Chuck Norris Passed Away On Thursday (March 19)
Legendary martial artist and actor Chuck Norris passed away on Thursday (March 19) at the age of 86.
The heartbreaking news came just a day after reports that he had been hospitalized in Hawaii following a medical emergency. So far, the exact cause of his hospitalization and death has not been publicly shared.
Norris’ family confirmed his passing in a statement shared on social media, Friday (March 20). In it, they honored his legacy as an entertainer, husband, and father.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” the statement began. “While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.”
“To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family,” the post continued. “He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.”
Who Is Chuck Norris’ Wife?
When he wasn’t teaching others martial arts or working on his many films and TV shows, Chuck Norris was a dedicated family man. He and his wife, Gena O’Kelley, had been married for more than 27 years at the time of his death.
The two first met in Dallas in 1997, when Norris happened to be on a dinner date with someone else.
O’Kelley ended up having a small role on his show, Walker, Texas Ranger, and just a day later, Norris asked her out, per CBN.
Their relationship quickly blossomed, and they married a year later, in 1998. In 2001, they welcomed twins: a son named Dakota and a daughter named Danilee.
Norris also has three other children from a previous marriage: Mike, Eric, and Dina.
Over the years, Norris’ wife built an impressive résumé with modeling and acting work. Much of her onscreen experience was alongside Norris, appearing in Walker, Texas Ranger and Yes, Dear, among other projects.
Norris and O’Kelley also shared a passion for giving back and worked together on a nonprofit for years.
Norris originally founded Kick Drugs Out of America Foundation in 1990, but in 2003, they renamed it Kickstart Kids. Together, they worked to empower youth by teaching them the skills of karate.
Since 2015, O’Kelley has also served as CEO and founder of CForce, a full-service water bottling facility.
According to the company’s official website, its mission is to give back, with a portion of every purchase going directly to Kickstart Kids.
The water is designed to provide customers with a clean and clear option.
There’s no doubt that Chuck Norris’ legacy will live on through the work of his family and loved ones.