Released on September 30, 1968, Conway Twitty made his own rendition of the 60s heartbreak anthem “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” by Tammy Wynette. Dubbed the “High Priest of Country Music,” Twitty has secured timeless classics. And with “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” under his belt, he has once again proven that he can make a cover just as popular as the original.
The song was the third track on Twitty’s 1968 album Next in Line, a strong collection of remakes that other artists had also covered. The same year, his bonafide country star status was shown in chart-topping songs, including “The Image of Me” and the single “Next in Line.” From singing and penning some of his songs, he has shown his own style and artistry in an impressive cover of “D-I-V-O-R-C-E.”
Its lyrics are a heart-wrenching description of a couple attempting to protect their child from the reality of their separation. Spelling out the words would make it easier for Joe, the name of their four-year-old son, to comprehend the situation. Easy may it sound, but this small act easily tears the mother’s heart apart. Watching the innocent joy of their child fade is the worst thing they could witness as parents; so as to protect the child from the impact of the divorce, expressing her love in the most gentle way is the only solution.
For You
A love between two partners can either grow or disappear, and Twitty’s expression of divorce in the classic song can be reflected back to his relationships. He was married to Ellen Mathews in 1953, but their relationship didn’t last long after the birth of their son, Michael. In 1956, Twitty wed his second wife, Mickey, and birthed their children, Kathy, Joni, and Jimmy. When they separated in 1970, it took almost a decade before he married his office secretary, Delores Dee Henry, in 1987.
The country singer’s relationship had its ups and downs, more so that his cover of Tammy Wynette’s “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” is a relatable masterpiece that traditional country fans will love. Listen to Conway Twitty’s version of “D-I-V-O-R-C-E.”
