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Who Is James Westley Welch? Everything About Raquel Welch’s First Husband

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Who Is James Westley Welch? Everything About Raquel Welch’s First Husband

James Westley Welch is known as the first husband of famous actress Raquel Welch. He was her high school sweetheart and the father of her two children. Even after their divorce, Raquel kept his last name, which made it part of Hollywood history. James lived a simple and private life. He worked as a tuna fisherman and later moved into business. Unlike his ex-wife, he stayed away from fame and media.

Quick Facts

FieldDetails
Full NameJames Westley Welch
NicknameJim
Birth YearAround 1937–1940
BirthplaceSan Diego, California, USA
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionTuna Fisherman, Businessman
Famous ForFirst husband of Raquel Welch
Ex-WifeRaquel Welch (1959–1964)
Second WifeJeanne M. Jones (reported)
ChildrenDamon Welch, Tahnee Welch, Jonas Welch (reported)
EducationLa Jolla High School
Current StatusPrivate life

When and Where was James Westley Welch Born and Who are his Parents?

James Westley Welch was born in California, most likely in San Diego, around the late 1930s or close to 1940. His exact birth year is not fully clear. This is common for people who stayed out of the public eye. Unlike celebrities, he never shared personal details with the media.

There are also mixed reports about his parents. Some records say his father was Hiriam Joseph Welch and his mother was Doris Latanne Hilburn. Other sources mention a different name for his mother, Tahnee Land, and list sisters named Jan, Jerry, and Judy. Because of these differences, it is best to say that his family background is not fully confirmed.

What we do know is that he grew up in a normal American home. He was not rich or famous as a child. His life was simple, like many young boys growing up near the coast. This simple start shaped the kind of person he became later.

Where Did He Study?

James spent his early years in San Diego, California. This area is close to the ocean, so fishing and sea life were a big part of daily life. Many young men in that area worked in fishing jobs. It is no surprise that James later became a tuna fisherman.

He went to La Jolla High School, where his life changed in a big way. This is where he met Jo Raquel Tejada, the girl who would later become Raquel Welch. At that time, she was just a student with big dreams.

Some reports say James finished high school. Others say he left before graduating to work at sea. This detail is not fully clear. But what matters most is what happened during those school years. That is when his love story began.

How Did James Westley Welch Meet Raquel Welch?

James Westley Welch met Raquel when they were both teenagers, around 15 years old. It was a classic young love story. They saw each other at school, started talking, and quickly became close.

Raquel later shared in her book Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage that it felt like love at first sight. She described James as calm, handsome, and strong. For her, he was the perfect young man. Can you imagine being that young and already thinking about your future together?

Their bond grew stronger over time. While Raquel was a cheerleader and loved performing, James was more laid-back and grounded. They were different in many ways, but that made their connection special.

When did James Westley Welch and Raquel Welch Get Married?

After high school, their love moved fast. Instead of waiting, they decided to get married. On May 8, 1959, they traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada, and tied the knot.

At that time, they were very young. Raquel’s father, Armando Carlos Tejada Urquizo, did not support the marriage. Her mother, Josephine Sarah Hall, also had concerns. But the couple followed their hearts.

Their early married life was not glamorous. They lived in a small home and tried to manage everyday life. James looked for work, and Raquel tried to learn how to run a home. She even called her mother often to ask how to cook and clean.

It may sound simple, but this stage was very real. They were just two young people trying to build a life together. No one knew at that time that one of them would become a global star.

What job did James Westley Welch do before Fame?

James Westley Welch worked as a commercial tuna fisherman. This job was not easy. It meant long days and nights at sea. Sometimes he was away for months at a time.

Think about that for a moment. Imagine being newly married and then being far away from home for weeks. This made life hard for both of them. While James worked on the ocean, Raquel stayed home with growing responsibilities.

There are also reports that James tried to help Raquel in her early career. He may have worked in small publicity jobs or local promotion work. But this did not last long. He soon moved away from that path.

Later in life, James Westley Welch is said to have worked in real estate. Some sources claim he became very successful in property business. However, there are no clear public records to prove how much he earned or what projects he handled.

Who are James Westley Welch’s Children Damon and Tahnee Welch?

