She’s also one of the most sought-after guests on the talk-radio and television circuit, delighting listeners with stories about a marital life that began with her first marriage in 1974 and ended with her last divorce two years ago.

Ashley’s marital misfortunes bring to mind celebrities known for their multiple spouses — bandleader Artie Shaw (married and divorced eight times), actress Zsa Zsa Gabor (nine marriages, seven divorces and an annulment), actresses Elizabeth Taylor (eight marriages, seven divorces) and Lana Turner (eight marriages, including one with Shaw, and seven divorces).

When reporters have asked for proof that she’s been married and divorced 11 times, she produces legal documents: marriage licence applications, licences and divorce papers.

Ashley grew up in a close-knit, conservative church community where females were subordinates who didn’t wear make-up, jewellery (wedding rings included), slacks or skirts with hems above the knees. Branded as loud and obnoxious by her family, she rebelled against her environment, then thrust herself into an adult world.

“I was taught that you grow up and get married. A woman doesn’t go to college. She doesn’t go to work. She stays home and has as many children as she can and irons sheets and his underwear. When I got married directly out of high school, I didn’t love this man; I just wanted to get out of my father’s house.

“I’m not blaming him for all my marriages and divorces,” Ashley added about her father. “But my father called any unmarried woman over 25 an old maid. So every time I’d get divorced, I’d start hearing that “old maid, old maid, old maid”. I would just find someone and marry him. Why they married me, I don’t know.”

... contd.