Chuck Norris’ First Wife Dianne Holechek Dies at 84
URGENT UPDATE: Dianne Holechek, the first wife of action movie legend Chuck Norris, has died at the age of 84 after a prolonged battle with dementia. Holechek passed away peacefully at her home in Texas, as confirmed by her son, Mike Norris, on Sunday.
The couple married in 1958 when she was just 17 and he was 18, having met in high school in Torrance, California. They shared two sons, Mike (born 1962) and former NASCAR driver Eric Norris (born 1965), before their divorce in 1989 after three decades together.
Mike Norris expressed his gratitude for his mother’s life, stating, “We are thankful she is no longer suffering. She was the best, the greatest mom. We were so lucky to have her.” These heartfelt words reflect the deep impact Holechek had on her family.
Throughout her marriage to Norris, who was born Carlos, she was often seen on red carpets but chose to maintain a low profile after their separation. Norris remarried in 1998 to model Gena O’Kelley, with whom he shares twins born in 2001.
In a note of personal history, Chuck Norris revealed in his 2004 memoir that he had an affair in 1962, which resulted in the birth of a daughter, Dina, during his marriage to Holechek. This revelation adds complexity to their relationship, illustrating the challenges they faced over the years.
As news of Holechek’s passing spreads, tributes are pouring in, highlighting her role not just as a mother but as a pillar of strength during a tumultuous time in Norris’s life. Her legacy will surely resonate with family and fans alike.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
