Ricky Van Shelton Net Worth | Wife (Bettye Witt)

Ricky Van Shelton Net Worth – $3 million

What is Ricky Van Shelton’s net worth? Is Ricky Van Shelton married?

Introduction

Ricky Van Shelton is an American country singer and author who has released nine studio albums (of which four have been certified platinum).

Biography

He was born on January 12, 1952, in Danville, Virginia, USA, to Eloise and Jenks Shelton.

Shelton is the youngest out of five siblings – he has two older sisters named Judy and Cacky and two older brothers named Ronnie and Don.

When he was a teenager, Ricky started singing in his brother’s band. In addition, Shelton performed at local gatherings.

He went to high school in Gretna, Virginia.

After high school, Ricky started to sing in clubs. In June 1986, CBS Records offered him a recording contract after Shelton impressed producer Steve Buckingham during a club performance.

Debut Album

In 1987, Ricky released his debut album, titled – ”Wild-Eyed Dream.” The album contained the hits Somebody Lied, Life Turned Her That Way, and Crime of Passion.

The song ”Life Turned Her That Way” reached #1 on the Billboard Country Music chart. It was previously recorded by Mel Tillis and Little Jimmy Dickens.

In September 1988, he released his 2nd studio album – ”Loving Proof.” It was certified platinum by the RIAA on December 20, 1989. The singles that reached number 1 on charts are – Living Proof, From a Jack to a King, and I’ll Leave This World Loving You.

In 1990, he released his third album, titled – ”RVS III.” It was certified platinum by the RIAA on April 8, 1991. Some of the best singles from the album are – Life’s Little Ups and Downs, I Meant Every Word He Said, I’ve Cried My Last Tear for You, and Statue of a Fool.

In 1990, Shelton recorded a Christmas album named – ”Ricky Van Shelton Sings Christmas.” The album includes songs – Christmas Long Ago and Country Christmas.

In 1991, Ricky duetted with Dolly Parton on the song, “Rockin’ Years.”

In 1991, he released another album, called – ”Backroads.” The album was certified platinum. It contained several number one hits, including – Keep It Between the Lines, I Am a Simple Man, and Rockin’ Years.

In the follow-up year, Ricky released an album of gospel music, entitled – ”Don’t Overlook Salvation.” The album was certified gold by the RIAA.

In 1994, Shelton released his seventh album, named – ”Love and Honor.”

In 1997, he started his own label – ”RVS Records.”

In 1998, Ricky released another album, called – ”Making Plans.”

In 2000, he signed with the Audium label.

In 2000, Shelton released his last album, titled – ”Fried Green Tomatoes.”

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Books

He has written and published a series of children’s books called:

• 1992 – Tales From a Duck Named Quacker: The Story Begins;
• 1993 – Quacker Meets Mrs Moo: Tales from a Duck Named Quacker;
• 1994 – Quacker Meets Canadian Goose.

Wife

In 1986, Ricky Van Shelton married Bettye Witt. The couple started to date in 1979.

In May 2006, Ricky announced that he was retiring from country music to spend time with his family.

Ricky and his wife do not have any children.

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Trivia

In 1992, he admitted that he suffered from alcoholism. Shelton even thought of suicide. During a 1993 interview, Ricky said:

“I was looking for a gun one night to kill myself. I had a .38 special right beside my bed in my bus in a little secret compartment.”

Shelton went on to say:

“Nobody knew, nobody. It disappeared without a trace and I ain’t found it to this day.” 

Shelton added the middle name Van to not be confused with another person (also named – Ricky Shelton) where he had grown up.

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Ricky Van Shelton – Net Worth

So, how much is Ricky Van Shelton worth? Shelton earned most of his wealth from his music. Ricky has released nine studio albums, of which four have all been certified platinum. In addition, Shelton had 10 number-one hits, as well as more than 15 Top Ten Country Music hits. Therefore, Ricky Van Shelton has an estimated net worth of $3 million.

His number one hits are – Keep It Between the Lines, I Am a Simple Man, Rockin’ Years, I’ve Cried My Last Tear for You, Living Proof, From a Jack to a King, I’ll Leave This World Loving You, Don’t We All Have the Right, Life Turned Her That Way, and Somebody Lied.

Moreover, Shelton made some money from appearing in television shows, including – Baywatch, Workin’ Man: a Tribute to Merle Haggard, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Hot Country Nights, Live! with Kelly, An All-Star Salute to Country Music, and Hee Haw.

His music has been featured in the following TV series – Maverick, Baywatch, Honeymoon in Vegas, Big Bad John, and Next of Kin.

Also, Ricky makes money from selling his series of children’s books. On Amazon, Ricky Van Shelton sold an estimated 7,000 copies of his books.

On Spotify, he has 229K monthly listeners. 

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References

https://www.wideopencountry.com/ricky-van-shelton-songs-ranked/
https://www.countrythangdaily.com/ricky-van-shelton/
https://eu.tennessean.com/randy-travis-wins-1989-music-city-news-awards