Celebrity

James Westley Welch: Everything Known About Raquel Welch’s First Husband

Published

4 weeks ago

October 5, 2026

James Westley Welch: Everything Known About Raquel Welch’s First Husband

James Westley Welch is best known as the high school sweetheart and first husband of actress Raquel Welch. The pair met at La Jolla High School in San Diego and married in Las Vegas on May 8, 1959. They had two children, Damon Welch and Latanne Rene “Tahnee” Welch, before divorcing in 1964.

James worked aboard a tuna clipper in his youth and later kept a low public profile. Reliable details about his birth, later career, and final years remain limited.

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Full Name	James Westley Welch
Nationality	American
Known For	First husband of Raquel Welch
High School	La Jolla High School, San Diego
Early Work	Worked aboard a tuna clipper
Mother	Tahnee Land
Sisters	Jan, Jerry, and Judy
Former Wife	Raquel Welch
Marriage Date	May 8, 1959
Marriage Place	Las Vegas, Nevada
Separation	1962
Divorce	1964
Children	2
Son	Damon Welch, born November 6, 1959
Daughter	Tahnee Welch, born December 26, 1961
Birth Date	Not reliably confirmed
Birthplace	Not reliably confirmed

Early Life

There is little verified information about the birth of James Westley Welch. Different websites give different birth years and places, so these details are not safe to state as fact.

More is known about his family. His mother was Tahnee Land. He also had three sisters named Jan, Jerry, and Judy. Raquel Welch later mentioned them in her memoir.

James spent part of his youth in the San Diego area. He attended La Jolla High School, where he met Raquel Tejada.

James was less focused on school than Raquel. Their different interests were clear even when they were young.

At La Jolla High School

James Westley Welch attended La Jolla High School in San Diego, California. This is where he met Raquel Tejada, who later became Raquel Welch.

Raquel was about 15 when she first noticed James. She later described him as dark-haired and green-eyed. James played football, while Raquel was a cheerleader and a strong student.

The two had different personalities. Raquel worked hard in school and had clear goals. James was quieter and less interested in his studies.

They still became very close. They went to dances, spent time together after football games, and went out for burgers and shakes.

Their relationship was sometimes on and off. Raquel later said she had idealized James when she was young and saw him as her perfect partner.

James Westley Welch’s Time at Sea

James left high school during his senior year. He then joined a tuna clipper that traveled to Peru.

Raquel later wrote that the work changed him. She remembered that he looked stronger when he returned after months at sea.

While James was away, he wrote letters to Raquel. His mother, Tahnee Land, also stayed in touch with her.

Raquel continued her studies. She graduated with honors and later studied theater arts at San Diego State College on a scholarship.

When James returned, Raquel saw him again with his mother and sisters. Their relationship soon became serious again.

Because of this part of his life, James Westley Welch is often called a tuna fisherman or sailor. The clearest fact is that he worked on a tuna fishing vessel and traveled to Peru.

Relationship

The relationship between James Westley Welch and Raquel Welch began when they were teenagers. Raquel later said James was her first true love.

In her 2010 memoir, Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage, she wrote about how strongly she felt about him when she was young.

Their relationship was not always stable. They broke up and got back together several times.

They also had different goals. Still, Raquel stayed strongly attached to James and later said she had once seen him as her ideal partner.

James remained important in her memories even after the marriage ended. She later said she often compared other relationships with what she had felt for him.

Their early love did not lead to a lasting marriage, but it remained an important part of Raquel Welch’s life story.

Marriage to Raquel Welch

After James returned from sea, Raquel left San Diego State College as their relationship became serious again.

James Westley Welch and Raquel married in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 8, 1959. Raquel was 18 at the time.

The marriage did not have full support from Raquel’s family. Her father, Carlos Armando Tejada, strongly opposed the decision.

James’ mother, Tahnee Land, supported the couple. She already knew Raquel from the years when James and Raquel were dating.

Marriage brought new duties very quickly. James and Raquel had to manage work, a home, and family life.

Raquel also kept working toward a career in modeling, television, and acting. These new pressures soon became part of their marriage.