James became a father at a very young age. His first child, Damon James Welch, was born on November 6, 1959. This was just months after his marriage. Two years later, their daughter Latanne Renee “Tahnee” Welch was born on December 26, 1961.

Being young parents was not easy. James had to work hard to support his family. At the same time, Raquel was still trying to figure out her future. Their home life was full of pressure, change, and new responsibilities.

Damon later worked in the entertainment field behind the scenes. He explored acting, writing, and production work. He even married Rebecca Trueman, whose father Fred Trueman was a famous cricket player in England.

Tahnee Welch followed her mother into acting. She appeared in films like Cocoon and built her own career. She also spent time in the spotlight, unlike her father, who stayed away from it.

Why Did James Westley Welch and Raquel Welch Divorce?

As their life moved forward, things became harder for both of them. James Westley Welch had a job that kept him away from home for long periods. He worked on fishing boats and spent months at sea. This made it very hard to stay close as a couple.

At the same time, Raquel was at home raising two young children. She felt alone and wanted more from life. She had big dreams of acting and wanted to try new things. These two paths started to pull them in different directions.

In 1962, they decided to separate. Raquel took the children and moved to Dallas, Texas. There, she worked as a model for Neiman Marcus and also worked other jobs to support herself. This was a big step for her. She was trying to build a new life.

By 1964, their divorce was final. It was not a loud or messy split in public. But it was still painful. Raquel later said it was one of the hardest choices she ever made. She even felt she hurt her family by leaving. This shows how real and deep their story was.

Why Did Raquel Welch Keep James Westley Welch’s Last Name?

After the divorce, something very interesting happened. Raquel did not go back to her birth name, Jo Raquel Tejada. Instead, she kept the last name “Welch.” This decision changed her future in a big way.

You might ask, why keep an ex-husband’s name? One reason was career advice. Her manager, Patrick Curtis, told her that “Welch” sounded simple and easy for Hollywood. At that time, actors with non-English names often faced limits.

So she kept the name. And that name became famous around the world. Every time people saw her in movies like Fantastic Voyage or One Million Years B.C., they saw the name Welch. This means James Westley Welch’s name became part of movie history.

Even after she married other men like André Weinfeld and Richard Palmer, she never changed it. She kept “Welch” for her whole life. That is a powerful legacy for someone who stayed out of the spotlight.

What happened to James Westley Welch after Divorce and Where is He Now?

After the divorce, James Westley Welch chose a very different path. While Raquel moved into Hollywood and became a star, he stepped away from public life. He did not chase fame or attention.

He is believed to have married Jeanne M. Jones later in life. Together, they built a quiet life in California. Some reports say they had a son named Jonas Wesley Welch. Unlike his older children, Jonas stayed completely private.

James also moved into business work. Many sources say he worked in real estate and became successful. But there are no clear public records to show his exact earnings or projects. This matches his style of staying private and out of the news.

He never gave interviews. He never wrote a book. He never shared his story with the media. In a world where many people want fame, he chose peace instead. That makes his story very different.

Even with this quiet life, he still played an important role as a father. When his children needed stability, he was there. While their mother traveled for films in places like London, Rome, and Spain, James gave them a calm space in California.

Who is His Ex-Wife Raquel Welch?

Who is His Ex-Wife Raquel Welch?

Raquel Welch was born as Jo Raquel Tejada on September 5, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois. Her father, Armando Carlos Tejada Urquizo, was from Bolivia and worked as an engineer. Her mother, Josephine Sarah Hall, was American with English roots.

When she was young, her family moved to San Diego, California. This is where she grew up. She studied ballet for many years and joined beauty contests. She even won titles like Miss Fairest of the Fair. From the start, she loved being on stage.

She went to La Jolla High School, where she met James Westley Welch. Later, she joined San Diego State College on a theater scholarship. But her life changed after marriage and motherhood.

After her divorce, she worked hard to build a career. She moved to Los Angeles and started small. Then came her big break in 1966 with Fantastic Voyage. The same year, One Million Years B.C. made her a global star.

Her look, especially the famous deer-skin outfit, became iconic. But she did not want to be seen only as a beauty. She worked hard to take strong roles and show her talent.

