Popularly known as Katie Williams-Dunning, Katharine Diane Williams was the daughter of country music star Hank Williams Jr. and the granddaughter of legendary artist Hank Williams. Unlike most members of her musically inclined family, Katharine pursued entrepreneurship and was the owner of the apparel label Weston Jane. Tragically, she died at the age of 27 in a car accident on June 13, 2020, in Paris, Tennessee. Her husband, Tyler Dunning, who was also in the vehicle, survived and was hospitalized following the incident.
Born in 1993 in the United States, Katharine grew up in a household deeply rooted in the country music tradition. Her father, Hank Williams Jr., is a Grammy Award-winning singer known for blending country with Southern rock. His prolific career includes 56 solo albums and 25 collaborative projects. Her grandfather, Hank Williams, is widely considered one of the most influential American musicians of the 20th century. Posthumously, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987. Katharine’s maternal mother is Mary Jane Thomas.
The Williams family’s musical legacy extends through Katharine’s siblings and half-siblings. Hank Williams III, her half-brother, is known for his work in punk metal and country music, including his role in bands like Assjack and Arson Anthem. He has released 11 studio albums. Holly Williams, also her half-sister, is a singer-songwriter with three studio albums to her name. Samuel Williams, Katharine’s younger brother, is likewise a musician, continuing the family’s heritage in country and Americana music.
Unlike her renowned family members, Katharine Diane Williams carved her path in business, establishing Weston Jane, a fashion brand focused on supporting women and mothers through apparel. The brand emphasized empowerment and family values, aligning with Katharine’s personal beliefs.
Katharine married Tyler Dunning in a private ceremony attended by close friends and family. The couple had two children together—a young son and a daughter. Known for living a relatively quiet life outside the public eye, Katharine balanced her roles as a mother, wife, and entrepreneur with grace and intention.
On the evening of June 13, 2020, Katharine and her husband were involved in a fatal car accident while traveling on Highway 79 in Henry County, Tennessee. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the 2007 Chevy Tahoe she was driving veered across the median and overturned while towing a boat. Katharine died at the scene. Her husband, Tyler, was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment. At the time, their two children were just five and two years old.
Holly Williams publicly confirmed Katharine’s death with a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. She wrote: “I’m at a loss for words. I persuaded my family to take this photo on Friday morning, unaware that it would be our last with my priceless younger sister. We had just attended my great-aunt’s funeral the day before, and now we’re facing yet another loss. Please pray for our family—my father, my siblings, Katie’s husband (who is awake and responsive, though the extent of his injuries remains unknown), my niece and nephew, and everyone in the Dunning family. We are relying on faith and community. Jesus is near. Thank you all.”