His Children

James Westley Welch and Raquel Welch had two children. Their son, Damon Welch, was born on November 6, 1959.

Their daughter, Latanne Rene “Tahnee” Welch, was born on December 26, 1961. She was named after James’ mother, Tahnee Land.

Damon later worked on a small number of film and production projects. He also took part in some projects linked to his mother.

Tahnee became an actress and model. She is best known for playing Kitty in the 1985 film Cocoon. She also appeared in Cocoon: The Return and I Shot Andy Warhol.

James and Raquel became parents within a short time after getting married. By the early 1960s, they were raising two young children.

At the same time, Raquel was trying to build a career. These pressures became part of the problems that later led to their separation.

Reason of Divorced

James Westley Welch and Raquel Welch married very young. They soon had two children and had to deal with work, money, and family life. These duties put pressure on their marriage.

Raquel also wanted to build a career in acting. Her goals began to take her in a different direction. James and Raquel had known each other since their school years, but adult life showed how different they were.

The couple separated in 1962. Raquel later said she felt she had to leave San Diego to fully end the marriage. She moved to Los Angeles with Damon and Tahnee and focused more on acting.

Their divorce became final in 1964. Raquel later spoke about how young they had been when they married. She also said their lack of life experience made the marriage harder.

Why Raquel Welch Kept His Last Name?

Raquel Welch was born Jo Raquel Tejada. She became Raquel Welch after marrying James in 1959.

When the marriage ended, she did not return to the Tejada name. She kept Welch as she built her acting career. That name soon became known around the world.

This gave James Westley Welch a lasting place in Raquel’s public story. She later married three other men, but she continued to use Welch as her professional name.

Films such as Fantastic Voyage and One Million Years B.C. made Raquel Welch a major star in the 1960s. The surname she had taken from James stayed with her through her whole career.

James Westley Welch’s Career

The clearest details about James Westley Welch’s early work come from Raquel’s own memories. As a young man, he left school and worked aboard a tuna clipper that traveled to Peru.

His later career is much less clear. Some reports say James later moved into business and became successful. One later account even described him as the head of a large business group in the 1970s.

Other websites call him a publicist, talent agent, and real estate developer. However, there are few strong records that show where he worked or which companies he was linked to. These job titles should not be treated as fully proven facts.

Because of this, the safest view is simple. James worked at sea when he was young and was later reported to have worked in business. Exact details about his later jobs are not well documented.

After Divorce

After their separation, James Westley Welch and Raquel Welch spent many years apart. Raquel moved forward with her acting career while James lived a much less public life.

Reports based on Raquel’s memoir say the former couple did not see each other for about 15 years. In 1977, James contacted Raquel and they met again.

Their talk was said to focus mainly on Damon and Tahnee. They did not spend much time talking about old problems from their marriage.

Raquel was glad to see that James appeared to be doing well. James was also said to be proud of Raquel’s success. Their meeting showed that they could look back on their shared past without trying to rebuild their marriage.

Is He Still Alive?

The current status of James Westley Welch is not clearly confirmed in reliable public records.

Many websites say he died on November 23, 2019. They often connect him to an obituary for a man named James Wesley Welch who lived in Texas.

The problem is that the records do not clearly show that this was Raquel Welch’s former husband. The spelling of the middle name also differs, and the life details in that obituary do not clearly match the James linked to Raquel. Recent 2026 biography checks still note this problem.

For that reason, it is not safe to say that James Westley Welch died in 2019. It is also not safe to say that he is still alive. His later status remains unclear based on public information available in 2026.

Interesting Facts

James Westley Welch was Raquel Welch’s high school sweetheart.
They met while attending La Jolla High School in San Diego.
James played football while Raquel was a cheerleader.
He left school and worked aboard a tuna clipper to Peru.
His mother was named Tahnee Land.
His sisters were named Jan, Jerry, and Judy.
He married Raquel in Las Vegas on May 8, 1959.
James was the father of Damon Welch and Tahnee Welch.
Raquel kept the Welch surname after their 1964 divorce.
Raquel later remembered James as her first true love.

