Carol Davis, the widow of late Raiders owner Al Davis and the mother of current owner Mark Davis, has died at the age of 93, the team announced on Sunday.
Carol, dubbed the First Lady of Raider Nation, passed away on Friday afternoon. No cause of death was given.
‘Her strength and resilience, although not seen by the masses, were always on display to those who were fortunate to be in her presence,’ a statement from the franchise read. ‘She was a strong woman who exuded a compassionate and loving side.
‘Carol provided unbridled support and unparalleled guidance to the Davis family and the Raiders organization for over 60 years. Her direct impact on the Greatness of the Raiders continues to be felt, cherished, and honored, and is woven into the fabric of this historic franchise. If Al was the heart of the Raiders, Carol was the soul.’
Carol was by her husband Al’s side throughout his tenure as owner of the Oakland Raiders. Al became a part-owner of the franchise in 1966 gained complete control as the principal owner in 1972, holding the position until his death in 2011.
Following his death, their son, Mark, took charge, officially relocating the franchise to Las Vegas in 2020.
Carol Davis, the widow of later Raiders owner Al Davis, has died at the age of 93
Carol, pictured at Allegiant Stadium, was the mother of current owner Mark Davis
She was dubbed the First Lady of Raiders Nation after standing proudly by her husband’s side
Carol became the first to light the Al Davis Memorial Torch at the Raiders’ new home, Allegiant Stadium, during the stadium’s first game on September 21, 2020, honoring her late husband.
She had stood proudly by her husband’s side as he built the Raiders into one of the one of the most dominant teams in professional football.
During the couple’s reign, the Silver and Black claimed an American Football League Championship and three Super Bowl victories.
Lovingly referred to as ‘Carolee’ by her husband, she continued the tradition of him presenting a record nine inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame when she performed those honors for the enshrinement of the great Tom Flores in 2021.
‘Mrs. Davis has ascended to the heavens to take a rightful seat on the Throne of Greatness next to her husband Al, both of whom are wrapped in Cloaks of Immortality,’ the Raiders added.
A private service will be held in Oakland, California. Plans for a celebration of life set to be released at a later date.
More to follow.
