Chuck Norris’ wife, Gena O’Kelley, shared nearly three decades of marriage with the martial arts legend before his death.
The actor, known for films including “The Delta Force” and “Missing in Action” and the TV series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” died Thursday morning in Hawaii, according to TMZ. His family confirmed the news in a statement, sharing that he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
As fans remember Norris’ career and legacy, many are also learning more about the woman who stood beside him for much of his life: his wife, Gena O’Kelley.
Chuck Norris Met His Wife, Gena O’Kelley, in Dallas
Norris met O’Kelley in 1997 in Dallas while he was out at dinner. Their first meeting led to a connection that quickly turned into a relationship.
O’Kelley later appeared in a small role on Norris’ television show “Walker, Texas Ranger,” which gave the pair more time to get to know each other.
Norris described their early relationship in his 2004 book “Against All Odds.”
“Gena came on the set the next day and played a small part on the show,” Norris wrote. “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 continued, “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.”
The couple married on Nov. 28, 1998.
Chuck Norris and His Wife Raised Twins Together
Norris and O’Kelley welcomed twins in 2001 — son Dakota Alan and daughter Danilee Kelley.
O’Kelley also became stepmother to Norris’ three children from previous relationships: Mike, Dina, and Eric.
Over the years, the couple frequently appeared together at public events and supported each other’s professional and philanthropic efforts.
Dakota has followed in his father’s footsteps in martial arts and is reportedly a fifth-degree black belt in Chun Kuk Do.
Gena O’Kelley Supported Chuck Norris’ Philanthropy and Business
O’Kelley worked as a model and also appeared on television. In addition to her role on “Walker, Texas Ranger,” she appeared in a 2003 episode of the sitcom “Yes, Dear.”
She also joined Norris on the program “Praise the Lord” in 2004.
In recent years, O’Kelley has focused on business and philanthropy. She serves as CEO of CForce, a bottled water company she founded with Norris in 2015.
The couple also worked together on Norris’ nonprofit organization. Norris originally launched the Kick Drugs Out of America Foundation in 1990. In 2003, he and O’Kelley renamed the organization Kickstart Kids.
The nonprofit teaches martial arts and character development to students.
In a 2023 interview with NewBeauty, the couple spoke about their shared passion for giving back.
“We started Kickstart Kids, which is truly a fantastic organization that teaches martial arts and character development to students,” they said. “We’ve reached more than 100,000 kids, and the breakthroughs that we’ve seen mean the world to us.”
