The Hollywood legend Chuck Norris is in mourning after the death of his ex-wife Dianne Holechek, who he was married to for over 30 years.
Norris Mourns Beloved Ex-Wife
Holechek tragically passed away on Sunday after a lengthy battle with dementia. She was 84 years-old.
“I am deeply saddened to share that my ex-wife, Dianne, has passed away,” Norris, 85, told Fox News. “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.”
“Dianne was an incredible person,” the former Walker Texas Ranger star continued. “She was kind, intelligent and lived life to the fullest. Her presence in my life will never be forgotten. She was also a loving and devoted mother to our sons, Mike and Eric, who were always her greatest pride.”
“Even as our lives took different directions, we continued to care deeply for one another, and I will forever cherish the memories we built together,” Norris concluded.
Holechek’s death was confirmed by her and Norris’ son Mike, who said that she died peacefully at her home in Texas.
“We are thankful she is no longer suffering,” Mike told TMZ. “She was the best, the greatest mom. We were so lucky to have her.”
Norris And Holechek’s History
Norris and Holechek were high school sweethearts. They met while attending North High School in Torrance, California. The couple went on to marry in 1958 when they were 18 and 17 years-old, respectively. Norris and Holechek then had two sons: Mike and the former NASCAR driver Eric Norris.
While serving in the United States Air Force, Norris was absent from his family for long periods of time. He later admitted to being unfaithful to Holechek on multiple occasions. Norris even confessed to fathering a daughter Dina with another woman in the early 1960s during his time in the Air Force. He reportedly didn’t inform the woman that he was married at the time.
Despite this, Holechek stood by Norris as he skyrocketed to fame as both a martial arts champion and action movie star in the 1970s and 1980s.
Sadly, their marriage ultimately fell apart, and they separated in 1988. The former couple then divorced in 1989 after 31 years of marriage. In the decades since then, however, they thankfully developed a very close friendship.
Norris Remarries
It does not appear that Holechek ever remarried after their divorce. As for Norris, he went on to marry the model Gena O’Kelley, 62, in 1998. They later welcomed twins Dakota and Danilee in 2001.
Though he is now in his 80s, Norris is not slowing down. Indeed, his last action movie Agent Recon only just came out last year. He currently has at least one movie in the works, according to his IMDB page. We wouldn’t be surprised if he keeps being an action star well into his 90s. If anyone can show the world that age really is just a number, it’s the one and only Chuck Norris!
Holechek is survived by her two sons and seven grandchildren. Please join us in saying a prayer for them during this incredibly tragic time.
Rest in peace, Dianne Holechek.