She’s a talented singer-songwriter, author, and restaurateur who made a lasting impact in the music world—most notably with the heartfelt song Age, which she co-wrote alongside her husband, Jim. That track went on to achieve platinum status, cementing her place in musical history. Before rising to fame, she spent her early years performing in local clubs, pouring her soul into every note. She pursued her artistic passions at the Rhode Island School of Design and later at Moore College of Art, showing a deep commitment to creativity from the start. In fact, during her senior year, she immersed herself in studying painting and pottery in Mexico, broadening both her skills and her perspective.

But life hasn’t been without its profound challenges. Tragedy struck early when her mother passed away at just 36 due to complications from breast cancer and a weak heart. Then came the devastating loss of her beloved husband, the legendary Jim Croce, who died in a plane crash—one week before their son, Adrian James, would turn two. As if that weren’t enough, young A.J., who would grow up to follow in his parents’ footsteps as a singer-songwriter, was diagnosed at age four with a brain tumor syndrome that ultimately left him blind.

Later in life, she faced another heartbreaking setback: tumors on her vocal cords robbed her of her singing voice, forcing her to step away from the stage and reinvent herself. Despite these trials, her resilience shone through as she transitioned into new roles, including writing and running a restaurant. Through it all, she remained a figure of strength and grace, quietly shaping culture across multiple fields—all while carrying the name that once echoed through concert halls and radio waves.