Latane Brown is famous as the former spouse of the late legendary stock car driver and racing team owner Dale Earnhardt.
Earnhardt was a dominant force in the sport during the 1980s and 1990s, who secured seven NASCAR Cup Series Championships.
After her divorce from Earnhardt Sr., Brown remarried Jack Key, with whom she shared children. Brown’s passing in 2021 marked the end of an era, leaving behind cherished memories and a lasting legacy.
In this article, we will explore Brown’s early life, her marriage to the iconic Earnhardt, her career, her net worth, and more.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Betty Latane Brown |
| Known as | Latane Brown |
| Famous as | Dale Earnhardt’s Ex-Wife |
| Date of Birth | 17 Nov 1951 |
| Place of Birth | Cabarrus County, North Carolina, USA |
| Date of Death | 10 Jul 2021 |
| Place of Death | Kannapolis, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, USA |
| Age at the time of Death | 69 |
| Burial | Carolina Memorial ParkConcord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, USA |
| Spouses | Dale Earnhardt, Jackie Lynn Key |
| Children | Kerry Earnhardt, Janet Janine |
| Grandchildren | Bobby Earnhardt, Jeffrey Earnhardt, Kayla Earnhardt |
| Parents | Hoyt Allen Brown, Robbie Crook Brown |
| Sibling | 3 |
| Gender | Female |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Nationality | American |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Net Worth | N/A |
Latane Brown’s Early Life
Latane Brown was born on November 17, 1951, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, USA.
She was the daughter of Hoyt Allen Brown and Robbie Crook Brown.
Brown grew up with her three siblings. Unfortunately, information about Latane’s early life and education is hard to find in media sources.
Latane Brown’s Age And Nationality
Latane Brown, born on November 17, 1951, was 69 years old at the time of her passing in 2021 as per mention in different resources. On the Other hand his son share a post in which he mention her actual age
According to this post his mother age is 90.
As a native of the United States, she held American nationality.
Latane Brown’s Famous Ex-Husband: Dale Earnhardt
Dale Earnhardt was an iconic figure in American motorsports. He was both a famous stock car driver and a respected team owner.
Racing from 1975 to 2001 in the NASCAR Winston Cup series, he left an unforgettable mark in the history of the support.
Earnhardt has an impressive 76 Winston Cup victories, among which were wins at prestigious races like the Daytona 500 and the Talladega Superspeedway.
Earnhardt’s aggressive driving style and unmatched competitiveness defined his legacy on the track.
Tragically, his life was cut short on February 18, 2001, during the final lap of the Daytona 500, where a fatal crash claimed his life.
His untimely death caused significant safety advancements in NASCAR, ensuring a safer environment for drivers.
Latane Brown And Dale Earnhardt’s Relationship
Latane and Dale tied the knot at a very young age. They found love at 16 and swiftly married in 1968 after discovering they were expecting a child. Their son, Kerry, was born when they were both 18.
However, their youthful marriage encountered challenges, leading to their separation soon after Kerry’s birth.
Talking about their marriage, Kerry revealed that his mother shared with him the struggles they faced, causing their early marriage and divorce to the difficulties they encountered.
Their divorce was officially concluded in 1970, marking the end of their marital journey.
Latane Brown And Dale Earnhardt’s Son
Latane Brown And Dale Earnhardt’s son, Kerry Dale Earnhardt was born on December 8, 1969. He is a former NASCAR driver and the eldest son of the iconic seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt.
Kerry has carved his path in the racing world, following in his father’s footsteps. He is also the half-brother of former NASCAR Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller.
Kerry’s racing journey began in Street Stock racing, progressing steadily through various series until he reached NASCAR.
Making his mark in races like the Busch Series and the ARCA series, he debuted in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series in 2000, competing against his father and brother.
Latane Brown’s Second Marriage
After her divorce from her first husband, Latane Brown started a new chapter of her life. She crossed paths with Jack Key and began a friendship that gradually evolved into a deeper connection.
According to Kerry, Latane and Jack spent time together as friends before developing a serious relationship two years later, resulting in their marriage.
After tying the knot, Jack legally adopted Kerry, giving him his surname. Their family expanded with the arrival of their daughter, Janet Janine (JJ).
Latane Brown Didn’t Tell Her Son About His Biological Father For A Long Time
Latane and her husband kept Kerry unaware of his biological father until he turned 16. Initially, he assumed that his mother and stepfather had him before they got married.
However, in 9th grade, Kerry became curious about his adoption status, as he met a woman and her daughters at his sporting events.
This encounter eventually led to a conversation with his mother, who revealed that his father was Dale Earnhardt.
With the help of family connections, Kerry finally spoke to his father over the phone, making promises of future connections.
Despite a two-year gap in communication, Dale ensured Kerry felt remembered through Christmas gifts.
Years later, after getting his driver’s license Kerry mustered the courage to approach his father in person. It led to a memorable encounter and a meaningful conversation between father and son.
Latane Brown’s Net Worth
The net worth of Latane Brown remains undisclosed due to unknown assets.
However, her former husband, the esteemed race car driver Dale Earnhardt, was estimated to have a net worth of $70 million at the time of his passing in 2001.
Where Is Latane Brown Now?
Latane Brown, sadly, is no longer with us. She passed away on July 10, 2021, in Kannapolis, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, USA, at the age of 69.
She was laid to rest in Carolina Memorial Park in Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, USA. May she rest in peace.
