and R&B set the foundation for her unique vocal style—smooth, elegant, expressive, and instantly recognizable.

Warwick rose to national and international fame in the 1960s through her partnership with legendary songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David. She became the voice behind many timeless hits including “Walk On By,” “Don’t Make Me Over,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and “Anyone Who Had a Heart.” Her artistry brought her six Grammy Awards, global acclaim, and an enduring legacy that stretches across soul, pop, R&B, and adult contemporary music.

But while her professional life soared, Warwick’s personal life, especially her marriage, faced challenges that were shaped by fame, expectations, and the realities of being a woman at the forefront of the music industry.

Her Marriages to William Elliott

Dionne Warwick’s only husband was William “Bill” Elliott, a musician and actor. The two met in the mid-1960s, when both were immersed in performing and touring. They shared a deep connection built on music, ambition, and respect, and despite the pressures of the entertainment industry, they fell in love.

They married for the first time in 1966. However, the relationship proved turbulent almost immediately. Warwick was already rising rapidly in the music world, with constant travel, long hours in studios, and increasing public attention. Elliott, who had his own career pursuits, struggled with the demands and differences in their professional lives. Their first marriage lasted only about a year before ending in divorce in 1967.

Yet the story didn’t end there. After their divorce, the two rekindled their relationship. The emotional pull between them was strong, and both believed their love deserved another chance. Later in 1967, they remarried, determined to rebuild their partnership with greater understanding and patience.

Their second marriage lasted significantly longer—until 1975. However, despite efforts to make the reconciliation work, the same pressures that affected their first marriage eventually resurfaced. Warwick’s global career kept her constantly on the move, and Elliott often expressed that being married to one of the world’s most successful female artists made maintaining a traditional domestic life difficult. In interviews later in life, Warwick noted that being the primary breadwinner in a marriage during that era created tensions that many women were expected to navigate silently.

After nearly eight years together during their second attempt at marriage, they divorced for good in 1975. Neither remarried afterward.

Their Children and Family Life

Despite the challenges in their marriage, Dionne Warwick and William Elliott shared two sons, whom Warwick has described as the greatest gifts of her life.

Their first son, David Elliott, was born in 1969. He inherited his parents’ musical talent and has worked as a singer, songwriter, and percussionist. Their second son, Damon Elliott, was born in 1973 and grew up to become a Grammy-winning music producer known for working with artists across pop, hip-hop, and R&B. Warwick remains extremely close to both of her sons, and they have continued the family’s musical legacy in their own ways.

Warwick balanced motherhood with the demands of touring, recording, and performing—something that required immense resilience. While her marriage to Elliott eventually ended, their shared devotion to their children remained a lasting bond.

Life After the Marriage

After her divorce in 1975, Dionne Warwick never remarried. Instead, she focused on raising her sons and continuing her remarkable career. She became internationally known not only for her music but also for her philanthropic and humanitarian work. She served as a United Nations Global Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization and participated in countless charitable projects.

In later interviews, Warwick spoke candidly about marriage and the lessons she learned. She explained that being a highly successful woman in an industry dominated by men created complicated expectations in her personal life. She emphasized that she never apologized for her ambition or accomplishments—values that were sometimes at odds with traditional marital roles of the era.

Even after her marriage ended, Warwick and Elliott shared mutual respect as co-parents. She has described her sons as her greatest joy, and her family remains the centerpiece of her life today.