Chuck Norris and Gena O’Kelley were married for more than two decades before his death.
“There’s nothing like enjoying the day with my wonderful wife,” the actor, who was previously married to Dianne Holecheck from 1958 to 1989, wrote via Instagram in 2023. “The Lord has truly blessed me with the most amazing woman I could’ve ever asked for. I love you, Gena. More than words can describe.”
Nearly two weeks after Norris’ 86th birthday in March 2026, he died following a brief hospitalization for an undisclosed medical emergency.
“To the world, he was a martial artist, actor and a symbol of strength,” a family statement read. “To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother and the heart of our family.”
Chuck Norris Through the Years: Look Back at His Iconic Moments
In addition to O’Kelley, the late Walker, Texas Ranger star is survived by his five children and multiple grandchildren.
Keep scrolling to meet O’Kelley:
What Is Gena O’Kelley’s Job?
While Gena O’Kelley isn’t active on Instagram, her bio lists her occupation as the owner and CEO of CForce Water.
“CForce Bottling Co. is a certified woman-owned business founded in 2015 by Gena and Chuck Norris,” a website description states. “Under CEO Gena Norris’ leadership, CForce water is now available in dozens of states through thousands of retail locations. CForce is a full-service bottling facility that offers co-packing, raw bottle sales and branded products.”
The CForce headquarters is on the Norris family ranch in Navasota, Texas.
“As a family-run business with local roots, we take care of our CForce family while striving to provide customers with a superior product,” the website adds. “CForce artesian water is filtered through volcanic rock before being deposited into a deep, sustainable aquifer. The water emerges rich in natural electrolytes which raise its alkalinity and from a source so deep, it is void of any biological factors. The aquifer cultivates clear, clean water with a high pH and deliciously smooth taste due to its natural silica content.”
In addition to running CForce, O’Kelley also helms her and Norris’ KickStart Kids that supports at-risk children by providing martial arts lessons over P.E. classes. A portion of all CForce profits are donated to KickStart Kids.
Chuck Norris and Gena O’Kelley Shared 2 Children
Chuck Norris and Gena O’Kelley welcomed twins Dakota and Danilee in 2001. Norris was also a father of three other children: Mike, Eric and Dina. (The late actor shared Mike and Eric with Dianne Holechek and Dina with a woman named Johanna. Holechek died in December 2025 at age 84.)
Chuck Norris Stood by Gena O’Kelley’s Side During Her 2017 Health Scare
Chuck Norris claimed in 2017 that Gena O’Kelley was poisoned by an MRI chemical.
“My whole life is focused on keeping her as well as I possibly can,” Norris said during a 2017 broadcast of CBS News. “I’ve had to give up my career.”
O’Kelley recalled that she had “horrible brain damage” that started to affect her memory.
“It was scaring me to death,” Norris said. “I said, ‘She’s dying, she’s dying right in front of me.’”
According to Norris, he felt “fortunate” to have enough money to cover O’Kelley’s extensive treatments.
Chuck Norris Often Gushed About His Family Life on Social Media
In the years since his acting retirement, Chuck Norris continued training while balancing familial duties.
“Training and enjoying quality time on the beautiful beaches of Kauai with my family,” Norris captioned a pic with Gena O’Kelley and their twins via Instagram in July 2025. “I’m grateful for these precious moments.”
Months earlier, Norris and O’Kelley celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary.
“You always fill my life with joy, love, and countless wonderful memories,” he wrote in November 2024. “I am so thankful and blessed to wake up next to the most incredible woman that God could have ever blessed me with. Every moment with you is indescribably precious to me. I love you, Gena. Forever and always.”