She won a Golden Globe Award for her role in The Three Musketeers. She also performed on stage in shows like Woman of the Year and Victor/Victoria. These roles proved she was more than just a film star.

Raquel also built a strong business career. Her Raquel Welch Wig Collection became a big success. It helped her earn money outside of acting and gave her long-term stability.

In her personal life, she married three more times after James. She married Patrick Curtis, then André Weinfeld, and later Richard Palmer. But none of these marriages gave her more children.

She also had a short relationship with football star Joe Namath in the 1970s. Still, her first love story with James Westley Welch always remained special in her life.

Raquel Welch passed away on February 15, 2023, in Los Angeles at the age of 82. By that time, she had built a powerful legacy in film, business, and culture. Yet, she kept the name “Welch” until the very end.

FAQs

Who is James Westley Welch?

James Westley Welch is an American man best known as the first husband of actress Raquel Welch and the father of her two children.

Why is James Westley Welch famous?

He is famous because Raquel Welch kept his last name, which became widely known in Hollywood.

When did James Westley Welch marry Raquel Welch?

They married on May 8, 1959, in Las Vegas when they were very young.

Why did James Westley Welch and Raquel Welch divorce?

They divorced due to long separations, work pressure, and different life goals, especially Raquel’s acting dreams.

Does James Westley Welch have children?

Yes, he has two well-known children, Damon Welch and Tahnee Welch, and one reported son from a later marriage.


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Marrakech7: Your Guide to Moroccan News

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Marrakech7: Your Guide to Moroccan News

Marrakech7 is a Moroccan digital news platform linked with Marrakech Al-Ikhbaria. It mainly covers Marrakech and the Marrakech-Safi region. Readers can find reports about local affairs, politics, society, sports, culture, security, and public projects.

The platform also covers major news from across Morocco. Its website divides stories into sections, making different topics easy to find. Marrakech7 can be useful for readers who want to follow local, regional, and national Moroccan news online.

Marrakech7 and Marrakech Al-Ikhbaria

Marrakech7 is closely linked with Marrakech Al-Ikhbaria, an independent digital newspaper. It publishes its reports online and covers several types of news.

The website divides stories into different sections. Readers can find politics, sports, society, and local news without searching through unrelated reports. This makes it easier to follow a specific topic.

Marrakech7 Local News Coverage

Local news is a major part of Marrakech7. It reports on events in Marrakech and nearby areas. Topics include infrastructure, public projects, security operations, court cases, and local government work.

Road projects and changes to public services can directly affect local people. These stories may not receive wide national attention, but they can be important for people living in the area.

The platform also reports on security and court matters when they become news. This helps readers follow important events taking place in their city and region.

Marrakech7 Politics and Government News

Politics is another part of the website. Its reports can cover political activity, government decisions, laws, public policy, and political groups. It also follows regional government matters.

Political decisions can affect public services and local projects. Reports can help readers understand what happened, who was involved, and why a decision matters.

The platform also covers important political news from across Morocco. National government programs and decisions may later affect people living in Marrakech and the wider region.

Marrakech7 Society and Community Stories

The society section focuses on issues that affect people and communities. It can include public needs, local programs, community projects, and other social matters.

Regional recovery after Morocco’s September 2023 earthquake is one important topic. Recovery work can include rebuilding homes, restoring public services, and providing support to affected communities.

The platform also reports on public and community programs. These stories show how larger events and government plans can affect people living in Marrakech-Safi.

Marrakech7 Sports News

Sports are an important part of the website. Football receives strong coverage. Reports include local teams such as Kawkab Marrakech and other football news from Morocco.

Local fans can follow matches, results, club news, and other team developments. This gives supporters a simple way to keep up with local football.

The sports section also covers Morocco’s national teams and major sporting events. Readers can follow both Marrakech sports and larger sports stories from across the country.

Marrakech7 Culture and Regional Life

The website also covers culture and regional life. Reports can include local events, public activities, traditions, and other stories from Marrakech and nearby areas.

Cultural coverage helps readers learn about events and activities taking place in the region. It also gives space to topics beyond politics, security, and government news.

Marrakech is known around the world as a tourist city, but local life includes much more. Public services, sports, cultural events, neighborhoods, and community activities are also important parts of the city.

