Glenda Hatchett, born on May 31, 1951, in Atlanta, Georgia, made a name for herself both on and off the screen. Initially gaining fame for her role as Judge Glenda Warren in the television drama “The Young and the Restless,” she starred alongside notable actors such as Jeanne Cooper and Shemar Moore. Hatchett also appeared in the film “Black Friday.”
However, her true claim to fame came as the star of the reality court show “Judge Hatchett,” which aired from 2000 to 2008. Much like Judge Judy and Judge Mathis, she used her legal expertise to resolve cases ranging from juvenile disputes to paternity claims. The show’s eight-season run cemented her as one of America’s most recognized television judges.
Tragedy Strikes the Hatchett Family
While Hatchett was celebrated for her professional achievements, her personal life took a devastating turn in 2016. On April 11, her daughter-in-law, Kira Johnson, tragically passed away hours after giving birth. Kira had undergone a scheduled C-section at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The night before, she had excitedly prepared for the delivery, dressing up to welcome her new son, Langston, in style.
Following the procedure, Kira spent precious time with her newborn and introduced him to his older brother, Charles V, who was just 19 months old. However, soon after, she began experiencing severe complications, including abdominal pain and visible blood in her catheter. Despite these alarming signs, the medical staff’s response was delayed. Hours later, Kira underwent surgery to address massive internal bleeding caused by a lacerated bladder during the C-section. Tragically, she passed away at 2:22 a.m. on April 12.
Seeking Justice for Kira Johnson
The loss of Kira devastated her husband, Charles Johnson IV, who moved back to Atlanta with their two sons to live with Hatchett. Determined to prevent similar tragedies, Charles decided to take legal action against Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. In March 2022, he filed a medical malpractice lawsuit, accusing the staff of failing to respond to his wife’s symptoms promptly. The hospital later described Kira’s death as a “tragedy.”
In addition to the lawsuit, Charles and Hatchett became vocal advocates for maternal health reform. Together, they supported legislation aimed at addressing the rising rates of maternal mortality, which have more than doubled since 1990. Hatchett described the case as the most important she had ever been involved in, emphasizing the need to protect mothers and families from enduring such pain.
Coping and Moving Forward
In the years following Kira’s death, Charles openly shared his struggles with grief. In an Instagram post marking five years since the tragedy, he reflected on his journey, writing, “I take it day by day.” He also encouraged others who had experienced loss, promising that they would grow stronger over time. His resilience was bolstered by the unwavering support of his family, especially his mother.
Hatchett also honored Kira’s memory in heartfelt social media posts, sharing photos of her late daughter-in-law and expressing the deep void left by her absence. “Your light shines through us and in us every day,” Hatchett wrote in a tribute. She also celebrated milestones with her grandsons, Charles V and Langston, ensuring they felt the love and support their mother would have provided.
A Grandmother’s Legacy
Hatchett has embraced her role as a grandmother and family matriarch, dedicating herself to supporting her son and grandsons. She frequently praises Charles for his strength and devotion as a father, encouraging him to continue advocating for maternal health and justice. In 2020, she commemorated her grandsons’ birthdays with themed celebrations, remarking that their late mother would be “overjoyed with her Kings.”
In another post, Hatchett expressed her pride in her grandsons’ achievements, sharing a photo of them dressed for their first day of school. Her love for her family is evident, and she remains committed to honoring Kira’s memory by being a pillar of strength and support for Charles and his children.
