Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole (born 1962) is an American public figure, famous personality, and celebrity partner from Honolulu, Hawaii. She is best known as the wife of Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (a native Hawaiian singer, lyricist, and musician).

He was also an activist for Hawaiian sovereignty. In 1993, he released the hit album from Israel called “Facing Future”. Some of the hit songs are “Over The Rainbow / What A Wonderful World”, “Hawaiʻi ’78 Introduction”, “Panini Pua Kea”, “Take Me Home Country Road”, etc.

Also, the single track “Over The Rainbow / What A Wonderful World” was released on Kamakawiwoʻole’s albums called Ka ʻAnoʻi and Facing Future. It became a huge hit all over the world and he also appeared in various movies, TV shows and TV commercials.

On June 26, 1997, the singer tragically passed away at the age of 38. According to the source, he was also honored with the German Echo national music award. Israel also landed a spot on the 50 Greatest Voices series list as NPR’s “The Voice of Hawaii.”

Personal life

In 1982, Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole married her husband “Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole” after dating him for a while. Her wedding ceremony was a traditional event that took place in the presence of friends and family.

They also blessed a girl named “Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole” in 1983. During his last days, Israel Kaʻanoʻi told his spouse that he was happy with his life. He even told her that Marlene and her teenage daughter would always be fine.

Marlene cried when the singer told her that he loved them unconditionally. Israel later died eight months after this conversation, which was obviously the most difficult phase of her life.

At the young age of 35, Kamakawiwoʻole became his widow. Later, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s wife became the surviving pastor of her family. There are no details on Ceslie-Ann but she is a married woman. She also has four children, making Marlene a grandmother.

Death cause

His partner’s cause of death was complications of morbid obesity. The latter artist suffered from obesity throughout his life. At his heaviest time, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole weighed in at 343 kg (756 lbs) while he was 6 feet 2 inches tall.

He was also diagnosed with numerous illnesses, including heart, respiratory, and other medical problems. His death occurred around 00:18 on June 26, 1997. He was admitted to Queen’s Medical Center where the singer spent the last days of his life.

On July 10, 1997, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s funeral was held. In fact, the Hawaiian flag was flying at half mast and his casket lay in the state capitol building in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was the third person to receive this honor.

Some lesser known facts about Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole

• Marlene Ah Lo was born in 1962 in Hawaii, United States of America. Therefore, the age of Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole is 57 years old, as of 2019.
• He has two granddaughters and two grandsons.
• She officially adopted two of her older grandchildren who were raised in her Pearl City home.
• They studied at the Hawaiian language immersion school.
• Like their grandfather, they also take ukulele lessons. His grandchildren are also soccer fans.
• In addition, his daughter “Ceslie-Ann Kamakawiwo’ole” refused to give any interview and tries to stay away from any limelight.
• Beginning in Marlene’s career, the wife of Israel Kamakawiwoʻole used to work in the cardiology department at Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center.
• According to official reports, she met her future husband there and served as his caretaker at the time.
• Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole suffered from depression and other mental illnesses for a year after Israel’s approval.
• On May 19, 2020, Google paid tribute to his spouse by dedicating a Google Doodle to him in honor of his 61st birthday.
• According to the description, it was also selected in honor of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month in the United States.
• Marlene’s father-in-law’s name is Henry “Hank” Kaleialoha Naniwa Kamakawiwoʻole Jr. and her mother-in-law’s name is Evangeline “Angie” Leinani Kamakawiwoʻole.
• He also had a brother-in-law named Skippy Kamakawiwoʻole who also died on October 1, 1982 at the young age of 28.
• Some of her late husband’s best works are “Alone in IZ World (2001)”, “Wonderful World (2007)”, “E Ala E (1995)” and “N Dis Life (1996)”.
• He never remarried after Israel’s demise.
• As of 2020, he lives with his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren in Hawaii.
• Furthermore, Marlene Ah Lo is also not active on social media accounts like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to maintain her privacy.