Celebrity

Ally Dale: Early Life, Career, Marriage to Billy Strings, and Son

Published

2 weeks ago

October 13, 2026

Alexander Adam

Ally Dale: Early Life, Career, Marriage to Billy Strings, and Son

Ally Dale is an American yoga instructor and former tour manager best known as the wife of Grammy-winning bluegrass musician Billy Strings.

Ally previously worked as a bartender in Michigan before helping manage his music tours. The couple met in 2014, married on September 9, 2023, and welcomed their son, River Roy Apostol, in September 2024.

Ally is also the founder of Ally Flows Yoga, a Nashville-based wellness business. She completed her yoga teacher training in 2022 and offers virtual classes focused on movement, breathing, and mindfulness.

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Full Name	Ally Dale
Also Known As	Ally Apostol Dale
Gender	Female
Nationality	American
Birthplace	Michigan, United States (reported)
Profession	Yoga instructor, wellness entrepreneur
Famous For	Being Billy Strings’ wife
Business Name	Ally Flows Yoga
Certification	Yoga Alliance-certified teacher
Training Institution	Mindful School of Yoga, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Former Job	Bartender at Ore Dock Brewing Co.
Husband	Billy Strings
Engagement	May 2021 (reported)
Children	One son: River Roy Apostol
Official Website	allyflows.com
Net Worth	Not publicly verified

Age and Early Life

Ally Dale was reportedly born on February 19, 1989, in Michigan, United States. If this date is correct, she is 37 years old as of October 2026. Her exact birth date has not been independently confirmed.

Some online profiles identify Aiden Dale as her brother. However, this information has not been verified. Little is publicly known about her parents, childhood, or early family life.

Ally Dale’s Education

Ally completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training at the Mindful School of Yoga in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in June 2022. She is a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher.

Her training supports her work in breathing exercises, body movement, and mindfulness. She uses a trauma-informed approach that allows students to practice at their own pace. Details about her earlier education are not publicly available.

A Bartender

Before entering the music industry, Ally worked as a bartender at Ore Dock Brewing Co. in Marquette, Michigan. She met Billy Strings there in 2014 while he was visiting the brewery.

Billy later shared that he first noticed Ally when she left a water tap running behind the bar. He turned it off before she returned. During a March 2024 Reddit session, he described their meeting as love at first sight.

Career as Billy Strings’ Tour Manager

Ally Dale worked as Billy Strings’ tour manager during the early years of his music career. She traveled with his band and helped manage work related to tours and live performances.

In a 2022 NPR interview, Billy explained how his touring team grew from five people traveling in one van to a larger group using two or three tour buses. Ally was involved during this period.

A 2019 Garden & Gun profile also identified her as his tour manager. She and Billy moved to Nashville in 2016 as his music career grew.

Yoga Career

Ally Dale founded Ally Flows Yoga, a Nashville-based yoga business. She serves as its lead teacher and offers virtual classes, workshops, and wellness sessions.

Her classes focus on breathing, movement, and mindfulness. She uses a trauma-informed teaching style to help students feel comfortable and practice at their own pace.

In September 2023, Ally joined Billy Strings for a sold-out yoga session at Billy Strings Renewal in Buena Vista, Colorado. She also shares updates about her yoga classes through Instagram.

How Did Ally Dale Meet Billy Strings?

Ally Dale and Billy Strings met in 2014 at Ore Dock Brewing Co. in Marquette, Michigan. She was working as a bartender when Billy visited for a drink.

Their relationship began before Billy became widely known in bluegrass music. Ally later joined him on tour and worked as his tour manager. They moved to Nashville together in 2016.

Their Wedding

Billy Strings proposed to Ally Dale in May 2021 after several years together. Their relationship also inspired his song In the Morning Light, released on his 2021 album Renewal.

The couple married on September 9, 2023, at the Hoxeyville Music Festival site in Michigan. Their outdoor wedding included live performances by Trey Anastasio, Les Claypool, Bob Weir, and Billy himself.

Bob Weir performed When I Paint My Masterpiece for the couple. Ally later shared wedding photographs on Instagram.