Marrakech7 Coverage of the Marrakech-Safi Region

Marrakech7 covers news from across the Marrakech-Safi region. Reports can include public projects, local services, government work, and events in towns outside Marrakech.

Regional projects can affect many communities. New roads, public services, and government plans may serve people across the region.

The platform also covers major events that affect several areas. This helps readers follow news from the wider Marrakech-Safi region.

Marrakech7 National Moroccan News

The website also reports on major news from across Morocco. Topics can include politics, social issues, government decisions, sports, and other national events.

National decisions can affect local areas. A government program may lead to new services or projects in Marrakech-Safi.

Readers can follow local news while also learning about important events in other parts of Morocco.

How Marrakech7 Publishes News?

Marrakech7 publishes its news online. Readers can access the website from a phone, tablet, or computer.

Stories are placed into sections based on topic. Readers can choose sections for sports, politics, society, or local affairs.

New reports can be published as events happen. Readers should check the date because older stories may still appear in search results.

Who Reads Marrakech7?

The platform is useful for people who follow news from Marrakech and Marrakech-Safi. Local readers can find reports about public projects, government work, sports, security, and community issues.

Moroccans living in other cities or countries may also use the site. They can follow events, local football, and changes taking place in Marrakech.

The website also covers wider Moroccan news. This gives readers access to local, regional, and national stories.

Why Marrakech7 Matters for Local News?

National news outlets may not cover every event in each city or town. Local news sites can give more space to stories from one region.

These stories can include road projects, court cases, security operations, and local government decisions. Such events can directly affect people living in the area.

Marrakech7 focuses on Marrakech and Marrakech-Safi. Its coverage includes public projects, local government, community issues, sports, and other regional news.

What to Check When Reading Marrakech7 News?

Always check the date of an online news report. An older article may not include the latest information about an event.

Readers should also read the full story instead of only the headline. The full report can provide important facts that are not shown in the title.

Major claims can also be checked with official sources or other trusted news outlets. This is useful for politics, court cases, security reports, and breaking news.

Conclusion

Marrakech7 is a Moroccan digital news platform linked with Marrakech Al-Ikhbaria. It mainly covers Marrakech and the Marrakech-Safi region while also reporting important national news.

Its topics include local affairs, politics, society, sports, culture, security, government work, and public projects. The website separates these topics into sections so readers can find news more easily.

The platform gives readers a way to follow news from Marrakech and the wider region. Readers should still check story dates and compare major claims with trusted sources when needed.

FAQs

What is Marrakech7?

Marrakech7 is an online Moroccan news platform that covers local, regional, and national news.

What area does Marrakech7 mainly cover?

Its main focus is Marrakech and the wider Marrakech-Safi region.

What news does Marrakech7 publish?

It covers local affairs, politics, society, sports, culture, security, and public projects.

Does Marrakech7 cover sports?

Yes. Its sports coverage includes local football, Kawkab Marrakech, and wider Moroccan sports news.

Does Marrakech7 cover national Moroccan news?

Yes. The platform also reports on important events and developments from across Morocco.


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Who Was Doughtry Long? What We Know About Nia Long’s Father

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Doughtry Long

Doughtry Long was an American poet, writer, teacher, and mentor. Many people know him as the father of actress Nia Long. He was also the father of comedian Sommore.

Known as “Doc,” Doughtry Long spent more than 30 years in education. He taught writing and literature in Trenton, New Jersey. He also wrote poetry, supported Black history, and worked with young writers.

Quick Bio

FactDetails
Full NameDoughtry Long Jr.
NicknameDoc
Known ForPoet, teacher, writer, and father of Nia Long
Date of BirthMarch 14, 1942
BirthplaceAtlanta, Georgia, United States
Raised InTrenton, New Jersey
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionPoet, writer, educator, mentor
CollegeWest Virginia State College
Graduate SchoolTrenton State College
DegreeMaster’s degree in Urban Studies
Main WorkplaceTrenton Central High School
Teaching SubjectsLiterature and creative writing
Teaching CareerMore than 30 years
School ProjectPhoenix Literary Magazine
Peace Corps WorkCommunity development in West Africa
Prison EducationAfrican American Studies Program at Trenton State Prison
Other Education WorkPoetry in the Schools program
Literary GroupLinked with the Trenton Writers Guild
Notable BookBlack Love Black Hope
Other WorksTimbuktu Blues, Song for Nia, Rules for Cool
Poetry AwardBroadside Press Award for Poetry
Arts RecognitionFellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts
InterestsPoetry, jazz, fishing, photography, and travel
DaughterNia Long
DaughterLori Rambough, known as Sommore
DaughterDjamila McRae
Date of DeathJanuary 27, 2020
Age at Death77
LegacyEducation, poetry, mentoring, and community work in Trenton

