Introduction:
Conway Twitty, the legendary country music icon, was not only a chart-topping artist but also a devoted father to four children. Over the years, his family has found different ways to keep his memory and music alive, even as life took them down separate paths.
His first marriage, to Ellen Matthews, lasted just one year. At the time, Ellen was pregnant with their son, Michael Twitty. From the start, Michael bore an uncanny resemblance to his father and inherited his passion for music. In the 1970s, he began his own career under the stage name Charlie Tango, releasing at least two singles with Capitol Records and even recording his own version of The Gambler. Today, Michael continues to honor Conway’s legacy by performing his father’s songs at tribute events, concerts, and festivals. His career has taken him across the United States and around the world. Michael’s son, Trey Twitty, is also a country singer, often joining his father on stage. Together, they perform annually at Remembering Conway events and have toured with Loretta Lynn’s granddaughter, Tayla, performing the classic duets of their famous grandparents.
Conway’s second marriage, to Temple “Maxine” Jaco, brought three more children into the world. Their first daughter, Cathy Twitty, followed in her father’s musical footsteps, recording under the name Jessica James. She was once part of the girl group The Next Generation, performing alongside other daughters of country stars. Cathy often covers her father’s songs, including a reimagined version of Linda on My Mind, where she changed the perspective of the lyrics to tell the woman’s side of the story.
The couple’s second child, Joni Lee, also stepped into the spotlight. At just 16, Conway brought her to a recording studio, where she unexpectedly found herself featured on his album The High Priest of Country Music. Her song, Don’t Cry Joni, became a hit between 1975 and 1978. Under the name Joni Penn, she released five singles and one album, with her most successful solo track, I’m Sorry Charlie, reaching No. 16 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1976. She later married fellow country artist John Wesley Ryles. While her public career was brief, Joni has remained deeply involved in preserving her father’s legacy, serving as president of Conway Twitty United LP. In 2017, she oversaw the release of Timeless, an updated album featuring reworked instrumentals and backing vocals from family and friends.
The youngest, Jimmy Twitty, has largely stayed out of the public eye. He was last seen at a family gathering in Hendersonville, Tennessee, where a road was renamed Conway Twitty Lane.
Following Conway’s passing, his third wife, Dolores Virginia Henry, became involved in a lengthy legal battle with his children over his estate. After 14 years, she was awarded one-third of the inheritance. Many of Conway’s assets, including Twitty City—the family’s shared home—were sold at auction. His children, forced to leave, bid for personal keepsakes to remember him by.
Though the years have brought challenges, Conway Twitty’s children and grandchildren continue to keep his memory alive—through music, tribute performances, and the unwavering bond of family.