Jerry Lee Lewis' ex-wife reflects on their tumultuous marriage: "Our relationship deteriorated rapidly."

Looking back at their tumultuous union is Myra Williams, the former child bride of Jerry Lee Lewis.

An episode of Investigation Discovery's "Who the (Bleep) Did I Marry?" featured a 79-year-old who recently came forward.

The author's episode of the series, which delves into the shocking secrets of spouses, is now streaming on Max.

In October 2022, at the age of 87, the legendary rock 'n' roll pioneer, known for his hit songs "Great Balls of Fire" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," passed away. Nicknamed "The Killer," the rebellious singer, songwriter, and pianist was the last surviving member of a generation of groundbreaking performers that included Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard.

Before she became the center of controversy, Williams had a simple upbringing. In 1949, her family moved from Louisiana to Memphis, where her father, J.W. Brown, worked as a lineman.

After a work accident, J.W.'s father received a substantial settlement. According to J.W., it was his father who inspired his cousin Lewis, an unknown musician, to join him in Memphis. J.W. was a bass player and eager to record at Sun Records, which would become the birthplace of rock 'n' roll.

Lewis, who was 21 years old, was invited by his cousin to live in his home with his family. In contrast, Williams was only 13 when he appeared in the episode. During the episode, Williams stated that there was nothing special about Lewis. Despite having a short haircut that made his ears stick out, Lewis quickly captured the attention of the curious child once he started playing the piano.

"In the episode, Williams stated, "We were all mesmerized. I knew something great was coming out of this. My opinion of him changed drastically. His haircut no longer mattered.""

According to Williams, Lewis began showing up at her school.

""She knew he would be there at school dismissal time, and he would always ask her if she wanted to go get ice cream," she said."

Williams thought a friendship was developing, but she asserted that it rapidly changed.

"I believed he was treating me kindly, but I was unaware that he was developing feelings for me. Jerry would often kiss me, and at first, I was unsure of how to react. It was a pleasant experience, but I was perplexed."

Williams’ parents had no idea Lewis was wooing their daughter.

"Williams recounted how Jerry returned home one day and invited him outside to show him something. Upon seeing the paper, Williams realized it was a marriage license. He questioned Jerry, who clarified that they were not actually married, but they were going to get married."

On a separate day, Lewis promised to take Williams to the movies, but they ended up driving all day. As a result, Lewis and Williams eloped that day.

Williams stated, "I believe I was in a coma. I remember having the red dress on that I wore to school that day. We entered a small chapel and walked into it. I don't recall getting married, but I know it happened. Then, two elderly ladies began throwing rice at us. I'm still feeling disoriented. We were only gone for a short time."

"The following morning, I retrieved my marriage license and placed it on the nightstand. My mother's maid discovered it and presented it to my father. Upon seeing it, he immediately grabbed his gun and declared, "I'm going to murder that son of a b----.""

Rusty Brown, who appeared in the series and is Williams' brother, claims that their father went to Sun Records to see Lewis record music. Their mother called producer Sam Phillips, warning him that their father was coming with a gun. Phillips advised Lewis to leave Memphis immediately.

Lewis fled before J.W. barreled in.

"Williams yelled, ‘Where is that son of a b----?’"

In Tennessee, it was illegal for married women to attend school. At 13, Williams packed her belongings in a doll case. Lewis and Williams bought their first home with a "for sale" sign.

Williams had to quickly learn how to cook and vacuum, while Lewis would perform nightly and come home with shopping bags filled with money.

""Jerry did two things: he played music and loved me," said Williams."

In 1958, Lewis was set to become the next rock 'n' roll king after Presley was drafted into the U.S. Army. However, unlike Presley, Lewis embarked on a major European tour that would solidify his status as a legendary musician.

Despite Phillips' warning, Williams joined Lewis and his band on tour with her brother and mother.

In May 1958, the group arrived at London's Heathrow Airport. A DailyMail reporter, Paul Tanfield, spotted the young girl among the entourage, according to History.com.

"Williams said, "I thought I could lie a little bit. His face lit up like a Christmas tree. And he took off. I had no idea I was talking to a reporter. And I’m clueless that there could be a problem. I wish that somebody had said, ‘Myra, you’re a bomb.’""

Not only did Tanfield uncover that Lewis' young wife was 13 and his cousin, but he also learned that Lewis was still married to his second wife. The news broke instantly, and the reaction was immediate. Lewis' shows were half-empty as people boycotted his performances. Those who attended his concerts heckled him for hours, and paparazzi pursued Williams and her family relentlessly. Scotland Yard warned the band that they could not ensure their safety.

Hoping the story would blow over, everyone returned to America. Lewis tried to repair his reputation by divorcing his second wife and marrying Williams, but the harm had already been done.

""The one event that occurred turned our lives upside down and altered the course of everything," Williams stated, wiping away tears. "No one wanted to be involved in this. … I felt guilty because of it. Although I did not cause it to happen, I could have prevented it. And I did not take the necessary steps to prevent it. It was my fault that the cat escaped," Williams added, looking down."

Despite the ruin of his career, Williams' marriage remained intact. In 1959, they welcomed a son named Stevie, who was named after Steve Allen, the entertainer who provided Williams with his first TV break. Williams was 14 at the time.

In 1962, tragedy struck when Stevie, 3, drowned in the family swimming pool. According to the episode, Williams only remembered collapsing on her son’s grave and cradling his tombstone as Lewis attempted to pick her up.

It was the birth of their daughter Phoebe in 1963 that saved her.

""She made me proud and happy to have a child in my arms again. She gave me back something I had lost," said Williams."

Despite facing difficulties as an artist, Lewis eventually left Sun Records and found success in country music, which provided him with a new opportunity for fame.

According to Williams, her husband's behavior was like "Jekyll and Hyde," and things went downhill quickly. The episode alleged that Lewis started taking amphetamines while on the road, and booze and sleepless nights also contributed to his temper, the episode claimed.

In 1970, Williams received an anonymous phone call informing her that Lewis was having affairs with other women. This was the last straw for her, and she left with Phoebe while Lewis was away. When Williams returned to their home to retrieve some items, she accused Lewis of being unfaithful and saw him with another woman.

In the 1970s, Lewis divorced Williams, who claimed that Lewis' physical and mental cruelty had nearly driven her to suicide. After relocating to Atlanta, Williams had to start over due to Lewis' mismanagement of her finances, which meant she had to quickly find work and go back to school.

"Jerry was a part of half of my life," said Williams. "I was married to him at 13 and divorced at 26."

In 1984, Williams not only became a successful real estate agent but also found love when she married her current husband, Richard.

"He is a kind gentleman who will do anything for me, and I have someone to take care of and someone who will take care of me."

Eventually, the music industry forgave Lewis, and he went on to win three Grammys and collaborate with some of the industry's most renowned artists.

In 1982, Lewis' fourth wife, Jaren Elizabeth Gunn Pate, drowned in a swimming pool while suing for divorce. A year later, his fifth wife, Shawn Stephens, died of an apparent drug overdose. Lewis quickly married Kerrie McCarver, who was only 21 at the time. In 1986, McCarver filed for divorce, accusing Lewis of physical abuse and infidelity. Lewis countersued, but both petitions were eventually dropped. They finally divorced in 2005 after several years of separation.

In 2012, he married Judith Brown, his former sister-in-law, and their union lasted until his death.

"Williams reflected on the numerous blessings and positive experiences he had encountered. He was content with his current state of being. If given the chance to relive those moments, he would likely do so again."

"Who the (Bleep) Did I Marry?" on Investigation Discovery (ID) can now be streamed on Max. The Associated Press provided information for this report.