Ally Dale’s Son: River Roy Apostol

Ally Dale and Billy Strings announced their first pregnancy in June 2024. They shared the news through Instagram and revealed they were expecting a boy.

Their son, River Roy Apostol, was born on September 29, 2024. Ally announced his birth on Instagram and shared his name with followers.

River turned two in September 2026. Ally and Billy have shared some family updates publicly, but details about their daily family life remain limited.

Public Appearances

Ally Dale has attended several music events with Billy Strings. They appeared together at the 64th Grammy Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, 2022.

In April 2023, they attended Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday celebration at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Ally also appeared with Billy at the Americana Honors & Awards in Nashville in September 2023.

The couple attended the 66th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 4, 2024. Outside these events, Ally uses Instagram to share information about her yoga classes and workshops.

Interesting Facts

Ally met Billy Strings while working at Ore Dock Brewing Co. in Michigan.
Billy described their first meeting as love at first sight.
She worked as Billy Strings’ tour manager before becoming a yoga instructor.
She moved to Nashville with Billy in 2016.
She completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training in June 2022.
She is the founder and lead teacher of Ally Flows Yoga.
Her yoga business offers virtual and remote classes.
She co-led a sold-out yoga session at Billy Strings Renewal in September 2023.
Bob Weir performed at her wedding in Michigan.
Her son, River Roy Apostol, was born on September 29, 2024.

Celebrity

Who Is Svani Quintanilla? Meet A.B. Quintanilla III’s Son

Published

2 weeks ago

October 13, 2026

Alexander Adam

Who Is Svani Quintanilla? Meet A.B. Quintanilla III’s Son

Svani Quintanilla is an American DJ, music producer, and sound engineer best known as the son of musician A.B. Quintanilla III and nephew of late singer Selena Quintanilla. Born in Texas, he performs under the name Principe Q.

Svani co-founded the music duo Royal Highness and helped develop Screwmbia, a mix of cumbia and electronic beats.

Svani also has a daughter named Yvie, born in 2017. He shares music and family photos on Instagram, but his current relationship status remains unclear.

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Full Name	Svani Quintanilla
Also Known As	Savani Quintanilla
Stage Name	Principe Q
Former Stage Names	DJ Moonpie, Principe Cu
Date of Birth	November 27, 1991
Age (2026)	35 years old
Birthplace	Texas, United States
Nationality	American
Zodiac Sign	Sagittarius
Profession	DJ, music producer, sound engineer
Famous For	Being A.B. Quintanilla III’s son
Father	A.B. Quintanilla III
Mother	Evangelina “Vangie” Almeida
Sister	Martika Quintanilla
Grandfather	Abraham Quintanilla Jr.
Grandmother	Marcella Samora
Famous Aunt	Selena Quintanilla
Education	Attended The Art Institute of Austin
Field of Study	Audio engineering
Musical Duo	Royal Highness
Music Partner	Luis Espada (DJ King Louie)
Children	One daughter: Yvie Quintanilla
Daughter’s Birth	September 2017
Instagram	@principe_q

Age and Early Life

Svani Quintanilla was born on November 27, 1991, in Texas and grew up in a family known for Latin music. His father worked with Selena y Los Dinos, while his aunt Selena became a famous Tejano singer.

He developed an interest in music during childhood and joined a band in middle school. A childhood photo also shows him posing with the Latin pop group Barrio Boyzz.

Svani Quintanilla’s Parents

Svani’s parents are A.B. Quintanilla III and Evangelina “Vangie” Almeida. They married in 1988 and divorced in 2000. His father is a singer, songwriter, and producer who worked with Selena y Los Dinos, Kumbia Kings, and Kumbia All Starz.

Siblings and Family

Martika Quintanilla, the older sister of Svani, was born on September 21, 1989. He also has younger paternal half-siblings, including Gianni Mio, Abraham Isaac IV, Elijah Jae, Elrey, and Justin Quintanilla.

His grandfather, Abraham Quintanilla Jr., managed Selena y Los Dinos, while his aunt Suzette played drums in the band. His other aunt, Selena Quintanilla, died on March 31, 1995, at age 23.