Doughtry Long’s Early Life

Doughtry “Doc” Long Jr. was born on March 14, 1942, in Atlanta, Georgia. He later grew up in Trenton, New Jersey. Trenton became an important part of his life and work.

He studied, taught, and wrote in the city. He also became active in local schools and arts programs. Many students and writers in Trenton came to know him well.

Long grew up during a time of major racial and social change in the United States. These issues later appeared in his writing and teaching. His poetry often focused on Black life and culture.

People knew him in different ways. Some knew him as a teacher. Others knew him as a poet, writer, mentor, jazz lover, or fisherman.

Doughtry Long’s Education

Education was a major part of Doughtry Long’s life. He attended West Virginia State College, which is now West Virginia State University.

He later studied at Trenton State College, now called The College of New Jersey. He earned a master’s degree in Urban Studies there.

His studies matched his later work. Long cared about education, cities, and local communities. He often linked learning with Black history and social issues.

For Long, education was more than school work. He wanted people to understand their history, their community, and their own ideas.

Doughtry Long’s Teaching Career

Doughtry Long worked in education for more than 30 years. He was best known as a literature and creative writing teacher at Trenton Central High School.

He taught students how to read and write. He also asked them to create their own poems and stories. Long wanted young people to believe their voices had value.

He encouraged students to attend poetry readings and open-mic events. These events helped them meet other writers and learn outside the classroom.

Former student Reggie Walker said Long had a strong effect on his life. Walker said Long helped students believe they could become writers and succeed.

Some students stayed connected with Long after leaving school. Several later became writers, teachers, poets, and community leaders.

His work had an impact beyond one class or school year. Former students still spoke about his support years later.

Doughtry Long and Trenton Central High School

Trenton Central High School was a major part of Doughtry Long’s career. He taught literature and creative writing there for many years.

Long also founded the Phoenix Literary Magazine. It gave students a place to publish poems, stories, and other writing.

He often took students to poetry readings and open-mic events. These trips helped them meet writers outside their school.

Reggie Walker said Long took students to events in places such as Princeton. Long wanted them to see that their own writing mattered.

Walker later became an educator and published poetry. He also took his own students to writing events. He credited Long with helping him believe in himself.

After Doughtry Long died, many former students shared stories about him. They remembered him as both a teacher and a mentor.

Doughtry Long’s Poetry and Writing

Poetry was an important part of Doughtry Long’s life. He wrote about Black identity, family, culture, and social issues.

Nia Long later said her father wrote about the Black experience in America. She also described him as proud of Black history and culture.

His poetry appeared in several literary journals. These included The Literary Review, Brilliant Corners, Obsidian, Painted Bride Quarterly, and Black Renaissance Noire.

Long also used poetry in his teaching and community work. He saw writing as a way to talk about history, identity, and daily life.

He took part in poetry readings in Trenton. Classics Books remembered him as a regular part of local literary events.

At some readings, jazz musicians performed with him. This brought together two of his main interests: poetry and jazz.

Doughtry Long’s Books

Doughtry Long wrote several books and poetry works. One of his best-known titles is Black Love Black Hope.

He also wrote Timbuktu Blues and Song for Nia: A Poetic Essay in Three Parts. The title Song for Nia was linked to his daughter Nia Long.

Another work was Rules for Cool. The book used humor and advice to encourage young people to read, learn, and think.

The message matched Long’s work as a teacher. He wanted students to build their vocabulary, ask questions, and value learning.

Another title linked to him is Ginger Bread Mama. Reports also mention children’s writing and work linked to his family.

His books often focused on the same subjects he taught. These included education, Black culture, family, and personal growth.

