Arleata “Goldie” Williams is known to many music fans because she was married to Otis Williams, the founding member of the Motown vocal group The Temptations. Her name appears in stories about the group’s long career, but her own life has stayed mostly private. This article explains what is known, gives clear context about her years with Otis,Arleata Williams and shows how she chose a quieter path away from fame. Where facts are not public, this article says so clearly, instead of guessing.
Personal Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Arleata “Goldie” Williams |
| Known for | Former wife of Otis Williams of The Temptations |
| Marriage to Otis Williams | Married in 1983; divorced in 1997 |
| Children | Mother of model and actress Elan Carter |
| Occupation | Not publicly documented |
| Nationality | Not explicitly stated in primary sources |
| Current status | Lives a private life; few public updates |
Early life and background
There is very little verified information about Arleata Williams’ early life, education, or work before her marriage. Many websites repeat the same lines, but most of them do not show where their claims come from. Because of that, it is best to say that her early years are not clearly documented. This is common for people who are not public figures and choose privacy.
Meeting Otis Williams and marriage
Otis Williams is a key figure in American music history. He helped create The Temptations, one of Motown’s most famous groups. Over the decades the group earned hit records, awards, and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In public sources about Otis, you can find short notes about his personal life. These notes confirm that he married Arleata “Goldie” Williams in 1983 and that they later divorced in 1997.
Some databases also list the wedding date as late January 1983, but such databases may not always be fully verified. Because other records give the years 1983 to 1997, those dates are the safest to use without adding a specific day.
Family ties and public attention
Arleata Williams’ name appears in the public record for another reason. Reliable sources about Otis Williams note that Arleata’s daughter is Elan Carter, who became Playboy’s Playmate of the Month in June 1994. This fact is included in the Otis Williams biography because it connects to his family life during the 1980s and 1990s.
It is important to keep the focus on Arleata’s own choices. Even with this family link to media attention, she did not turn herself into a public celebrity. There are no verified interviews from her, and there are no official accounts where she shares personal details. This suggests she preferred a calm life, away from the spotlight that followed The Temptations.
Life during the Motown years
The Temptations toured often and stayed busy with recordings, TV work, and special events. Otis has spoken many times about the group’s discipline, style, and grooming standards, which were a core part of Motown training. These memories help us picture the world around Arleata during her marriage. Life with a famous touring artist can be demanding and very public. Even so, nothing in trusted sources says that Arleata used this public stage for herself. She remained in the background.
Divorce and later years
Public records state that Arleata and Otis ended their marriage in 1997. After that point, sources offer almost no new details about her daily life, location, or work. This does not mean nothing happened; it only shows that she kept her privacy and that journalists did not publish confirmed reports about her. In the age of the internet, many websites try to fill the silence with guesses. This article avoids such guesses and only uses information that can be traced.
Why reliable sources matter for her story
When we read about people connected to famous names, we often see the same short facts copied from site to site. Many of those sites do not show sources. In Arleata Williams’ case, the safest reference for key facts remains the Otis Williams biography. That page confirms the marriage years and the link to her daughter Elan. It does not confirm a birth date, birthplace, or job details for Arleata. Because of that, it is safest and most honest to leave those items as “not publicly documented.”
Legacy and public view
Arleata Williams’ legacy is quiet but real. She is part of The Temptations’ long story because she shared life with the group’s founder during important years. Fans who study Motown history will see her name in timelines and family notes. But her own choice to stay private is also part of that legacy. In a world where many people chase attention, she shows another way: protect your privacy, protect your family, and let your life be your own.
For readers who want to understand the wider context, it helps to read about Otis Williams’ journey, The Temptations’ music, and Motown’s culture of training and performance. These topics explain why life near the group could be intense and very structured. They also make it clear why someone like Arleata might prefer to stay out of the news.
Summary
Arleata “Goldie” Williams is best known as the former wife of Otis Williams of The Temptations. Trustworthy sources confirm that they married in 1983 and divorced in 1997, and that Arleata is the mother of Elan Carter. Beyond these facts, she has kept a low profile. This article respects that by sharing only what is documented and by avoiding unproven claims.
Frequently asked questions
1. Who is Arleata Williams
Arleata “Goldie” Williams is the former wife of Otis Williams, the founder of The Temptations.
2. When did Arleata marry Otis Williams
They married in 1983.
3. When did they divorce
They divorced in 1997.
4. Does Arleata have children
Yes. Arleata is the mother of Elan Carter, who became Playmate of the Month in June 1994.
5. What is known about Arleata’s early life
Public sources do not give confirmed details about her birth date, birthplace, or education. This information is not well documented.
6. What did Arleata do for work
There is no verified public record of her job or career.
7. Why is Arleata linked to music history
She was married to Otis Williams, a founder of The Temptations, a major Motown group with many hit songs and awards.
8. Did Arleata speak in interviews
There are no confirmed interviews from Arleata in reliable outlets. She has chosen privacy.
9. Where is Arleata now
Her current life is private. There are no trusted reports that give her location or daily activities.
10. What are the best sources to learn about her
The most dependable facts linked to Arleata are from biographies about Otis Williams that list their marriage years and her connection to Elan Carter.
