Yesterday, we reported that the legendary Chuck Norris had died at the age of 86. Now, Sylvester Stallone, Priscilla Presley, and more stars are speaking out to pay tribute to the late great martial arts and action star.
Norris died in Hawaii on Friday morning. This came one day after Norris was rushed to the hospital in Hawaii due to an unspecified medical issue. At the time of this writing, no cause of death has been give. Indeed, Norris’ family have said that they want to keep that private at this time.
Norris’ Former Co-Stars Honor Him
Throughout his decades in the entertainment world, Norris made many famous friends along the way. Some of them were people he starred in movies with. Stallone is one such star, as the two of them starred together in the 2005 action movie The Expendables.
“I had a great time working with Chuck. He was All American in every way,” Stallone, 79, wrote on Instagram. “Great man and my condolences to his wonderful family.”
Other stars from The Expendables spoke out to pay tribute to Norris as well.
“Chuck Norris is the champ,” Dolph Lundgren, 68, wrote on Instagram. “Ever since I was a young martial artist and later getting into movies, I always looked up to him as a role model. Someone who had the respect, humility and strength it takes to be a man. We will miss you, my friend.”
Jean-Claude Van Damme, 65, also honored his late The Expendables co-star Norris on Instagram.
“Deepest condolences on the passing of my friend, Chuck Norris,” Van Damme wrote. “We knew each other from my early days, and I always respected the man he was.”
More Celebrity Tributes For Norris
Norris didn’t share the screen with all of his famous friends. Indeed, some stars were his karate students, as Norris spent decades teaching martial arts. One such former pupil was Priscilla Presley, who was previously married to Elvis.
“I’m so sad to hear that my Karate instructor and friend Chuck Norris has passed away. He will be forever missed -P,” Presley, 80, wrote on Instagram.
Donny Osmond took to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to credit Elvis for introducing him and his brothers to Norris decades ago.
“Heartbroken to hear of Chuck Norris’s passing,” wrote Osmond, 68. “In the early ’70s, Elvis introduced my brothers and me to Chuck to add karate — including teaching me how to break boards — to our act in order to put forth a tougher onstage image.”
“He taught us Tang Soo Do and pushed us to be stronger in every way,” the singer added. “Tough in training, but one of the kindest souls you could ever know. I’ll always be grateful. Rest well, my friend.”
Lee Majors, the Six Million Dollar Man, was another close personal friend of Norris. He also took to Instagram to honor the late martial arts legend.
“We lost a dear friend @chucknorris today… and my heart goes out to his family,” began Majors, 86. “I know the millions of fans across the world are feeling this loss too, but for me, it’s deeply personal. I had the honor of working alongside him, sharing moments I’ll never forget. He wasn’t just a legend on screen he was a kind, strong, and genuine soul off of it.”
“I’m really going to miss you, my friend,” he added. “Hey Chuck… maybe you can teach the good Lord a few karate moves — I know He’ll get a kick out of them. Rest easy.”
Norris’ Son Speaks Out
While the celebrity tributes were powerful, one of the most touching posts about Norris came from his 24 year-old son Dakota.
“Dad, it’s hard to find the right words for this, but I’ll do my best,” Dakota wrote in an Instagram post of his own. “You’ve been the man I looked up to my whole life. Your generosity, your kindness, your courage, your integrity, your strength, your discipline, and your faith in the Lord were just a handful of things I always admired about you. You lived your life with purpose and with love for all people.”
“You were the greatest father God could have ever given me and the finest man I’ve ever known,” he continued. “No matter what I was going through, you were always there. You made sure I knew how much you loved me. Honest to God, I don’t think there was a single day that went by where you didn’t say it. 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.”
“Thank you for everything you gave to our family and for the example you set every day. I hope I can live a life that honors you and makes you proud,” Dakota concluded. “I love you, Dad. I’ll miss you forever.”
Norris was a true legend, and there will never be another one like him. Please join us in saying a prayer for his family and friends as they continue to mourn this unimaginable loss.
Rest in peace, Chuck Norris.