Hollywood icon Chuck Norris has shared a heartfelt tribute to his former wife and high school sweetheart, Dianne Holechek, following her passing at 85.
On Sunday night, the action star posted a touching black-and-white photo on Facebook showing himself and Holechek with their sons, Mike and Eric Norris.
A Life of Friendship Beyond Marriage
In his tribute, Norris reflected on the 30 years they spent together and the bond that endured even after their divorce.
“I am deeply saddened to share that my ex wife, Dianne, has passed away.
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,” he wrote.
He went on to praise Holechek’s character: “Dianne was an incredible person.
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.”
Norris added that despite taking different paths in life, they remained close, and he will always cherish the memories they built together.
Family Confirms Her Passing
Their son Mike, 63, confirmed the sad news to TMZ, revealing that Holechek had battled dementia in her later years.
“We are thankful she is no longer suffering.
She was the best, the greatest mom. We were so lucky to have her,” he said.
Holechek passed peacefully at her Texas home.
From Teen Sweethearts to a Life in the Spotlight
Dianne Holechek and Chuck Norris first met as teenagers at North High School in Torrance, California.
She was just 17, and he was 18 when they married in 1958.
Together, they had two sons, Mike and Eric.
However, their relationship faced challenges.
While Norris was serving in the United States Air Force in 1963, he fathered a daughter with another woman, a fact he only learned decades later in 1991 when his biological daughter reached out to him.
Norris and Holechek eventually split in 1988, finalizing their divorce a year later.
Sons Follow Their Father’s Footsteps
Both sons pursued high-profile careers. Mike Norris became an actor and stunt performer, while Eric Norris built a career as a stock car racer.
The family legacy intertwined with Chuck Norris’ rise from martial arts instructor to global action star.
Norris’ Rise to Fame
During their marriage, Chuck Norris became a household name, starring alongside Bruce Lee in Way of the Dragon and leading action-packed films such as Delta Force.
He also became a television icon as Cordell Walker in Walker, Texas Ranger, which aired for eight seasons from 1993 to 2001, broadcasting in more than 100 countries worldwide.
Life After Dianne
After his first marriage, Norris found love again and married Gena O’Kelley in 1998.
The couple has twins, Dakota and Danilee, now 24 years old.
Chuck Norris’ tribute is a reminder of a love that began in high school, endured through decades of life’s changes, and remained meaningful even after separation.
Dianne Holechek’s legacy as a devoted mother and lifelong friend is clearly cherished by her family and fans alike.
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