When people think of Muhammad Ali, they picture a bold, fast, and powerful boxing legend. But before the world knew him as “The Greatest,” there was a young woman who played a quiet but important role in his early life — Sonji Roi, Muhammad Ali’s ex-wife.
Their love story began fast and ended just as quickly. But what happened in between is something many people don’t know. Sonji wasn’t just the first woman Ali married — she was also the first to challenge the world that came with him.
In this article, we’ll walk through Sonji Roi’s full story. You’ll learn who she was, how she met Ali, what caused their split, and what kind of life she lived after leaving the spotlight. Let’s start from the beginning.
Sonji Roi Quick Bio
| Full Name | Sonji Roi |
| Birth Date | November 23, 1945 |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Died | October 11, 2005 |
| Age at Death | 59 or 64 years |
| Cause of Death | Suspected heart attack |
| Famous As | Muhammad Ali’s ex-wife |
| Marriage | Muhammad Ali (1964–1966) |
| Other Spouse | Reynaldo Glover |
| Children | Brian Reynaldo Jr., Herman Griffin |
| Profession | Singer, Model, Waitress |
| Religion | Christian / Catholic |
| Last Residence | Chicago, Illinois |
Who Was Sonji Roi?
Sonji Roi was born on November 23, 1945, in the United States. Some reports say 1941, but most agree it was 1945. Her early life was very hard. She lost both of her parents when she was still a child — her father died when she was only 2, and her mother passed away when she was 8. After that, Sonji had to grow up fast and take care of herself.
She didn’t have much support, but she never gave up. Sonji worked different jobs to survive, including being a cocktail waitress in nightclubs. Even though she wasn’t rich or famous, people noticed her. She had a strong spirit, a beautiful face, and the kind of boldness that made her stand out.
That strong energy is what caught the eye of one of the most famous men in sports history.
How Sonji Roi Met Muhammad Ali
It was July 3, 1964, when Sonji’s life changed forever. At that time, Muhammad Ali was still known as Cassius Clay, and he had just won his first heavyweight title. He was young, full of energy, and quickly becoming a household name. Sonji, on the other hand, was working at a club, just living her life and doing her job.
Ali’s manager, Herbert Muhammad, introduced the two. And believe it or not — Ali proposed to Sonji that very night. Yes, on the same day they met! It sounds unbelievable, but Sonji said in interviews that this really happened.
She said yes. And just 41 days later, they were married.
Sonji Roi and Muhammad Ali’s Fast Wedding
The wedding took place on August 14, 1964, in Gary, Indiana. At that time, Ali had not yet fully converted to Islam. He was still going by the name Cassius Clay, and the ceremony was done in a Christian style. Even though it wasn’t a big, fancy wedding, it caught the media’s attention.
The world was excited. The young and flashy boxing champion had just married a beautiful and confident woman. They looked great together and seemed happy in public. Photographers captured moments of them smiling, traveling, and living the high life.
But behind those smiles, things weren’t so perfect. Sonji and Ali were two very different people — and those differences started to show very quickly.
Inside Sonji Roi and Muhammad Ali’s Short Marriage
Sonji’s marriage to Ali lasted less than two years. By January 1966, they were already divorced. That might sound short, but a lot happened during that time.
Ali had begun to take his faith more seriously. He was joining the Nation of Islam, changing his name to Muhammad Ali, and starting to follow a much stricter lifestyle. He expected Sonji to do the same — to dress a certain way, act a certain way, and follow religious rules.
But Sonji didn’t want that. She had her own beliefs and didn’t like being told what to do. She felt the pressure and didn’t feel free. She once said, “I wasn’t going to take on all the Muslims. If I had, I probably would have ended up dead.” That may sound dramatic, but it shows how deeply she felt about the situation.
They had no children together, but the experience changed both of their lives forever.
Why Sonji Roi and Muhammad Ali Broke Up
Religion was the biggest reason behind the breakup. When they got married, Ali was still growing into his faith. But after the wedding, his beliefs became stronger. He changed his name and lifestyle, and he wanted Sonji to follow those changes, too.
But Sonji Roi, Muhammad Ali’s ex-wife, had her own way of living. She didn’t want to wear long robes or give up her independence. She didn’t want to be controlled or pushed into a life that didn’t feel like her own. That was the turning point.
She made a bold choice — she left. She walked away from one of the most famous men in the world to keep her own identity. That takes real strength.
Sonji Roi’s Life After Leaving Muhammad Ali
After the divorce, Sonji didn’t try to stay famous. She moved from Miami to Chicago and started fresh. She didn’t talk much to the media, and she stayed out of the spotlight.
Later, she met a successful lawyer and businessman named Reynaldo Glover. They got married and had a son together named Brian Reynaldo Jr.. But sadly, this marriage didn’t last either. After they separated, Sonji never remarried again.
She focused on her life, her children, and her peace. She didn’t need cameras or headlines. She just wanted to live quietly.
