Jenna Wade Krebbs
Bobby Ewing’s childhood sweetheart — a woman of passion, tragedy, and quiet strength.
“It’s delicious.”
Jenna and Maynard Anderson enjoy a late night snack. (“Old Acquaintance” Episode 8, 1978)
“One step at a time.”
Jenna and Ray decide to start a new life away from Texas. (“The Fat Lady Singeth” Episode 281, 1988)
Played by: Morgan Fairchild (1978), Francine Tacker (1980), Priscilla Presley (1983–1988)
Born: 1952
First appearance: “Old Acquaintance” (1978)
Last appearance: “The Fat Lady Singeth” (1988)
Quote: “Do you know what it’s like to have gotten to my age and only to have loved one person?” Jenna to Bobby, 1985
J.R. on Jenna: "She was more like us than Pam ever was" (1984)
Marital History
Jilted Bobby Ewing in 1970 and 1984. On both occasions, went on to marry Naldo Marchetta. After Naldo’s death in 1984, renewed plans to marry Bobby, but was jilted by HIM in 1986. Married his half brother, Ray Krebbs, the following year.
Work History
Fashion editor for High Life magazine (1980); waitress at Billy Bob’s, Fort Worth (1983-1984); owner of Jenna’s boutique (1984-1986).
Family
Daughter: Charlie
Son: Lucas
Love Interests
Bobby Ewing: The love of her life. They planned to marry, but Jenna got cold feet and eloped to Europe with ...
Naldo Marchetta: A phony Italian count. She left him almost immediately, but not before falling pregnant with his child. She returned to Texas and took up with ...
Maynard Anderson: A married politician. His wife ended the affair and eventually Jenna found her way back to ...
Bobby: They renewed their plans to marry, but on the day of the wedding Jenna was kidnapped and coerced into remarrying ...
Naldo: He was shot dead on their honeymoon, and Jenna found herself convicted of manslaughter. Her name was eventually cleared, thanks to ...
Bobby: He broke off their engagement to remarry his ex-wife, even though Jenna was now pregnant. In her hour of need, she turned to ...
Ray Krebbs: Bobby’s brother. They married in 1987.
Enemies
Pam Ewing was Jenna’s main rival for Bobby’s affections, but it was Katherine Wentworth and Naldo Marchetta who kidnapped and framed her for murder.
High Points
J.R. announcing her and Bobby’s wedding date at the 1984 Oil Baron’s Ball. Being released from prison. Lucas’s birth.
Low Points
The kidnapping of her daughter by Naldo. Being sentenced to seven years in prison. Bobby and Pam’s wedding day.
Jenna Wade Krebbs — Frequently Asked Questions
Who played Jenna Wade in Dallas?
Jenna Wade was portrayed by three actresses: Morgan Fairchild (1978), Francine Tacker (1980), and Priscilla Presley (1983–1988, most notably for 143 episodes). Priscilla Presley’s performance is the one most fans remember.
Who are Jenna Wade’s children?
Jenna’s daughter is Charlotte "Charlie" Wade (father: Naldo Marchetta). Her son is Lucas Wade-Krebbs (biological father: Bobby Ewing, raised by Jenna and Ray Krebbs after Bobby broke off their engagement).
Why did Jenna leave Bobby Ewing at the altar?
Jenna jilted Bobby twice. In 1970 (pre-series), she ran off to Europe and married Italian count Naldo Marchetta. In 1984, she was kidnapped by Naldo and coerced into remarrying him under threat. Bobby later jilted her in 1986 to remarry Pam.
Who did Jenna Wade marry?
Jenna married Naldo Marchetta (twice, coerced the second time; he was killed on their honeymoon). She later married Ray Krebbs in 1987, raising Charlie and Lucas together away from Texas drama.
What happened to Jenna Wade after Dallas?
Jenna and Ray left Texas in 1988 to start a new life. She did not appear in the 2012–2014 revival, and her fate remains off-screen in canon.
Was Jenna Wade ever in prison?
Yes. After Naldo Marchetta was shot dead on their honeymoon (1985), Jenna was framed for manslaughter and sentenced to seven years. She was eventually cleared and released.
Who is Charlie Wade’s father?
Charlie Wade’s biological father is Naldo Marchetta (Italian count). Jenna initially let people believe Bobby was the father for legal protection.
Why did Jenna Wade and Bobby Ewing not end up together?
Despite being each other’s first love, repeated interruptions (kidnappings, marriages, family drama) kept them apart. Bobby ultimately chose Pam, leaving Jenna to marry Ray Krebbs.
What was Jenna Wade’s job in Dallas?
Jenna worked as a fashion editor for High Life magazine (1980), waitress at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth (1983–1984), and owner of Jenna’s boutique (1984–1986).
Did Jenna Wade appear in Knots Landing?
No. Jenna Wade is exclusive to Dallas. She has no direct crossover to the Knots Landing spin-off, though her husband Ray Krebbs and the Ewing family are referenced.