The crash happened around 2 a.m. near Thornton Road on Sunday.
Raleigh Police Department said 46-year-old Antonio Carter of Youngsville was driving while impaired when he slammed into the back of a car being driven by 76-year-old Pamela O'Brien.
The impact of the crash, killed O'Brien's husband, Ralph, who was in the passenger seat.
The road remained closed for several hours Sunday morning as investigators worked the case.