Doughtry Long’s Awards and Literary Recognition

Doughtry Long’s poetry was published outside Trenton as well. His work appeared in journals and poetry collections.

His poems were included in The Poetry of Black America, Blue Stones and Salt Hay, Gathering Ground, Let Loose on the World, A Rock Against the Wind, and Legacies.

Long also received the Broadside Press Award for Poetry. Broadside Press is known for publishing and supporting Black poets.

He received a fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. This recognized his work as a poet in New Jersey.

Long was also linked with the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and its poetry programs.

In 2019, three of his poems appeared in The Bookshop on Lafayette Street. The book was published by Eric Maywar of Classics Books in Trenton.

Doughtry Long’s Civil Rights and Community Work

Doughtry Long cared about Black history and equal rights. His teaching and writing often focused on Black life in America. He also took part in talks about civil rights and social change.

He believed education could help people understand their past and their community. He used books, poetry, and public talks to share these ideas.

Long was also active in Trenton. He supported students, young writers, and local artists. His work often linked education, culture, and community life.

Doughtry Long’s Peace Corps Work

Doughtry Long also worked with the Peace Corps in West Africa. His work focused on community development.

This gave him experience outside the United States. He later spoke about his time in West Africa during public events and poetry programs.

Travel was also one of his interests. His Peace Corps work became another important part of his life and community work.

Doughtry Long’s Work Beyond the Classroom

Long’s work went beyond Trenton Central High School. He also took part in other education and writing programs.

He helped organize an African American Studies Program at Trenton State Prison. The program taught people about Black history and culture.

Doughtry Long also worked with the Poetry in the Schools program in New York City. He was also linked with the Trenton Writers Guild.

These projects gave more people a chance to learn, write, and take part in poetry.

Doughtry Long as Nia Long’s Father

Doughtry Long was the father of actress Nia Long. She is known for films and shows such as Boyz n the Hood, Love Jones, Soul Food, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

After his death, Nia spoke about his life and work. She described him as a writer, teacher, mentor, and important person in his community.

She also said their relationship had difficult parts. Nia shared that there were things she wished her father had done when she was young.

As she grew older, she said she understood him better. She also spoke about forgiving him for things he could not give her.

After Doughtry Long died, Nia spent time in Trenton. She learned more about the effect he had on former students and local people.

This helped her see more of his work outside their family. She saw how much people in the city respected him.

Doughtry Long’s Other Daughters

Doughtry Long had three daughters. They were Lori Rambough, Nia Long, and Djamila McRae.

Lori Rambough is better known as comedian Sommore. This means Nia Long and Sommore share the same father.

Djamila McRae was also named in family tributes after Doughtry’s death. Less public information is available about her life.

After their father died, Nia named both Lori and Djamila in a tribute. She said the sisters were thankful they had been with him near the end of his life.

Doughtry Long’s Personal Interests

Doughtry Long had several interests outside work. Jazz was one of the most important.

At some poetry readings, jazz musicians performed with him. This mixed two parts of his life: poetry and music.

He also enjoyed fishing, photography, travel, and food. People in Trenton remembered him for many different interests.

Nia Long later said she wished she had gone fishing with her father. It was one of the personal memories she shared after his death.

Doughtry Long’s Death

Doughtry Long died on January 27, 2020. He was 77 years old.

His family and community shared tributes after his death. Nia Long posted photos and messages in his memory.

Trenton Central High School also honored him through poetry. Some of his former students took part in the tribute.

Nia said the event was very emotional for her. The stories from former students showed how much her father had meant to people in Trenton.

A public event to honor his life was also planned in the city. Many former students and writers shared memories of his work.

Doughtry Long’s Legacy

Doughtry Long left a strong mark through teaching and writing. He spent more than 30 years helping students read, write, and share their ideas.

Many former students said he gave them confidence. He encouraged them to write poems, publish their work, and attend poetry events.

His own poetry also became part of his legacy. His work appeared in books, journals, and poetry collections.

Long also supported learning outside schools. His work included prison education, writing groups, poetry programs, and community events.

Many people know Doughtry Long as Nia Long and Sommore’s father. In Trenton, he was also known as a teacher, poet, writer, and mentor.

His work continued through the students and writers he helped during his life.

