Otis Redding Wife Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Otis Redding’s wife, Zelma Redding, began her career in the music industry as a teenager, working as a seamstress for her husband’s record label, Stax Records. She was known for her attention to detail and dedication, which quickly earned her respect within the company. Zelma’s role expanded over time, and she eventually became a key figure in the day-to-day operations of Stax, working closely with the artists and helping to manage their careers.

Zelma’s fame began to grow in her own right as she became more involved in the business side of Stax. She was one of the few women in a leadership position at the label, and her influence was evident in the success of many of the artists she worked with. Zelma’s hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed, and she became a respected and beloved figure in the music industry.

Otis Redding’s Wife, Zelma Redding, Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Zelma Redding’s current net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This figure takes into account her late husband’s estate, which she has managed and grown over the years, as well as her own ventures and investments.

Zelma Redding’s Career

Zelma Redding, born Zelma Atwood, was a schoolteacher before marrying Otis Redding in 1961. After her husband’s tragic death in 1967, she took over the management of his estate, including his music catalog and publishing rights. She has been instrumental in preserving her husband’s legacy and ensuring his music continues to reach new generations.

Other Ventures

In addition to managing her late husband’s estate, Zelma Redding has also been involved in various philanthropic endeavors. She has established the Otis Redding Foundation, which supports music education and other charitable causes. She also serves on the board of the Redding family’s Dexter Street Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia.

Assets

Zelma Redding’s assets include real estate, such as the family home in Macon, Georgia, and properties in other locations. She also owns a significant stake in Redwal Music, the publishing company that controls the rights to Otis Redding’s songs. Her personal art collection, which includes pieces by notable African American artists, is also a notable asset.

Annual Income

Zelma Redding’s annual income is primarily derived from royalties generated by her late husband’s music. This includes streaming royalties, sync fees for the use of his music in movies, TV shows, and advertisements, and mechanical royalties from the sale of his recordings. Her exact annual income is not publicly disclosed, but it is estimated to be in the millions of dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Otis Redding Wife

Frequently Asked Questions: Otis Redding’s Wife and Net Worth

1. Who was Otis Redding’s wife?

Otis Redding was married to Zelma Atwood from 1961 until his death in 1967. They had four children together.

2. How did Zelma Atwood meet Otis Redding?

Zelma Atwood met Otis Redding in 1959 when she was a teenager. She was working at a clothing store in Macon, Georgia, where Otis often shopped.

3. Did Zelma Atwood continue Otis Redding’s legacy after his death?

Yes, Zelma Atwood continued Otis Redding’s legacy by managing his estate and preserving his musical legacy. She also established the Otis Redding Foundation to support arts education.

4. What is Zelma Atwood’s net worth?

Zelma Atwood’s net worth is not publicly available as she has chosen to keep her financial information private.

5. How much is Otis Redding’s estate worth?

Otis Redding’s estate is estimated to be worth around $50 million, primarily due to his extensive music catalog and royalties.

6. What are some of Otis Redding’s most famous songs?

Some of Otis Redding’s most famous songs include “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”, “Try a Little Tenderness”, “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”, and “Respect” (which he wrote and originally recorded before Aretha Franklin’s version).

7. How did Otis Redding die?

Otis Redding died in a plane crash on December 10, 1967, at the age of 26. He was en route to a concert in Madison, Wisconsin.

8. What was Otis Redding’s cause of death?

Otis Redding’s cause of death was drowning after the plane he was in crashed into Lake Monona in Madison, Wisconsin.

9. Did Otis Redding have any children?

Yes, Otis Redding had four children with his wife Zelma Atwood: Otis III, Dexter, Karla, and Kimberly.

10. How did Otis Redding’s children continue his musical legacy?

Otis Redding’s children have all been involved in the music industry in some capacity. His son Dexter is a musician and producer, while his daughter Karla is a singer and songwriter. Otis Redding’s other children have also been involved in preserving and promoting their father’s musical legacy.