Education

Svani attended The Art Institute of Austin, where he studied audio engineering. He left before completing his degree.

In an interview, he explained that he preferred learning through practical work rather than following a classroom system. He continued developing his recording, mixing, and music production skills through his projects.

Music Career

Svani Quintanilla began performing as a DJ at small clubs and events. He first used the name DJ Moonpie, reportedly suggested by his father. He later performed as Principe Cu before adopting the name Principe Q.

His music combines cumbia, hip-hop, and electronic sounds. He has worked on tracks such as SurNorte and Tequila and created remixes inspired by Selena’s music.

Royal Highness

Svani formed Royal Highness with DJ Luis Espada, known as King Louie. Together, they developed Screwmbia, a style that mixes slower cumbia rhythms with trap drums, deep bass, and electronic beats.

On October 1, 2012, Royal Highness released the Screwmbia EP. It included tracks such as Diamante, Magic Carpet, Drop That, and The Driver, along with a remix of Selena’s Bidi Bidi Bom Bom.

The duo discussed its music in a 2013 interview with Houston Press. Their work also received coverage from Remezcla.

Work With Bombón and Kumbia All Starz

Svani worked with Bombón, a Houston-based DJ group known for mixing Latin dance music with electronic sounds. Other members included Gracie Chavez, Bobby Hinojosa, Alejandro Nava, and Melissa Gomez.

He has also been linked to Kumbia All Starz, the group founded by his father in 2006. However, the dates and details of his involvement are not clearly documented.

Svani Quintanilla’s Songs

Svani has released music under the name Principe Q, including SurNorte and Tequila. His work includes original tracks, DJ mixes, and remixes of Latin songs.

He has performed in Houston, Dallas, and Tennessee. His artist profile also lists appearances at Bonnaroo, EDC Orlando, EDC Mexico, and Boiler Room events.

Daughter: Yvie Quintanilla

Svani Quintanilla has a daughter named Yvie Quintanilla, born in September 2017. Her birth was reported by Univision, and his aunt Suzette shared a social media post celebrating her arrival.

Svani has posted photos with Yvie on Instagram, including moments of them wearing matching clothes and spending time together. His current relationship status is not confirmed.

Social Media and Public Appearances

Svani uses the Instagram account @principe_q to share music, performances, and family photos. His work is also available on Spotify, SoundCloud, and Bandcamp.

He appeared in a Houston Chronicle photo session with Bombón in July 2015. His SoundCloud profile also includes tracks from the NECIO HOURS series released in July 2025.

Interesting Facts

His birthday is November 27, and Famous Birthdays lists his birth year as 1991.
His zodiac sign is Sagittarius.
His father reportedly suggested the DJ name Moonpie.
He previously performed as Principe Cu.
He studied audio engineering at The Art Institute of Austin but did not graduate.
He co-founded Royal Highness with DJ King Louie.
He helped develop Screwmbia, a mix of cumbia and electronic music.
Royal Highness released the Screwmbia EP in October 2012.
A childhood photo shows him with the Latin pop group Barrio Boyzz.
He appeared in a 2015 photo session with Houston’s Bombón DJ group.

Celebrity

Juanita Dorricott: Everything to Know About Bob Seger’s Wife

Published

2 weeks ago

October 13, 2026

Alexander Adam

Juanita Dorricott: Everything to Know About Bob Seger's Wife

Juanita Dorricott is best known as the wife of American rock singer and songwriter Bob Seger. She reportedly was born in Kent, Ohio, in 1964 and later lived in Michigan. Juanita and Seger married on July 10, 1993, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. They have two children, Christopher Cole and Samantha Char.

Juanita has appeared with her husband at several public events, including the 2016 Kennedy Center Honors. She has also been described as a lawyer, although reliable details about her education and legal career remain limited.

