Hollywood action icon Chuck Norris has shared a poignant and heartfelt tribute following the death of his former wife, Dianne Holechek. The pair, who were high school sweethearts and married for three decades, maintained a close friendship after their divorce.
A Lasting Bond Beyond Marriage
Dianne Holechek passed away at the age of 85 after a long struggle with dementia, as confirmed by her and Norris's son, Mike. Norris, also 85, took to his official Facebook page to share the sad news alongside a nostalgic black-and-white photograph of the couple with their two sons in younger years.
In his emotional post, the Walker, Texas Ranger star wrote: 'I am deeply saddened to share that my ex-wife, Dianne, has passed away.' He reflected on their unique relationship, stating, '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.'
A Life Celebrated and Remembered
Norris's tribute painted a picture of a remarkable woman. He described Holechek as 'an incredible person' who was 'kind, intelligent, and lived life to the fullest.' He emphasised her role as a mother, noting, 'She was also a loving and devoted mother to our sons, Mike and Eric, who were always her greatest pride.'
Their son Mike, 63, provided further details to TMZ, revealing his mother died peacefully at her home in Texas. 'We are thankful she is no longer suffering,' he said. 'She was the best, the greatest mom. We were so lucky to have her.'
A Shared History and Separate Paths
The couple's story began in their youth. Holechek was 17 and Norris was 18 when they married in 1958, having met as students at North High School in Torrance, California. During their marriage, they welcomed two sons: Mike, who became an actor and stuntman, and Eric, now 60, a former stock car racer.
Their marriage spanned the period of Norris's meteoric rise from martial arts instructor to global action star, famed for films like Delta Force and the long-running TV series Walker, Texas Ranger. The couple ultimately separated in 1988 and finalised their divorce in 1989.
Despite the end of their marriage, Norris's tribute underscored a lasting connection. '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,' he wrote. Norris has since remarried, wedding Gena O'Kelley in 1998, with whom he has twin daughters.