Interesting Facts About Doughtry Long

  • Doughtry “Doc” Long Jr. was born on March 14, 1942, in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • He grew up in Trenton, New Jersey, where he later became a well-known teacher and poet.
  • He worked in education for more than 30 years.
  • Long taught literature and creative writing at Trenton Central High School.
  • He founded the Phoenix Literary Magazine for student writers.
  • He earned a master’s degree in Urban Studies from Trenton State College.
  • He worked with the Peace Corps in West Africa.
  • Long helped organize an African American Studies Program at Trenton State Prison.
  • His poetry appeared in several literary journals and collections.
  • His books included Black Love Black Hope, Timbuktu Blues, Song for Nia, and Rules for Cool.
  • He received the Broadside Press Award for Poetry.
  • He also received a fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
  • Jazz was one of his main interests, and musicians sometimes joined his poetry readings.
  • He was the father of actress Nia Long and comedian Sommore.
  • Doughtry Long died on January 27, 2020, at age 77.

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Who Is Rishia Haas? The Story Of Andrew Zimmern’s Former Wife

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Rishia Haas

Rishia Haas is an American administrative professional who is widely known as Andrew Zimmern’s former wife. The couple met in Minnesota before Andrew became a major TV star. They later married and had a son named Noah. Their marriage ended after many years.

There is a lot of information about Rishia Haas online. Some details are not well proven. This article focuses on the facts that are better supported.

Andrew had already started his recovery years before he met Rishia. So, her work in this field should not be linked to the start of his sobriety.

Quick Bio

DetailInformation
Full NameRishia Haas
Known ForFormer wife of Andrew Zimmern
NationalityAmerican
BirthplaceMinnesota is widely reported; exact birthplace is not firmly confirmed
Date of BirthNot reliably confirmed
EducationReportedly attended Anoka High School and Augsburg College
ProfessionAdministrative professional
Reported Work FieldAddiction recovery and support services
Reported WorkplaceThe Retreat
Other Reported WorkplaceHazelden Betty Ford Foundation
Former HusbandAndrew Zimmern
Andrew Zimmern’s ProfessionChef, writer, TV host, and food personality
First MeetingReportedly around 1999
Where They MetA cooking school in Minnesota
Marriage Year2002
Commonly Reported Wedding DateDecember 26, 2002
ChildrenOne
SonNoah Zimmern
Son’s Birth Year2005
SeparationBecame public in 2018
Length of MarriageAbout 16 years before separation
Notable Public Appearance2015 James Beard Foundation Awards in Chicago
Current Relationship StatusNo reliable public information confirms a new marriage
Current CareerNot clearly confirmed publicly
Net WorthNot reliably confirmed
Public ProfileLimited

Rishia Haas’s Early Life

Rishia Haas has strong ties to Minnesota. Several reports say she grew up there. She also met Andrew Zimmern in the state.

Her exact date of birth is not clearly confirmed. Different websites give different dates and years.

Some websites also list names for her parents and siblings. These details are not backed by strong public records.

Rishia was not a public figure before meeting Andrew. Little verified information is available about her early years.

Rishia Haas’s Education

Several reports say Rishia Haas went to Anoka High School in Minnesota. There is little public information about her school years.

She is also said to have studied at Augsburg College, now called Augsburg University. The school is in Minneapolis.

There is no clear public record of her degree, subject, or graduation year. These details should not be added without proof.

Her later work was mainly in office and support roles.

Rishia Haas’s Career

Rishia Haas has been linked to several office jobs. Her work was separate from Andrew Zimmern’s TV career.

One reported job was at The Retreat in Minnesota. Some profiles say she worked there as an admissions coordinator.

She has also been linked to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Reports say she worked there in an office role.

There is little reliable public information about her current job in 2026.

Some websites say Rishia helped Andrew become sober. The timeline does not support this. Andrew entered treatment in 1992. Rishia reportedly met him around 1999.

How Rishia Haas Met Andrew Zimmern

Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern reportedly met around 1999 in Minnesota. Their first meeting was linked to a cooking school.

Andrew was teaching cooking classes there. Rishia reportedly worked in a store connected to the school.

They later started dating. This was before Andrew became famous through Bizarre Foods.

At that time, Andrew was already working in food. His biggest TV success came years later.

