The late Chuck Norris once made a touching promise to his wife, Gena O’Kelley, during one of their anniversaries.
In 2017, while celebrating his 19th wedding anniversary, the “Walker, Texas Ranger” star told his wife he’d live over 100 years old so they could share more years together.
At the time, Norris shared his wife’s Facebook post, which read, “On Nov. 28th 1998, I married my best friend. Our running story is, I would like to celebrate our golden wedding anniversary, so my hubby says, ‘Okay, I’ll only be 108.’ No Pressure! Lol! If anyone can do it, he can. Our journey together has been full of many surprises, challenges, wonders, and most of all blessings. Thank you for your unconditional love. I love you, babe. Happy Anniversary!”
The actor then shared his response to his wife’s post, saying, “Gena, on Nov. 28th, 1998, I also married my best friend. And yes, dear, I also want to celebrate our golden wedding anniversary together. (even at 108 years old lol). I love you too, babe. Happy Anniversary!”
A Closer Look at Chuck Norris’ Romance With Gena O’Kelley
Norris first met O’Kelly in 1997 while he was on a dinner date with someone else, per CBN.
O’Kelley had a small role on “Walker, Texas Ranger,” which impressed Norris. He later worked up the courage to ask her out.
“Gena came on the set the next day and played a small part on the show … I invited her to dinner that night … I wanted to get to know Gena better, so I asked her to return to Dallas as soon as possible,” he wrote in his 2004 book, “Against All Odds” (via PEOPLE). “She came back a couple of weeks later, and our friendship grew into a dating relationship. Before long, I felt myself falling head over heels in love.”
They tied the knot on November 28, 1998. Norris and O’Kelly welcomed twins, Dakota Alan and Danilee Kelley, on August 30, 2001.
Chuck Norris Passes Away at 8
Norris tragically passed away on Thursday morning following a sudden medical emergency, which landed him in the hospital, per TMZ.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace,” Norris’ family announced on Instagram.