Sonji Roi’s Second Marriage and Children
Sonji had two children, but not with Muhammad Ali. Her first son, Brian, was from her second husband, Reynaldo Glover. Brian stayed away from the spotlight and lived a private life, just like his mother.
Later, Sonji had another son named Herman Griffin. The identity of Herman’s father has never been shared publicly. Many people asked, but Sonji kept that part of her life private. She never revealed it — and that’s something she wanted to protect.
Even though people were curious, she chose not to speak about it. She raised both of her sons in peace, far away from the world of boxing and fame.
Sonji Roi’s Music and Modeling Career
After leaving Muhammad Ali, Sonji wanted to explore her own dreams. One of those dreams was singing. She had a soft but powerful voice and loved jazz and R&B music. So she gave music a try.
She recorded a few songs in the 1960s. Some of her tracks were “Here I Am & Here I Stay”, “I Can’t Wait (Until I See My Baby’s Face)”, “Deeper In My Heart,” and “What Now My Love.” These songs showed her talent and style. While none of them became big hits, they gave her a chance to express herself.
Sonji also did a bit of modeling. She had the looks, charm, and confidence to be in front of the camera. But just like with singing, she didn’t chase fame. She tried it, enjoyed it for a while, and then quietly moved on with her life.
What Religion Did Sonji Roi Follow?
One of the biggest reasons Sonji and Ali broke up was religion. After their wedding, Muhammad Ali became more involved with the Nation of Islam. He changed his name and started following strict rules about dress, behavior, and daily life.
Ali wanted Sonji to follow those rules, too. But Sonji didn’t want to change who she was. She had her own beliefs and didn’t feel right being forced to do something she didn’t agree with.
She stayed true to her Christian roots. Some reports even say she was Catholic. No matter the label, the most important thing was that Sonji Roi, Muhammad Ali’s ex-wife, stood firm in her faith and didn’t let anyone take that away from her.
Sonji Roi’s Final Years in Chicago
After everything — the short marriage, the singing, the public attention — Sonji chose a peaceful life. She stayed in Hyde Park, a quiet area on the South Side of Chicago. She didn’t go after fame. She didn’t try to be in the news. She just wanted to live in peace.
Sonji raised her children and kept her world small. She focused on the people who mattered to her. She didn’t want the spotlight anymore. And she didn’t need it to feel important or whole.
People who knew her say she stayed strong and proud until the very end. Even when she wasn’t famous anymore, she never stopped being true to herself.
How Did Sonji Roi Die?
On October 11, 2005, Sonji Roi passed away in her Chicago home. She was either 59 or 64 years old, depending on her real birth year. There has always been confusion about whether she was born in 1941 or 1945.
She was found in her apartment in Hyde Park. It’s believed she died of a heart attack, though no autopsy was done. Her family accepted it as a natural passing. Her nephew, who spoke to reporters, said he believed it was her heart.
There were no big news stories. No major headlines. Just a quiet end to a quiet life. But to those who knew her — and to those who learn her story today — her life meant something powerful.
Remembering Sonji Roi, Muhammad Ali’s Ex-Wife
Sonji Roi will always be remembered as the first woman to marry Muhammad Ali, but she was much more than that. She was strong. She was brave. And she stood up for herself when it really mattered.
She didn’t stay in a marriage that made her feel small. She didn’t follow rules she didn’t believe in. And she didn’t use fame to build a life. She built her own.
Even years after her death, her story still inspires people. Sonji showed that a woman can walk away from a powerful man and still live with pride. That she can choose her own path — and still matter, even in silence.
Sonji Roi and Muhammad Ali
Even though their marriage lasted less than two years, Sonji Roi and Muhammad Ali shared a powerful moment in each other’s lives. She was there before the world knew him as “The Greatest.” She knew him when he was just Cassius Clay, full of dreams and just starting to shine.
Ali went on to marry three more times and have many children. His life became bigger, louder, and more public. But Sonji was the first — the first woman he married, and the first woman to leave him on her own terms.
Their story may have been short, but it’s unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
So who was Sonji Roi, Muhammad Ali’s ex-wife?
She was a woman who loved, who lost, and who found her own voice again. She didn’t let fame change her. She didn’t let rules define her. And she didn’t let fear stop her from making bold choices.
In 2026, her story still matters. It’s a story about standing up for yourself, staying true to who you are, and walking away when something doesn’t feel right — no matter how big or famous the person next to you might be.
Sonji Roi may not be a household name, but her strength, courage, and quiet legacy deserve to be remembered.
(FAQs)
Did Sonji Roi have children?
Sonji had two sons, but none with Muhammad Ali. Her children were born after her divorce.
What was the cause of Sonji Roi’s death?
She died in 2005 in her Chicago home. Doctors believe it was a heart attack, and no autopsy was done.
Was Sonji Roi very young when she married Muhammad Ali?
She was likely in her late teens or early 20s, which still surprises many people today.
What religion did Sonji Roi follow?
She was not Muslim. She stayed Christian/Catholic and refused to change her faith.
Did Sonji Roi sing songs?
She recorded songs like “Here I Am and Here I Stay”, but she never became famous as a singer.
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