Rishia knew Andrew before his heavy travel and TV work became a major part of his life.

Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern’s Marriage

Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern married in 2002. December 26 is often listed as their wedding date.

They had been together for several years before the marriage.

In 2006, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern began airing. The show took Andrew to many places around the world.

His work required a lot of travel. Andrew later said that his busy career affected the time he gave to his wife and son.

Rishia also joined Andrew at some public events. In May 2015, they attended the James Beard Foundation Awards in Chicago.

By this time, Andrew’s work had become a major part of their family life. He later spoke about how that pressure affected their marriage.

Rishia Haas and Her Son Noah

Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern have one son, Noah Zimmern. He was born in 2005. Noah was still young when Andrew’s TV career became very busy.

Andrew often had to travel for work. This meant family time could be hard to manage. He later spoke about how his work affected both his wife and son.

There is not much public information about Noah. Most details about his life have stayed out of the media. He is mainly known because of his parents.

Rishia Haas’s Public Appearances

Rishia Haas was seen with Andrew at a few public events during their marriage. One of the clearest examples came in May 2015.

The couple attended the James Beard Foundation Awards in Chicago. They walked the red carpet together and were photographed at the event.

These public appearances were not very common. Rishia was never known for building a public career of her own. Most news about her came through her marriage to Andrew.

How Andrew Zimmern’s Fame Affected Their Family

Andrew Zimmern became very well known after Bizarre Foods became a hit. His work took him to many countries. He also had to spend long periods away from home.

Andrew later said that his fame had a real effect on his family. In one interview, he said people had pushed past his wife and son just to reach him.

He also admitted that he was not there enough for Rishia and Noah. He said his work and public life took too much of his time.

These comments give a clear reason why family life became hard. The problem was not one single event. It was the pressure of travel, work, and fame over many years.

Why Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern Divorced

Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern separated after about 16 years of marriage. In 2018, reports said they were moving toward an amicable divorce.

Andrew later took responsibility for his part in the breakup. He said he had not been there enough for his wife and son. He also said Rishia had given him many chances to fix things.

There is no strong public proof of a major scandal behind the split. The clearest reason comes from Andrew’s own words about work and family life.

By early 2020, reports said the divorce had been completed. After that, Rishia and Andrew went on with their lives separately.

Rishia Haas After the Divorce

After the divorce, Rishia Haas became even less visible in public. There have been very few reliable updates about her personal life.

Some websites have made claims about where she lives and what she does now. However, many of these details are not backed by strong sources.

There is also no reliable public record showing that she remarried. The safest point is that her life after the divorce has remained mostly private.

Her current work is also not clearly known. As of 2026, there is little verified public information about her job or daily life.

Rishia Haas’s Net Worth and Private Details

Many celebrity websites give a net worth figure for Rishia Haas. Some claim that she is worth millions of dollars.

There is no strong public record that proves these numbers. Her income, savings, and other financial details have not been made public.

The same care is needed with details like her exact height, weight, birthday, and full family history. Different websites often give different answers.

For this reason, these details should not be treated as facts unless a strong source confirms them. A useful biography should focus on what is known, not on guesses.

Facts About Rishia Haas

  • Rishia Haas is best known as the former wife of chef and TV host Andrew Zimmern.
  • She reportedly met Andrew around 1999 at a cooking school in Minnesota.
  • Andrew taught cooking classes, while Rishia worked at a store linked to the school.
  • Rishia and Andrew married in 2002.
  • They have one son, Noah Zimmern, who was born in 2005.
  • Rishia was married to Andrew during the rise of his hit TV show Bizarre Foods.
  • She attended the 2015 James Beard Foundation Awards with Andrew in Chicago.
  • Rishia has been linked to office and support work in the addiction recovery field.
  • She has been reported to work with The Retreat and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
  • Andrew began his own recovery long before meeting Rishia. He entered Hazelden on January 28, 1992.
  • Their separation became public in 2018 after about 16 years of marriage.
  • Andrew later said that his busy career and time away from home had hurt his family life.
  • Rishia has shared very little about her life since the divorce.
  • Her exact birth date, current job, and personal finances are not reliably confirmed.
  • Online claims about a multimillion-dollar net worth should not be treated as verified facts.

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