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Full Name	Juanita Dorricott
Also Known As	Nita Seger
Gender	Female
Birth Year	Reportedly 1964
Birthplace	Reportedly Kent, Ohio, USA
Nationality	American
Profession	Reportedly a lawyer
Famous For	Being Bob Seger’s wife
Marital Status	Married
Husband	Bob Seger
Marriage Date	July 10, 1993
Children	Two
Son	Christopher Cole Seger
Daughter	Samantha Char Seger
Siblings	Four: Kathryn, Tom, Jill, and Jane
Mother	Juanita Marie Dorricott
Reported Residence	Orchard Lake area, Michigan
Known Public Appearance	2016 Kennedy Center Honors
Personal Net Worth	Not publicly verified

Age and Early Life

Juanita Dorricott was reportedly born in 1964 in Kent, Ohio, United States. Her exact birthday is unknown. Based on her reported birth year, she would be 61 or 62 years old in 2026.

Her family reportedly moved to Troy, Michigan, when she was around ten years old. She is the youngest of five children, with four siblings named Kathryn, Tom, Jill, and Jane.

Her mother, Juanita Marie Dorricott, died in May 2025. Her obituary listed Nita, her husband Bob, and their children Cole and Samantha among the surviving family members.

Juanita Dorricott’s Career

Juanita Dorricott is often described as a lawyer in online biographies. However, there is no clear public record of where she studied law, when she earned her degree, or where she worked.

Her school, college, and legal work history have not been independently confirmed. Her current profession is also unknown.

How Did Juanita Dorricott Meet Bob Seger?

Juanita Dorricott and Bob Seger reportedly met around 1990 or 1991. Some reports say they met through a mutual friend, but the details of their first meeting remain unconfirmed.

At the time, Seger was already a successful rock musician known for albums such as Night Moves, Stranger in Town, and Against the Wind.

Before marrying Juanita, Bob Seger was married to Renee Andrietti from 1968 to 1969. He later married actress Annette Sinclair in 1987, but they divorced the following year. He also had a long relationship with Jan Dinsdale.

Wedding

Juanita Dorricott married Bob Seger on July 10, 1993, at The Village Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. It was Seger’s third marriage.

Their son, Christopher Cole Seger, was born in November 1992, about eight months before the wedding. As of October 2026, Juanita and Bob have been married for more than 33 years.

Juanita Dorricott’s Children

Juanita and Bob Seger have two children. Their son, Christopher Cole Seger, was born in November 1992, and their daughter, Samantha Char Seger, was born in 1995.

Cole has been described as a filmmaker and writer. Some reports say he attended Oakland Community College and Oakland University. Samantha has also been linked to Oakland University, although details about her education and career remain limited.

Juanita Dorricott’s Family Life

After his 1996 tour, Bob Seger took a long break from major tours to spend more time with his children. The family has long been linked to the Orchard Lake area of Michigan.

In December 2016, Juanita attended the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C., with Bob, Cole, and Samantha.

Song Dedicated to Juanita Dorricott

Bob Seger dedicated the song “You Take Me In” to Juanita Dorricott. It appeared on his 2014 album Ride Out. He kept the song a secret from her for about three years.

Juanita first heard it while driving with Bob. When she asked about the song, he told her it was written for her. She became emotional and reached for tissues.

Seger also told TIME that Juanita enjoyed country music. He said country songs were often played at home, which led him to listen to more of that style.

Juanita Dorricott’s Public Appearances

Juanita Dorricott has attended several public events with Bob Seger. In December 2016, she joined him and their children at the Kennedy Center Honors.

On December 21, 2025, Juanita and Bob were photographed at Ford Field in Detroit before a football game between the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Charity Work

The couple has supported youth programs. In 2016, they helped bring a Dale Carnegie Teen Workshop to Oakland County Children’s Village in Pontiac, Michigan. The program taught young people communication skills, confidence, and ways to handle stress.

A message signed by Nita and Bob explained that their son had taken the same course and found it helpful.

Is Juanita Dorricott Still Married to Bob Seger?

Juanita Dorricott and Bob Seger are still publicly identified as married in 2026. They married on July 10, 1993, and there has been no credible public report of a divorce or separation.

The couple was photographed together at a Detroit Lions game in December 2025. It is one of their more recent documented public appearances.

Bob Seger began his farewell tour in 2018, with his final scheduled tour performance taking place in 2019. He had previously taken a long break from touring to help raise their children.