Key Relationship Facts
Richard Benjamin Harrison, often known as Rick Harrison, was married to Joanne Rhue Harrison. They met in Las Vegas, married in 1986, and remained together until his death in 2018. Joanne chose to keep a low public profile, and their long-lasting partnership reflected stability amid the spotlight of their family-run pawn shop business. Below are verified details about their relationship, family, and publicly documented information.
Who Was Richard Benjamin Harrison
Richard Benjamin Harrison (March 4, 1941 – June 25, 2018) was an American reality television personality and businessman, widely recognized for co-owning the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, featured on the television series Pawn Stars. While the shop was run with family, including his son Corey, his wife played an important behind-the-scenes role in supporting the business and family life.
Background and Early Life
Harrison was born in Lexington, North Carolina, and served in the United States Navy before moving to Las Vegas in the 1970s. He worked various trades before entering the pawn business, eventually establishing the shop that would later become the setting for the popular television series.
Marriage to Joanne Rhue Harrison
Richard Benjamin Harrison married Joanne Rhue Harrison in 1986. Very little information about Joanne is available in the public record, as she maintained privacy throughout their marriage. Public appearances and interviews suggest a committed partnership, and Joanne was often mentioned as a supportive figure both in business and family life.
Relationship Timeline
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Marriage | Public legal union; foundation of family and business partnership |
| 1980s–2018 | Marriage and family life | Long-term stability and partnership while building the pawn business |
| 2018 | Richard’s passing | End of marriage; legacy and family continuity continue |
Public Mentions and Privacy
Throughout their marriage, Joanne largely remained out of televised and public spotlight. In interviews, Rick spoke of her with respect and gratitude, emphasizing her support and the importance of family. This choice to remain private has limited detailed public documentation, but her presence in Rick’s life is referenced in biographies and interviews.
Family and Children
Richard and Joanne Harrison had two children: son Corey Harrison and daughter Angela Rance. Corey became a prominent figure on Pawn Stars, working alongside his father. The family dynamic often highlighted themes of legacy, business continuity, and familial support.
- Corey Harrison: Pawn shop manager and television personality; key operator of Gold & Silver Pawn Shop
- Angela Rance: Daughter who also worked in the family business and maintained a public presence through the show
Biographical Overview
Richard Benjamin Harrison’s life combined military service, entrepreneurship, and reality television. His marriage to Joanne provided a stable personal foundation while navigating the demands of running a pawn shop that evolved into a television franchise. The long-term nature of their relationship is notable given the high-visibility environment of the business.
Legacy and Relationship Impact
Joanne’s role as Richard’s wife is part of the broader narrative of his life and career. While not in the public eye, her influence on family and business values is acknowledged in retrospectives following his death. Their relationship exemplifies steady partnership in the context of a growing business and media presence.
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