Chuck Norris died at age 86. Here's what to know about his family.
Chuck Norris died at age 86. Here's what to know about his family.
Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAYFri, March 20, 2026 at 5:51 PM UTC
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Action movie star Chuck Norris, known for "The Delta Force" and "Walker, Texas Ranger," has died at age 86.
His family released a statement confirming the martial artist's death in a social media post on Friday, March 20, stating "he was surrounded by his family and was at peace" and requesting privacy.
"He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved," the family stated. "Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives."
Here's what we know about Chuck Norris' family.
1 / 0Look back at action icon Chuck Norris' Hollywood career
Chuck Norris, the action movie icon whose toughness became an increasingly exaggerated legend among his adoring fans, died Thursday, March 19 at 86. Revisit Norris’ Hollywood journey, starting with his role as Cordell Walker in the CBS series "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993 to 2001).
Chuck Norris: Action legend dead at 86
Norris and his wife, Gena O'Kelley, met in the late '90s
Actor Chuck Norris accompanies his wife, actress/model Gena O'Kelley at the 6th Annual American Veteran Awards honoring Norris with the Veteran of the Year 2001 award December 12, 2000 in Beverly Hills, CA.
Norris and model Gena O'Kelley tied the knot in 1998. According to People, the two became acquainted the year before when he was on a dinner date in Dallas.
Per the report citing the late actor's book "Against All Odds: My Story," Norris explained that their friendship blossomed into "a dating relationship. Before long, I felt myself falling head over heels in love.”
In an Instagram post on their 26th wedding anniversary in 2024, Norris wrote to O'Kelley, "You always fill my life with joy, love, and countless wonderful memories."
During her career, O'Kelley did small television roles, including on Norris' action series "Walker, Texas Ranger," the outlet reported. Her IMDb shows she also appeared on other shows, "Yes, Dear," and TBN's "Praise."
In 2012, Norris, a conservative activist, drew controversy for a political ad with O'Kelley, warning that President Barack Obama’s reelection could lead the country down a path they likened to “1,000 years of darkness.”
Norris and O'Kelley have twins
Chuck Norris poses with his wife Gena O'Kelley and their children Danilee and Dakota at the premiere of "The Expendables 2" at the Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California, August 15, 2012.
Norris has five children, two of whom are with O'Kelley: twins Dakota and Danilee.
"There are no words to describe how much we love them and how thankful we are for the amazing young adults they have grown up to be," Norris wrote about the twins in a social media post in 2021.
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They are now 24 years old, and Danilee recently posted about getting engaged in February. Dakota's profile shows that he got married last year.
The actor has other children from his first marriage
Norris also has two sons, Mike and Eric, with his first wife and high school sweetheart, Dianne Holechek. They ended their marriage in 1989, and according to reports, Holacheck died last December.
"We are thankful she is no longer suffering. She was the best, the greatest mom," Mike Norris told TMZ. "We were so lucky to have her."
In a Facebook post, Norris described Holechek as "incredible," "kind" and "intelligent." He stated, "After being married for 30 years, we were able to find a way to remain close friends, and those years of friendship meant the world to me."
Norris found out about daughter years into her life
Norris also has a daughter, Dina, from an affair he had while married to Holechek. He didn't find out until she was 26 after she wrote him a letter, CBS News and People reported.
He touched on it in "Against All Odds," stating: "I didn't need DNA or blood tests. There was no doubt in my mind that she was my daughter," according to CBS News.
Dakota and Danilee share heartfelt posts about Norris: 'My protector'
On social media, both Dakota and Danilee shared photos of Norris and wrote about how he impacted their lives.
"I wanted to dedicate this post to my sweet father and acknowledge the amazing man he is," Danilee wrote. "My dad was my protector the moment I was born and as soon as he took me in his arms, I’ve been his little girl."
She continued: " I am constantly filled with gratitude for how much wisdom and love he has bestowed me and my brother. I will forever carry on his legacy and shower others in that compassion that he so frequently showed."
Dakota called Norris the "man I looked up to my whole life," later adding, "I’m so proud to be your son. The memories we made, the lessons you taught me, and the constant laughs we shared will stay with me for the rest of my life."
Contributing: Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What to know about Chuck Norris' marriages, children
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