Berry Recalled Wife Crying During His Prison ‘Valedictorian’ Graduation

In his autobiography, Berry wrote:

“When I finishes [sic] the credits and extra courses in business management and accounting I was ready for graduation. My wife, Toddy, came to hear me deliver the valedictory speech and witness me receiving my diploma and extra certificates. One of the more pleasant memories, yet a bit sad, was that she wept as I was nearing the close of the valedictory address, causing me to stumble over some lines. Later she told me her sorrow was caused by the location of the occasion within the confines of a prison.”

They Still Loved Each Other Like Day One

Chuck was about to release his first album in 38 years this year (2017) titled, Chuck. On his website he he expressed his deep love for Toddy and dedicated his upcoming album to her:

Chuck Berry: “This record is dedicated to my beloved Toddy. My darlin’ I’m growing old! I’ve worked on this record for a long time. Now I can hang up my shoes!”

In the book, Brown Eyed Handsome Man: The Life and Hard Times of Chuck Berry, Toddy acknowledged (around the time of their 38th wedding anniversary) that in spite of all the drama, they’re love never wavered:

“We have had a wonderful marriage. […] We love each other as much as we did the day we met,” revealed Themetta “Toddy” Suggs about her husband, Chuck Berry.

Their Kids Are Part Of Dad’s Band To This Day

Chuck and Toddy have four children together: three daughters- Darlin Ingrid Berry-Clay (mostly known as Ingrid), Aloha Berry, and Melody Exes Berry-Eskridge; and one son- Charles ‘Chuck’ Berry Jr.. Two of their kids, Ingrid and Chuck Jr. having been touring with their dad’s band for many years, up until the time of his passing…

By the way Chuck Jr. plays guitar on their dad’s upcoming album, Chuck, and Ingrid plays the harmonica on it.

Chuck Jr. recently spoke about what it was like working on his dad’s new album:

Charles ‘Chuck’ Berry Jr.: “What an honor to be part of this new music. The St. Louis band, or as dad called us ‘The Blueberry Hill Band,’ fell right into the groove and followed his lead. These songs cover the spectrum from hard driving rockers to soulful thought provoking time capsules of a life’s work.”

Watch Ingrid & Chuck Berry Jr. Perform With Their Dad, Chuck Berry Sr.

Rest beautifully Chuck Berry.